► Travel to Paris in March, The ULTIMATE GUIDE

If you are thinking of traveling to Paris in March, here you will find the answer to all your questions.

Find out what the weather is like, what to pack, what to see, and what to do in Paris in March to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

Paris is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, but it comes alive, especially in spring.

March is a great month to visit Paris, as the weather is gradually getting warmer and the days are getting longer. The presence of hordes of tourists is not so frequent, and you will be able to enjoy the city with more tranquility.

There are many things to see and do in Paris in March, from visiting landmarks to exploring the city’s many museums.

March is also an excellent time to visit Disneyland Paris: the crowds are smaller, and the weather is usually cooperative.

No matter what you do, you will have a great time in Paris in March! I share the main attractions and best tours in Paris with you in this guide.

Let’s get to it!

What is the Weather Like in Paris in March?

In March, the city wakes up from winter and timidly begins to give way to spring.

During the first days of the month, the weather can be more unpredictable, and the cold continues to make itself felt.

Although there have been years where it has snowed a little during these first days of March, it is not the most usual.

What is more typical is that there are isolated episodes of rain, so be prepared.

By the middle and end of the month, the clouds move away, and the rains stop coming so often.

The mornings and evenings are usually cold, but the presence of the sun during the day makes the weather more temperate and pleasant for walking and visiting.

  • Minimum temperatures: 3°C
  • Maximum temperatures: 19°C
  • Average temperatures: between 5°C and 13°C

Regarding rainfall, March is one of the driest months of the year. Rainfall is not very regular, although there may be isolated showers, especially at the beginning of the month.

  • Rainfall: 31 millimeters
  • The average number of rainy days: is between 5 and 9 days.

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What to Wear to Paris in March?

You should bring warm clothes if you travel during the month’s first days. A good jacket, even better if it is waterproof, comfortable and warm shoes, a pair of gloves, something for the neck and maybe a hat.

Also, it is essential to remember that isolated showers may occur at the beginning of the month, so carrying an umbrella would be a good idea.

For the middle and end of the month, you must remember that the weather in Paris in March shows a large thermal amplitude.

Vero with an umbrella in the background the Eiffel tower with gray clouds

So during the mornings and evenings, you will probably wear warmer clothes, and during the day, when the sun is shining, you will be able to take off some clothes.

Also, as sunny days are more likely, don’t forget to wear sunglasses by the end of the month.

If you are missing something, you can always get it in the city, but with these small recommendations, you already know what to bring to Paris in March.

What to See in Paris in March?

There is a lot to do and see in Paris. The world’s most romantic city knows how to seduce the traveler.

This list of the best places to visit and must-see activities in Paris in March will help you not to miss anything in this fantastic city that enchants its visitors.

Eiffel Tower

As it could not be otherwise, we start with the classic and exceptional Eiffel Tower.

The famous engineer Gustave Eiffel built the tower for the Paris Universal Exposition in 1889.

And although at first it was not very successful and was not very popular among Parisians, today it is the distinctive symbol of Paris and the most visited monument in the world, with more than 7 million people a year.

Eiffel tower magnolias

To go up, you have three options:

  • You can walk up to the second floor (674 steps). It takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is the most economical option.
  • You can take the elevator to the second floor or the top. The price to climb to the top is approximately 10€ more.
  • You can also combine both ways, and you can walk up to the second floor and continue from there by elevator to the top.

If you choose to walk up to freely enjoy this architectural work, you have to consider that it is not accessible for very young children or people with reduced mobility.

You can get your tickets online, and this is what I recommend to avoid wasting time at the ticket office. Here you will find updated schedules and rates.

It is best to go up at sunset to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the entire city by day and night.

  • 30 things to do in Paris for free

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret of all time, the birthplace of the signature can-can dance, and has hosted such renowned artists as Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, and Liza Minelli.

Seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge would be the ideal way to visit. Although tickets are not always very economical, it is definitely an exceptional experience.

You can check the price and all the information here.

Moulin Rouge, Paris by night

If you decide not to see a show this time, I still recommend that you go to see it from the outside and take some pictures.

However, remember that this mythical place leaves a lot to be desired during the day. At night, with the lights on, the Moulin Rouge conveys a bit of its true magic from the outside.

Montmartre district

With its bohemian air and street artists, the Montmartre district is one of the most beautiful in Paris and a must-see any time of the year.

The best way to visit it is with this Free Tour of Montmartre.

With a guide who speaks English, you will visit places like the building where Vincent Van Gogh lived, the first workshop of Picasso and the Café Deux Moulins, and scenes of several scenes of the movie Amélie.

Maison Rose de Montmartre

In addition, the free tour ends right in front of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, one of the city’s most beautiful places to visit and not to be missed.

Here are all the guided Free Tours you can do in Paris

Disneyland Paris in March

March is a perfect month to make a trip to Disneyland Paris. The weather is usually good, and the lines at the rides tend to go faster because the groups of visitors are smaller.

The Disneyland Paris complex houses two parks: Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. On the excursion, you can visit only one or both parks, as you prefer.

The parks are not that big and since there are not many people in March you will have enough time to visit both parks.

The magic of Disney can make you live in a completely different Paris; this excursion is highly recommended.

Disney Paris Castle

Bois de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes is a Parisian park located in the east of the city, on the edge of the 12th arrondissement. It can be explored on foot or by bike and has relaxation, fun, and sports facilities.

Among the extensive forests of this green lung, you can visit the medieval royal palace, Château de Vincennes, and its 19th-century dungeons.

Next to the Château is the flowery Parc Floral de Paris, its wonderful Jardin des Papillons (butterflies), and the Aquarium Tropical. At this educational and recreational facility, you can see multicolored fish and learn about marine life.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter gets its name from university students who spoke Latin until the French Revolution. It is the center of academic life in Paris thanks to its historic Sorbonne University.

Today it is a very lively neighborhood where you can find student bars, restaurants with good prices, flea markets, and second-hand stores.

Shakespeare Paris Bookstore

In addition to enjoying the atmosphere in the Latin Quarter, you can visit the Pantheon of Paris, which houses the remains of illustrious figures of the city, such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie, among many others.

Also in this neighborhood is the beautiful Shakespeare & Company bookstore, where you can find bargains.

The Paris Marathon

A mythical race takes place between March and April in the city: the Paris Marathon.

This race attracts 55,000 athletes from all over the world each year who run over nearly 40 kilometers of asphalt and cobblestones in the French capital. The race crosses many of Paris’s most beautiful monuments and must-see tourist sites.

If you are not trained enough to run more than 40 kilometers, you can always enjoy watching this unique event in Paris!

Picnic on the Banks of the Seine

As March progresses and the days become warmer and sunnier, the Seine River becomes prominent in Paris.

Having a picnic lunch, eating an authentic croissant or having a drink, with unforgettable views of Paris, doesn’t sound bad at all.

Some ideal places for picnics are the Parc Rives de Seine which stretches from the Pont des Arts to the Eiffel Tower on the left bank and from the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor footbridge to the Bastille on the right bank.

Picnic on the banks of the Seine

St. Patrick’s Day

March 17 is a lively date on the Parisian calendar because it is the day of St. Patrick’s Day, the famous Irish holiday.

English-speaking residents and French locals, accompanied by people from all over the world, take the opportunity to meet, enjoy, and in many cases, toast with an authentic Guinness beer.

These are some of the best options to enjoy St. Kitts and Nevis. Patrick’s day in Paris:

  • Go to an Irish pub. Although there are many scattered throughout the city, here is a selection that, between beers and shamrocks, will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Ireland:
    • Guinness Tavern, Rue des Lombards 31.
    • The Cork & Cavan, Quai de Jemappes 70.
    • O’Sullivans by the Mill, Boulevard de Clichy 92.
    • Le Comptoir Irlandais, Boulevard Voltaire 157.
    • Corcoran’s Irish Bar Sacre Coeur, Rue Foyatier 11.
  • Visit the Irish Cultural Center, which organizes events such as live music, performances, and dances every year. In addition, the Irish Cultural Center holds several family-friendly celebrations such as parades, face painting, and games if you are traveling with children.
  • Head to Disneyland Paris and enjoy an authentic parade with all the production that Disney has to offer.

Women’s Carnival

The Women’s Carnival, also known as the Day of the Washerwomen for being the ones who organized the festivities, is a famous festival to see in Paris in March.

