A Guide to Visiting Paris in March | Attractions, Weather & Museums
Paris, the romantic capital of the world, is the most visited city on the planet. The French metropolis, which attracts more than 20 million visitors each year, is home to some of the most recognizable structures, including the Eiffel Tower, museums like the Louvre, lively boulevards, and cultural masterpieces. No matter which month of the year you are planning to visit the City of Lights, Paris will serve up a great trip for you. However, since you have chosen March, you are in for some great memories. Read on to more about visiting Paris in March.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Paris?
Whatever way you define the start of the spring season, one thing is certain: warmer weather is on the way, Paris is lightening up, and the days in Paris begin to grow longer in March. This month is the last chance to avoid long queues at famous attractions before the peak season begins.
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Why You Should Visit
- The hint of warmth in the air is one of the most important reasons to visit Paris in March.
- Paris in March is still quite devoid of the tourist crowd. It is one of the last months you can enjoy relatively empty Paris before the high season begins.
- There are several concerts and events going on in Paris in March to take advantage of the change in the weather.
- Because the high season has yet to arrive in Paris, hotels, and flights are available at a discount in early March.
- Walking around the City of Lights is much more pleasurable in March after the winter season.
What to Look Out For
- Staying out late at night in Paris in March can be an uncomfortable prospect because it tends to get cold during the late hours of the day.
- Packing for a visit to Paris in March is a difficult affair as you will need to bring both light clothes and layers to combat the fickle weather.
- There would be more tourists in Paris in March trying to take advantage of the waning low tourist season in March, so it might dampen your experience.
- Several sites may be closed or open for limited hours in March depending on the weather, so you may be disappointed.
Overview of Weather in Paris in March
In Paris, March marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The days get longer as the month progresses and warm wind can be felt during the day.
- Average Temperature: 8℃ to 15℃
- Average Rainfall: 20 mm, 9 Rainy days (Unlikely to see snow)
- Average Wind Speeds: 12 miles per hour
Best Things to do in Paris in March
1. Eiffel Tower
City Landmark
Any journey to Paris, regardless of the month, must involve a visit to the world-famous Eiffel Tower. The fact that it is March means fewer people and shorter lines are added rewards. The Eiffel Skyscraper stands at a height of 324 meters and is named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who conceptualized the tower.
March Timings
9:30 AM - 11:45 PM, with the last elevator ascending at 10:30 PM
from €34
2. Louvre Museum
Museum | Learning Experience
When it comes to sights and places to visit, Paris is like a gift that keeps on giving, and the famed Louvre Museum should be next on your list. The museum, which spans 72,735 square meters, is also the world's most visited art museum and you should definitely take advantage of the lower crowd in March to come here.
March Timings
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
from €17
3. Disneyland Paris
Themepark| Kid-Friendly
You will be able to submerge yourself in the magical world of Disney and rediscover the childhood memories of your favorite characters by visiting Disneyland Paris. Enjoy the 'Frozen Celebration,' which includes live shows, musicals, and Frozen-themed illuminations and floats that are best experienced in the bright March sunshine.
March Timings
9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
from €59
4. Arc de Triomphe
City Landmark | Historic Arch
This beautiful 1836 monument celebrating Napoléon's triumph at Austerlitz rivals the Eiffel Tower as the icon of Paris. This beautifully sculpted triumphal arch stands guard in the heart of Europe's most congested traffic circles, the Étoile roundabout. From this vantage point, you can see a dozen avenues, including the famous Champs-Élysées.
March Timings
10 AM to 10:30 PM
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5. Seine River Cruises
Cruise | Sightseeing
After a day of walking around Paris, a relaxing cruise on the historic Seine River sounds like a dream come true. There are Seine cruises specifically designed for you to enjoy one of Paris' most beautiful boulevards. The Seine Dinner Cruise, which usually lasts 1.5-2.5 hours, includes lavish extras such as live music, wine, and even a wonderful three-course dinner.
March Timing:
10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
from €69
6. Versailles Palace
Historic Palace
At the time of its construction, the Palace of Versailles was France's appointed royal residence, and it today serves as a historic monument. The Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance in France. The fascinating Hall of Mirrors and the majestic Garden of Versailles are two of the most popular attractions on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles.
