“En avril à Paris, sur les toits le vent tourne”—In April, the wind changes over the rooftops, sang Charles Trenet, capturing the magic of a city waking up to spring. As the sun returns from exile, Paris shakes off winter’s chill, bursting with color, life, and renewed energy. Parks bloom in soft pastels, terraces hum with lively conversation, and visitors from around the world flock to the city, eager to experience its art, culture, and vibrant festivities.
To make the most of this joyful season, Frenchly has handpicked the best events and experiences happening in Paris this April. From world-class art fairs and thrilling festivals, to sporting events and Easter celebrations, this curated selection highlights the unmissable moments that make spring in Paris truly special.
1. Explore Contemporary Art at Paris’s Art Fair (April 9-12)
From April 9 to 12, 2026, the Art Paris fair returns to the Grand Palais, reaffirming its place as a premier event in the contemporary art world. Now in its 28th edition, the fair sources several hundreds of works, from 165 French and international galleries. This year’s fair explores two fascinating themes. “Babel – Art and Language in France” showcases 21 artists whose works delve into the richness and mysteries of signs and linguistic structures in contemporary French art. Meanwhile, “Reparation” explores contemporary art through the lens of repair and care, featuring 20 international artists whose works reflect diverse interpretations of reparation across cultures and time, connecting past, present, and future.
Alongside these curated exhibitions, visitors can explore the “Promises” sector, dedicated to emerging talent, large-scale installations, immersive video art, and thought-provoking panel discussions with leading curators and collectors. Held under the newly restored glass dome of the Grand Palais, Art Paris 2026 is set to be a vibrant hub for creativity and artistic dialogue.
2. Visit La Foire du Trône, Paris’s Family Funfair (from March 27)
Opening on March 27 and running until May 25, 2026, the Foire du Trône brings excitement to the Pelouse de Reuilly, transforming the vast 10-hectare space into Europe’s largest and oldest funfair. With over 350 attractions, including high-speed roller coasters, spinning rides, and carousels, the fair offers a mix of nostalgia and adrenaline-fueled adventure. Those seeking heart-pounding excitement can take on the Tower Drop, while families can enjoy the classic Ferris wheel, offering stunning panoramic views of Paris. No funfair is complete without indulgent treats, and the Foire du Trône delivers. Stalls line the fairgrounds, offering French carnival classics like barbes à papa (cotton candy), crispy churros, caramelized apples, crêpes, and roasted chestnuts. Whether you’re in it for the thrills, the games, or the food, this historic fair remains a beloved Parisian tradition.
3. Celebrate Thai New Year at Songkran (April 26)
Head to Moissy-Cramayel in Seine-et-Marne on Sunday, April 26, 2026, to experience Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, at the striking Wat Thammapatip pagoda. Nestled in the former Château de Lugny, this Buddhist temple—one of the largest in Europe—offers a unique and immersive celebration in Île-de-France. Songkran is more than a festive event: it’s a ritual of purification and renewal. Visitors can witness the ceremonial pouring of fragrant water over Buddha statues, symbolic of cleansing past misfortunes, and join collective prayers led by monks in a serene, meditative atmosphere. From spiritual traditions to a lively cultural experience, Songkran at Wat Thammapatip provides an authentic taste of Thailand far from the usual Parisian paths.
4. Race Through the City in the Paris Marathon (April 12)
The Paris Marathon returns for its 49th edition on April 12, 2026, bringing together 50,000 runners to tackle the 42.2-kilometer course through some of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks. Starting at the Arc de Triomphe, runners will pass the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower looming as a stunning backdrop as they approach the grand finish at Avenue Foch. Even if you’re not running, the event is an experience worth witnessing. Spectators line the streets, cheering on participants, enjoying live music, and soaking up the electric energy as Paris becomes one big celebration of endurance and determination.
5. Get Crafty at European Days of Crafts (April 7-12)
From April 7 to 12, 2026, the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art (European Days of Crafts) return to Paris, celebrating the skill, creativity, and heritage of artisans across Europe. The event offers the chance to explore workshops, exhibitions, and live demonstrations highlighting both traditional and contemporary crafts. As part of the initiative, ParisLocal connects visitors with local makers in often-hidden spaces, providing an authentic glimpse into the city’s vibrant artisanal scene. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast or simply curious, JEMA invites you to experience the ingenuity of European artisans while supporting local, responsible, and close-to-home creativity—an unmissable Parisian experience this April.
6. Celebrate Easter in Paris (April 5)
Easter in Paris is a joyful celebration of tradition, family fun, and sweet indulgence, and will mark the end of the Lenten season on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The city’s grand churches, including Notre-Dame de Paris and Sacré-Cœur, welcome both worshippers and visitors for special Easter Masses and prayer vigils, filling the air with music and reflection. Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church offers a full schedule of Triduum services for English-speaking visitors. Meanwhile, families fill the city’s parks and historic sites to participate in Easter egg hunts, with the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte hosting France’s largest treasure hunt in its magnificent gardens on April 4, 5, and 6, 2026. At the Parc Zoologique de Paris, little explorers search for hidden treats among exotic animals, while the Vedettes du Pont Neuf turns an egg hunt into a scenic Seine River adventure. The spirit of Easter fills Parisian pâtisseries and chocolate shops, where master chocolatiers create stunning Easter eggs, praline-filled delights, and whimsical chocolate sculptures. While tempting treats can be found in every boulangerie, the most exquisite creations come from Patrick Roger, Jean-Paul Hévin, and La Maison du Chocolat, turning storefronts into edible art galleries. Easter brunch is another beloved tradition, with luxury hotels and renowned restaurants serving lavish spreads of fresh pastries, gourmet egg dishes, and festive delicacies.
