Paris Events In April 2025 – Art, Running, Books & Poisson

It's springtime in Paris — a season of fresh blooms, longer days, and an irresistible mix of culture, sport, and outdoor fun. The city shakes off its winter coat just in time for a packed calendar of Paris events in April, from world-class art fairs to the city's iconic marathon. Book lovers, cinephiles, and music fans all have something to look forward to, with major festivals popping up across town. And with the arrival of spring, the cafe terraces fill up, Seine-side strolls get a little sunnier, and the city feels alive in a whole new way.

This is the month when Parisians and visitors alike make the most of the changing season, soaking up everything from classical concerts to open-air markets. The major Paris event in Aprils might involve top chefs, groundbreaking artists, or thousands of runners pounding the cobblestones. Whatever your interest, the city delivers, making the month one of the best times to dive into its vibrant cultural scene.

Art Paris – Art Fair

Art Paris is the city's big springtime art fair, turning the Grand Palais into a giant, glass-roofed playground for art lovers. Each year, galleries from across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and beyond show off their best work — everything from modern masters to today's rising stars. It's a chance to see bold new talent, spot trends, and maybe even fall in love with a piece you never knew you needed.

But it's not just about browsing. The fair mixes things up with solo shows, themed exhibitions, and a fresh focus on sustainability in the art world. The vibe is lively, the creativity is endless, and the setting? Absolutely stunning. Whether you're serious about collecting or just here to soak up the scene, Art Paris is a fun and inspiring deep dive into the world of contemporary art.

• Grand Palais
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Poisson d'Avril

They say April Fools Day, called Poisson d'Avril, is a French tradition dating back to the 16th century. In 1564, Charles XIV decreed the Gregorian calendar would replace the Julian calendar making the New Year celebrated on January 1st instead of April 1st. Without reliable communication between Paris and rural areas, many did not get the memo for several years, or did not believe it. So, pranks were played on those April Fools still following the Julian calendar, and the tradition began.

Today in France, schoolchildren tape a paper fish onto the back of an unsuspecting ami, yelling "Poisson d'Avril" when the fish is noticed. And if you happen to be in Paris on April 1 you will notice chocolate fish for sale at practically every chocolatier. The fish-shaped chocolates, called fritures, are a traditional Poisson d'Avril treat, can be filled with ganache, and are made to look like a sardine wrapped in a silver wrapper.

• April 1, 2025

Urban Art Fair – Paris Events in April

Urban Art Fair is, simply, dedicated to art. The event attracts 20,000 art lovers, amateurs, enthusiasts, professionals, and collectors who come to discover the works of two hundred burgeoning and flourishing artists. The location is the Carreau du Temple, a restored covered market that now gives Parisians a place to display works from emerging artists and creators in the arts, fashion and design world.

• Carreau du Temple
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Paris Roubaix Challenge Cycling Race

Ever dreamt of riding in the Tour de France? The Paris-Roubaix bicycle race gives amateur cyclists the chance to compete in an event as close as possible to a professional race. Cyclists from around the world will compete in the legendary race called the Hell of the North with three increasingly difficult routes to choose from covering distances from 70 km to 172 km. All three routes will finish with a final lap on the velodrome in Roubaix, 230 km from Paris.

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The Annual Paris Marathon

Each April thousands of runners gather to run the famed marathon that covers the top Paris sights — including the Champs-Elysées, place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower. The Paris Marathon is one of the biggest in the world, attracting 55,000 runners from 150 countries. The first Paris Marathon, named the Tour de Paris Marathon, took place in 1896 with nearly two hundred participants. Eighty years later the first modern Paris Marathon was held in 1976.

Runners follow a challenging route starting at the Arc de Triomphe, heading towards the Place de la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, Place de la Bastille, Bois de Vincennes, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. The race finishes on Avenue Foch, almost full circle to the Arc de Triomphe. For the full running experience French style, visit the Salon du Running expo which takes place three days before the marathon

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Le Salon du Running Expo

This is the biggest expo dedicated to the sport of running in France. 90,000 runners and joggers and gawkers will head to the Porte de Versailles exposition center for expert tips and tricks to improve their running game. For twenty years the Salon du Running expo has attracted a growing number of runners and has supported the participants of the Marathon de Paris with bibs and timing chips.

Here's where you can learn from running professionals with a full schedule of conferences, cooking classes, a massage area, and medical advice. But you don't need to be gearing up for a marathon to enjoy the sportif atmosphere. Being it's in France, there's a fashion area with a sneak preview of upcoming running fashion trends.

• Porte de Versailles
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Salon de l'Habitat – The Grand Paris Expo

This is the place to find out all about the latest trends in European home interiors, gardens, even wine & gastronomy. The top Paris home show has been a staple of French culture since 1904, and the show was presented even in 1917 during World War I, when the front line was only 100 kms from the city gates. That's commitment to design!

The Foire de Paris has been held at the Porte de Versailles exhibition salon since 1924, and in 1945, with World War II barely over, Charles de Gaulle gave the opening speech declaring the foire's commitment to France's renewal. It stands as one of the longest running Paris events in April.

• Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles
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Tour Auto

Ready, set go! Vintage car fans will flock to the Grand Palais to admire the vehicles chosen to take part in the the annual road race before they leave Paris. This year's race celebrates exotic British cars like Frazer-Nash, Jowett, Sunbeam-Talbot, and Fairthorpe. In fact, only 240 cars released pre-1965 are able to compete in this auto race that criss-crosses France.

The key ingredients are special stages and race circuits, and, like the Tour de France, the route changes every year to keep it fresh and interesting. Competitors discover France on a bespoke itinerary that combines tourism, gastronomy while avoiding the major motorways.

Since its creation in 1992, the five-day car rally always departs from Paris with a route that includes Trocadero, Invalides, Tuileries, and the Grand Palais before taking to the open road top and renowned historical sites like Chateau de Fontainebleau, Avignon, Baux de Provence, or the Abbaye de Fontenay. This kind of fun has a price tag; the last time we checked the entry fee was €9,950 per car with a two-person crew. (Although that does include five days of accommodations and meals, it still has to be the most expensive Paris events in April!)

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Festival du Livre de Paris

The Festival du Livre de Paris is a grand celebration of literature held annually under the glass dome of the Grand Palais. Bringing together hundreds of publishing houses, authors, and literary enthusiasts, the event offers a vibrant program of discussions, book signings, and themed exhibitions.

Visitors can explore a diverse selection of books, from contemporary fiction to classic literature, alongside interactive spaces dedicated to film adaptations, international writing, and emerging voices. The festival also places a strong emphasis on children's literature, with a dedicated area designed to spark a love of reading in younger audiences.

Each year, the festival highlights a guest country, shining a spotlight on its literary heritage and contemporary authors. Past editions have celebrated nations such as Japan, Italy, and Morocco, showcasing their contributions to world literature. With an ever-evolving lineup of special events and esteemed guests, the Festival du Livre de Paris continues to be a key meeting place for book lovers, authors, and industry professionals.

• Grand Palais
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