March Timings
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, every day except Monday
from €18
7. Musée Rodin
Art Gallary
Even if you're not a fan of art, it's worth paying a visit to this well-known museum to immerse yourself in its charming gardens, particularly in late March. Auguste Rodin, a sculptor, painter, sketcher, engraver, and collector, surrendered his complete collection to the French state in 1908 on the condition that his former workshop and showroom, the lovely 1730 Hôtel Biron, be dedicated to showcasing his works.
March Timings
Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM
from €13
Paris Pantheon
Historic Palace | Learning Experience
The huge neoclassical cupola of the Left Bank's famed Panthéon is an emblem of the Parisian cityscape, elegant and regal in equal measure. Around 1750, Louis XV ordered the massive architectural marvel as an abbey dedicated to Ste Geneviève. The abbey was turned into a mausoleum for some of France's most prominent citizens in 1791, based on Rome's Pantheon.
March Timings
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
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9. Moulin Rouge Show
Live Show | Entertainment
If you want to spend a day indoors on your trip to Paris in March, this may be a great option for you. Purchase a ticket to the city's premier cabaret, The Moulin Rouge, and enjoy an exciting evening in the company of stunning dancers and professional performers without compromising the fun and glitz. At the concert, you will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne.
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10. The Sainte-Chapelle
Historic Palace | Learning Experience
The Sainte-Chapelle was erected to celebrate Christendom and contain sacred relics like the Crown of Thorns. It is a beautiful 13th-century Gothic church with some of the world's most exquisite glass-stained window work. On the interior, it's warm and comforting, making it the ideal spot to spend an uncharacteristically chilly March day in Paris with your fellow travelers.
March Timings
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
from €31
11. The Grévin Wax Museum
Museum
The famed Grévin Wax Museum would be an amusing spot to visit if you wanted to get away from a rainy day in Paris in March. The time spent visiting this museum, which is filled with wax figures ranging from comical to historical figures, will be well spent and will result in a plethora of interesting images to remember your trip to Paris.
March Timings
Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM, and from 9:30 AM to 6 PM on weekends
12. Paris Catacombs
Landmark
A visit to the eerie Catacombs will add a touch of mystery and intrigue to your French vacation. The Catacombs, which are underground passageways that preserve the bones of Frenchmen from centuries ago, are a refreshing break from the magnificence and glory that can be found all across Paris. With a guided tour of the Paris Catacombs, you can learn about the long history that led to their formation.
March Timings
10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
from €29Festivals in Paris in March
Holi Festival
Venue: Jardin d’Acclimatation
Dates: Mid March
In March, Holi – a well-known Indian festival – is held in Western Paris. With good spirit and a variety of events, the Holi festival in Paris commemorates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The most anticipated event occurs in the afternoon when people smear and drown each other with various colors. Water pistols and water-filled balloons are also used to color and have fun with one another. Then there will be traditional dances, delectable Indian cuisine, and Bollywood-style entertainment.
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St. Patrick’s Day
Venue: Throughout Paris
Dates: March 17
St. Patrick's Day in Paris is a pleasant and unforgettable experience thanks to the vibrant Irish population. Traditional Irish folk music performances to drinking a good pint of Guinness in one of the city's greatest pubs are all available. It's typical to see people dancing on tables near the end of the night, although it's not a mandate.
Events in Paris in March
Paris Book Fair
Dates: Late March
The Paris Book Fair, which takes place every March, delights book enthusiasts with a packed schedule of readings, book signings by well-known writers, discussions, and opportunities to locate the perfect new mystery or graphic novel. Every year, there is a huge part dedicated to books for children and young people, so your children will be able to discover something appropriate to read as well.
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Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival
Dates: Mid March
This yearly festival, held in March at the Centre Georges Pompidou Cultural Center, is a must-see for documentary film fans. Enjoy film premieres, Q&A sessions with up-and-coming and established documentary filmmakers, and a schedule chock-full of the genre's most intriguing new releases, hand-picked from all around the world.