7. Embrace Sustainable Shopping on Earth Day (April 22)
On April 22, 2026, Paris will honor Earth Day with a focus on eco-conscious living and sustainable choices. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s best zero-waste and ethical shopping destinations, while supporting brands committed to a greener future. Start at La Maison du Zéro Déchet in Montmartre, which offers plastic-free hygiene products, composting kits, and eco-friendly household items. For sustainable fashion, head to Sézane, a pioneer in ethical Parisian style, or WeDressFair, which curates a selection of fair-trade and eco-conscious clothing brands. Beauty lovers can stop by Mademoiselle Bio, a go-to for organic skincare and sustainable cosmetics. After a day of mindful shopping, unwind with a plant-based dinner at Le Potager de Charlotte, known for its seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes. Celebrating Earth Day in Paris is a chance to make thoughtful choices while enjoying the city’s growing sustainability scene.
8. Foire de Paris (April 30-May 11)
If you’re in Paris this April, there’s no better place to experience innovation, culture, and entertainment than the Foire de Paris at Porte de Versailles. As Europe’s largest home, design, and lifestyle fair, this iconic event attracts over half a million visitors, offering a massive exhibition of cutting-edge home innovations, smart technology, interior design fixtures, and sustainable living solutions. From state-of-the-art appliances to handcrafted décor and garden design, the fair is a must for anyone looking for inspiration. But the Foire de Paris is more than just a trade fair—it’s a celebration of culture and creativity, with a lineup of festivals, live performances, and culinary showcases. Visitors can also explore an extensive gastronomy section, with live cooking demonstrations by top chefs, wine tastings, and an international food market offering specialties from around the world. A standout attraction is the prestigious Concours Lépine, an annual invention contest that has been a launching pad for some of the world’s most innovative creations. Here, inventors unveil groundbreaking gadgets and revolutionary ideas, making it a hotspot for those who love creativity and ingenuity. Beyond shopping and exhibitions, interactive workshops, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities ensure that there’s something for everyone.
9. Discover New Restaurants Opening in Paris
As spring ushers in a season of renewal and novelty, it’s the perfect time to explore Paris’s vibrant culinary scene, where several new restaurants have recently opened their doors, each offering unique gastronomic experiences.
- Mantra: A new Franco-Malaysian fine-dining gem in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. Here, the chef masterfully blends haute cuisine with bold Malaysian flavors, creating a vibrant culinary crossover that could soon earn a place among the city’s starred tables. With just 18 seats, a softly lit dining room, and an open kitchen facing the counter, Mantra feels intimate yet dynamic.
- Adami: Nestled in the lively 9th arrondissement, just steps from the Moulin Rouge, Adami offers fresh pasta served with a modern, inventive approach in an intimate setting. At the counter, chef Zacharia Mahfoud crafts dishes bursting with fresh, bold flavors, each plate reflecting the season and his current inspiration. With a small, evolving menu, Adami combines artisanal pasta made daily with a deep respect for Italian tradition, all while embracing the vibrant, creative spirit of Pigalle.
- Lissit: This new restaurant captures the trendy spirit of Paris’s 11th arrondissement, with textured walls and an open kitchen that invites you into the creative process. Chef Claire Grumellon reimagines the traditions of butchery and charcuterie with bold inventiveness, while owner Alexis Lissitzky complements the menu with a curated selection of 100% natural wines from small French, Spanish, and Italian producers.
April in Paris is when the city truly comes alive, offering a perfect balance of culture, celebration, and renewal. As Parisians and visitors embrace the longer days and warmer air, parks burst into bloom, café terraces buzz with conversation, and every corner of the city seems to invite you outside. The Art Paris Fair at the Grand Palais sets the tone for a month of creativity, while the Foire du Trône delivers nostalgic thrills for all ages. The city becomes a playground—from the joyful chaos of International Pillow Fight Day to the high-energy Paris Marathon, and the festive charm of Easter egg hunts at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Earth Day highlights sustainable living, with eco-conscious shopping and thoughtful experiences across the city. Spend an afternoon at the Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II, where spring colors and birdsong fill the air, or enjoy some art and lunch at one of Paris’s beautiful outdoor museum cafés. April is a time to fully enjoy everything Paris has to offer.
Mariam, originally from Paris and now calls the Bay Area home. A seasoned traveler and writer, she’s always on the hunt for exciting new restaurants, trendy bars, and unique activities to try. By day, she works in tech in Silicon Valley and serves as a board member of the French Cultural Center of Silicon Valley. Mariam has a passion for writing about travel, food, people, and offbeat topics.