Every year around 4,000 women or men dressed as women parade through the city.

The theme of the parade changes yearly, and the route usually starts from the Gambetta metro station and ends at the place de la République.

Access is free, and anyone who wishes to participate may do so.

Arc de Triomphe

If the Eiffel Tower has any rival in the city, it is the Arc de Triomphe. A magnificent monument built in 1836 at Napoleon Bonaparte’s request to commemorate his great victory at the battle of Austerlitz in 1805.

It is inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome and is today the best-known Arc de Triomphe in the world.

triumphal arch with tulips and blue sky

With a height of 50 meters, it is located in the center of the largest traffic circle in the world. To cross, you have to use stairs that are underground.

If you wish, you can go up to the viewpoint at the Arc de Triomphe, which offers wonderful views of the Champs Elysees and Paris in general. In addition, under the arch is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

You can book your ticket to go up to the viewpoint without queuing up here.

Cherry Blossoms in Paris

Cherry blossoms bloom in Paris between March and April with the arrival of spring, and with their pink color, they adorn the city and conquer photographers and travelers.

As nice as it is to be surprised by the cherry blossoms as you walk through the French capital, if you have little time, I recommend some specific places where you can see them:

  • Champ de Mars, a green space not to be missed to see the first buds.
  • Trocadero Gardens, with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower in the background.
  • Around the Notre Dame Cathedral, especially on the south side.
  • After seeing Notre Dame, you can cross the Seine and visit the Quai de Montebello to see some beautiful flowers by the water.
  • Luxembourg Gardens, always beautiful and even more in bloom.
  • Tuileries Garden, near the Louvre Museum.
  • Palais Royal, in its beautiful garden also bloom magnolias and daffodils.
  • In the central courtyard of the Petit Palais, even though there are not many of them, they have an exquisite bloom.
  • Jardin des Plantes of the National Museum of Natural History.
  • Place Gabriel Pierné, at the end of Rue de Seine.
cherry blossoms in the background Eiffel tower, photos of Paris in march

Fortunately, there are so many places where you can see cherry blossoms that Paris has little to envy to cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, where the flowering of the sakura tree is a feast.

What to See in Paris in March if it Rains?

Visiting some of the splendid museums in Paris is always a good option when it rains, but here are some more ideas:

  • Visit the Louvre Museum: Thousands of works of art await you in the largest museum in the world, where great artists such as Da Vinci, Titian, or Delacroix stand out.
  • Visit the Pompidou Center: the modern art museum characteristic of Paris. Its avant-garde architecture attracts the attention of all who see it, and its interior captivates the most curious.
  • Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum: The works of the legendary couturier are exhibited in his former haute couture house.
  • Create your own perfume, a most entertaining option. Take a guided tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum and participate in a perfume-making workshop.
  • Learn how to make Macarons: If you like pastry, you will be in heaven in Paris. And the icing on the cake is learning how to make your own Macarons.
  • Visit the Sainte Chapelle: Enter this Gothic jewel and dazzle with its stained glass windows.

Is it Advisable to Travel to Paris in March?

Known as the City of Love, the French capital, with its emblematic monuments, world-famous museums, romantic bridges, and characteristic neighborhoods, is enjoyable at any time of the year.

In March, in addition to the classics, such as a visit to the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe and walks through the Montmartre or Latin quarters, you can add some special activities such as the Women’s Carnival, St. Patrick’s Day, and the flowering of the cherry trees.

In addition, you can enjoy the first warm days of the year and the city with fewer tourists.

So it is definitely advisable to travel to Paris in March.

I hope this guide to traveling to Paris in March has been helpful for you to plan your trip on your own.

If you have any questions feel free to leave them below in the comments!

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2 Comments

  1. Hello! Carnaval des femmes will take part at 19 march. So in this time may i have issues about metro, rer or buses? I will come to paris at 16 march and i will return at 19 march. I will go to the airport about 11-12am, will i have issues ?

    1. Hi Sophie,
      It is not expected that there will be any problem with the metro for that date, but it is better to look at it a few days before. For a few weeks, we have been having strikes on the trains, hopefully, it will be resolved soon!

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