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The Banlieue Bleues Jazz Festival
Dates: March to April
This is the event for you if you are a jazz aficionado interested in learning more about the exciting present-day scene in Paris. The Banlieue Bleues Jazz Festival brings outstanding jazz and blues concerts to the northern suburbs of the city every year from late March to April. It's one of the city's most exciting international music concerts of the year.
Know MoreKnow Before You Visit Paris in March
What to Wear in Paris in March
- For the few rainy and snowy days, a thick waterproof coat should be enough.
- Good walking sneakers, a warm night jacket, and a windcheater will be helpful for an evening stroll.
- March has warm days, so you will need to wear breathable clothes for the sunny days with no wind. Throw a light jacket on if the weather changes as it so often does this month.
What to Pack in Paris in March
- It's a good idea to have an umbrella because rain or snow is possible in March.
- Because the sun can be very bright, sunglasses are also recommended.
- Comfortable walking shoes are also required for moving around and seeing the attractions.
- In Paris, a type E or type C plug would suffice.
- Bring a daypack with plenty of compartments to carry all of your items during the day.
- Both warm and breathable clothes are necessary for a trip in late March.
Getting Around Paris in March
- By Train: In the greater Paris region, there are suburban rapid transit lines in all six zones. These RER trains also cross with metro lines to give visitors in Paris a complete transport network.
- By Metro: The Métro is a highly efficient mode of transportation that will carry you anywhere you need to go within the city borders of Paris, and sometimes even further.
- By Bus: Buses in Paris are less reliable, but they still provide a good service and have a large network. During the night, you can ride the Noctilien bus.
- On Foot: If the weather permits, you can also take a walk around the city and see a lot of it if the weather is pleasant.
Where to Stay in Paris in March
A stay in Paris can be expensive due to the city's appeal to foreign visitors. However, if you plan to visit Paris in March, you may be able to get great housing deals. Here are several options for lodging, depending on your budget:
Budget: Hotel Montparnasse Alésia, Hôtel Home Moderne Paris, Hôtel de Venise Paris 12
Mid-Range: Louison Hotel, Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain des Prés, Les Jardins d'Eiffel
Luxury: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Bvlgari Hôtel Paris
What to eat in Paris in March
The food scene in Paris is particularly cosmopolitan because it is a melting pot of cultures. In addition to the local staples like crepes, you may experience dishes from all over the world in Paris.
Hachis Parmentier: This dish is named after Antoine Parmentier, a French dietician who championed the potato as a food source.
Hot Chocolate À L’ancienne: On a cold afternoon, a steamy mug of hot chocolate is divine, and we know just where to acquire this mug of molten chocolate.
Explore Paris Through the Year
All Your Questions About Visiting Paris in March Answered
Yes, March is a good time to visit Paris.
Some of the best things to do in Paris in March include visiting streetside cafés for hot beverages, enjoying a bird's eye perspective of the city from Center Pompidou, and seeing the Paris Catacombs at night.
Yes, Paris is cold in March with temperatures dropping down to 5ºC in the night.
Paris isn’t too hot at all in March. The temperature reaches up to 14ºC, which is not hot at all.
No, you won't be able to swim in Paris in March unless you go to a heated indoor pool.
There are over 20 sunny days in Paris in March.
For the few rainy and snowy days, a thick waterproof coat should be enough. Good walking sneakers, a warm night jacket, and a windcheater will be helpful for an evening stroll. March has warm days, so you will need to wear breathable clothes for the sunny days with no wind. Throw a light jacket on when the weather changes as it so often does in this month.
Yes, Paris in March can be a bit rainy.
Yes, Paris is relatively expensive.
Pickpocketing and other forms of street crime are known to happen, but Paris is otherwise fairly safe.
You can visit the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Paris pantheon, and many other Paris landmarks in March.
Major events in Paris in March include St. Patrick’s Day, Paris Book Fair, and the Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival.
The average temperature in Paris in March is between 8℃ and 15℃.
Kids will love to visit Grévin Wax Museum, have a fun-filled day at Parc Asterix, and go to Disneyland Paris.
The main festivals in Paris in March are St. Patrick’s Day, Holi, and Easter.
The main events in Paris in March include The Banlieue Bleues Jazz Festival, Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival, and The Best Baguette in Paris Contest.