The Best Things To Do In Paris – Month-by-Month Curated Guides

There is always a lot to do in Paris. Every month in every season is packed with cultural, artistic, and entertaining activities. We make it our business to investigate all the activities that Paris has to offer, and then include the best of them our handy monthly guides. Hence, you are at the perfect place to start planning your perfect Paris sojourn. Click on a link to the month of your choice and start dreaming.

Springtime in Paris – March, April & May

A wing of the Louvre with springtime blossoms

They write songs about springtime in Paris, and for good reason. It's such a lovely time of year to be in the city. You can expect some rain, but with patches of heavenly sunshine the parks and sidewalk cafes start to fill up. For some reason, Parisians love to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, especially at the many Irish pubs found throughout the city.

Then, it's get ready, get set, and go! The Paris Marathon draws thousands of runners in the first week of April. Fête du Travail (May Day) marks the date for France's Labor Day and the prestigious French Open Tennis Grand Slam begins at Rolland Garros. Here are the best things to do in Paris in the Spring, month by month —

Summer in Paris – June, July & August

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see monument in every season. We'll tell you how to visit the easy way.

Festivals, celebrations and parades mark the beginning of summer in Paris. There's the ête du Cinema, Fête de la Musique, Gay Pride Parade, International Rose Competition, the Paris Summer Arts Festival, Paris Jazz Festival — and that's just the beginning!

What's bigger than the 4th of July? Bastille Day (July 14) with its dizzying array of celebrations — fireworks, parades, and street events.

Summer is when it sizzles at Paris Plage, the temporary beach installed on the banks of the Seine. Plus, the world's greatest cycling event, the Tour de France begins and ends on the Champs-Elysées.

Autumn in Paris – September, October & November

Another view of the Louvre, this one in Autumn

In Paris, the beginning of September is known as La Rentrée, marking the end of the summer vacances and the return to normal urban life, when 70% of Parisians come home from their holidays.

October hosts a harvest festival — Fêtes des Vendanges à Montmartre — a fun wine festival held at the town hall up in Montmartre to celebrate the city's only wine harvest at the only vineyard in Paris. October also sees the Chocolate Festival at the Porte de Versailles.

November is Paris Photography Month with exhibits at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie and other venues around the city. Then, on the third Thursday in November, it's Beaujolais Nouveau Day when Paris cafes, wine bars, and bistros join together in a city-wide wine-tasting party.

Winter in Paris – December, January & February

The Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette

There may be a chill in the air, but winter in Paris is the height of the cultural season with a wealth of ballets, classical music concerts, and operas to choose from.

Christmas in Paris is, of course, one of the best times to be here. In fact, we think Paris is the best Christmas city in Europe. Ice-skating starts at Hôtel de Ville, amazing ice sculptures are created along the Champs-Elysées, and thousands of holiday lights twinkle throughout the city.

Romance is always in the air in Paris, but Valentine's Day in the City of Love has a special charm. And, in recent years, Chinese New Year has become a popular event featuring a lively parade and celebrations in the 13th Arrondissement, home of Paris Chinatown. Here's where to learn more about the most popular winter activities: