There’s a reason why the song is “April in Paris” and not “March in Paris.” Early spring can be cold and gray in the City of Lights, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to keep you occupied. Here are some of the events and activities you can do in Paris in March.
1. World Magic Festival (March 28-29)
Don’t miss the World Magic Festival at the Dôme de Paris on March 28 and 29, 2026, an event designed to amaze both children and adults. Returning for its second edition at the Folies Bergère, the festival will feature an incredible lineup of internationally acclaimed magicians performing across all disciplines. Audiences will witness dazzling acts from artists who have starred in world-renowned shows such as The Illusionists, America’s Got Talent, Vive la Magia, and Les Mandrakes d’Or. Recognized as a leading European magic festival, it offers a spectacular program that delights the imagination while remaining fully family-friendly, ensuring every performance is safe and enjoyable for young viewers.
2. Foire du Chatou (March 13-22)
This fair is 10 minutes outside of Paris, but you won’t want to miss it. This semi-annual antique and flea market fair started in 1840, but has been in the same spot on the Ile des Impressionistes since 1940. During the last edition the fair had over 25,000 visitors come to shop the nearly 300 stalls of goods. When you get tired of shopping, stop for a bite to eat at one of the five restaurants or 22 food stalls set up. To get there, take the RER A train to Rueil-Malmaison, then there’s a free shuttle running every 30 minutes from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm until 6pm. The fair is open from 10am to 7pm. It costs 10€ to get in, and children under 15 are free.
3. Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris Half-Marathon (March 8)
Start your month on the right foot at the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris half-marathon. The course winds along a very scenic route through famed Paris locales like the Boulevard Saint-Germain, Château de Vincennes, and rue de Rivoli, finishing at the Place de la Bastille. Layer up and come out to cheer on the nearly 45,000 runners expected at the 2026 edition of this 21.1 km (13.1 mile) race.
4. Les Grandes Serres
To warm up and feel like you’re in an endless summer, go to Les Grandes Serres at the Jardin des Plantes or the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil. Bask in the heat among the cacti and sweat out your winter blues in the tropical greenhouses. — Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005; Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, 3 Av. de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016
5. St Patrick’s Day (March 17)
With St. Patty’s falling on a Tuesday, you may be tempted not to go out. We encourage you to resist that temptation. For a bar/club with an international crowd, playing mostly mid-2000s American music, The Freedom Pub is the place to be. Or you could celebrate with shamrock tattoos, fake beards, and everyone claiming they’re ¼ Irish over at the chain bar, Corcoran’s Irish Pub Grand Boulevard. — Freedom, 8 rue de Berri, 75008; Corcoran’s, 110 Bd de Clichy, 75018
6. Saut Hermès (March 20-22)
Spring hasn’t yet sprung, but the horses certainly will: into the air, over hurdles, and onto the ground. At the 2026 edition of Saut Hermès, horses and riders meet at the Grand Palais Éphémère for a showjumping competition. Before Hermès was making stunning silk scarves, they were crafting bridles and saddles in their rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine atelier. To experience this French My Fair Lady moment, view the schedule here and buy tickets here. — Grand Palais Éphémère, 2 Place Joffre, 75007
7. Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival (March 21-28)
Since 1984, the Cinéma du Réel has been screening the works of leading documentary filmmakers from all over the world. The L’Arlequin, Reflet Médicis, Saint-André des Arts, and Christine Cinéma Club will be sharing the films between March 21 and 28. No single ticket is more than 8€ (a very affordable price) but there are possibilities for getting a reduced fare ticket. See the full list of films in competition here.
8. Passages Couverts
March is still chilly, and often a bit rainy, in Paris. Take shelter in the passages couverts for some exploration and shopping: there’s Passage Jouffroy, Galerie Vivienne, Passage du Grand Cerf, Galerie Choiseul, and Passages des Panoramas, and Passage Verdeau. Take your time leafing through books, posters, or postcards, or stop for lunch or un petit café in one of the many restaurants tucked away inside these gorgeous 19th century shopping arcades.
9. Printemps du Cinéma (March 22-24)
Ideal for any traveler on a budget looking to warm up inside, the Printemps du Cinéma film festival offers cheap tickets to movies in most theaters around Paris. For just 5€, you can see a new release. Check here for the complete list of this year’s films.
10. Slurp up some noodles
Of course while in Paris you have to dine on authentic French food, but there is a bustling non-French food scene that you simply must try as well. And since it’s still chilly out, there’s nothing better than a nice big bowl of brothy noodles. In the 13th arrondissement, Pho Bàhn Cúon offers delicious and authentic Vietnamese pho. Prefer Japanese? A steaming bowl of ramen awaits you at SANJO in the 1st arrondissement, just minutes from the Louvre. — Phở Bánh Cuốn, 129 Av. de Choisy, 75013; SANJO, 29 Rue d’Argenteuil, 75001
Catherine Rickman is a writer, professional Francophile, and host of the Expat Horror Stories podcast. She is currently somewhere in Brooklyn with a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, and you can follow her adventures on Instagram @catrickman.
