in short
- Weather: 8–17 degrees per day and about eight and a half days of rain, with cherry blossoms in the city gardens.
- Easter (Pâques): The following Monday is an official Sabbath, but most museums and attractions are open.
- Paris Marathon: On a Sunday in April, with blockages on the Champs Elysées and Rue Rivoli, so it's nice to take the metro.
- load: School holidays fill the city and Disneyland, so book in advance.
- Chocolate and coffee: The chocolatiers' window displays for Easter, and the Le Paris Café Festival.
- With children: The World of Frozen complex at Disneyland, Jardin d'Acclimatation and egg hunts in castles around Paris.
Paris in April is a cliché, but the kind we love to embrace. The famous song “April in Paris” by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald wasn’t written for nothing… the city is finally shaking off the remnants of winter (even if the “gibola,” those sudden March showers, still pop in from time to time), and the famous blooms in the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc de Sceaux are at their peak.
April 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting months in the Parisian calendar. The combination of Easter (Pâques), which falls early this year, school holidays and a cultural boom in the major museums, makes the city an ever-more desirable destination. On the one hand, there is a lively flow of tourists (especially around April 12, the day of the Paris Marathon), and on the other – the number of events, concerts and culinary festivals is simply dizzying.
In the following guide, I have compiled for you the “crème de la crème” of April 2026 events: from the exhibitions that everyone will be talking about in the major museums, through the most exciting concerts in ancient churches, to events that will make your children (and your inner child) very happy. So grab a croissant, put your sunglasses (and an umbrella in your bag, just in case), and let’s dive in.
Recommended exhibitions in Paris – April 2026
Paris’ museums never rest, and April brings with it a breath of fresh air of new exhibitions alongside a last chance to catch some of the winter blockbusters. This year we see a strong emphasis on dialogue between the arts – fashion meets history, video games meet classical music, and modern sculpture meets nature.
Calder: To dream in balance
where: Louis Vuitton Foundation
When: Starting April 15, 2026
The Fondation Louis Vuitton is hosting a major retrospective dedicated to Alexander Calder. The exhibition marks 100 years of his presence in France and features his famous “mobiles” – kinetic sculptures that move with the breeze. A meditative experience that perfectly matches Frank Gehry’s architecture.
Henri Rousseau: The Innocent Painter
where: Orangerie Museum
When: All month (until July)
The Orangerie Museum is home to the naive art of Henri Rousseau (“The Publican”). Rousseau’s paintings, with their wild jungles and dreamlike figures, are just the escapism needed in the heart of urban Paris. A perfect combination for a visit along with a tour of the nearby Tuileries Gardens.
Video Games & Music
where: Philharmonie de Paris
When: Opens April 2, 2026
An innovative exhibition exploring the history of video game soundtracks, from 8-bit to the complex orchestrations of Zelda. An interactive experience that is great for families and gamers, showcasing how music becomes an integral part of the emotional experience of the game.
African fashion
where: Quai Branly Museum
When: All month (until July)
The Quai Branly Museum at the foot of the Eiffel Tower presents a colorful celebration of African creativity. The exhibition combines traditional textiles with groundbreaking contemporary designs, telling the story of the continent through fabric and style. A true visual celebration of color and style.
Lee Miller: Retrospective
where: Paris Museum of Modern Art
When: Starting April 10, 2026
A comprehensive exhibition on the legendary photographer Lee Miller. Miller began as a fashion model and became a daring war photographer who documented the horrors of World War II. The exhibition presents the sharp transition between the world of glamour and the battlefields through her uncompromising lens.
Art Paris 2026
where: Grand Palais
When: April 9 to 12, 2026
The prestigious art fair returns to the legendary Grand Palais after a massive renovation. Some 165 galleries from around the world exhibit under the most famous glass dome in Paris. A golden opportunity to see the forefront of contemporary art in the city's most iconic location.
The complete guide to museums in Paris »
The monuments not to be missed in Paris »
Holidays, observances and special events in April 2026
As mentioned, April 2026 is a very dynamic month. Here are some important dates to mark in your calendar so you don't get stuck in front of a closed door, or alternatively – to catch the action in time.
Easter (Pâques)
This year, Easter celebrations take place at the beginning of the month. Easter Sunday falls on April 5, and Monday, April 6 (Lundi de Pâques), is an official Sabbath in France.
Meaning for the tourist: On Monday, April 6, banks and public institutions will be closed, but most museums and attractions will remain open. This is a great time to visit parks where there are egg hunts for children.
Paris Marathon (Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris)
On April 12, 2026, the streets of Paris will be painted in fluorescent running clothes. This is one of the largest marathons in the world.
Important tip: Try to avoid taking taxis or buses in the central area on this day due to massive roadblocks (Champs Elysees, Rivoli). Use the metro only.
Concerts and Opera in Paris – April 2026
There are few things that compare to the experience of listening to classical music inside an ancient Gothic church in Paris. April offers a rich repertoire, especially around Easter.
Concerts at Sainte-Chapelle
The most beautiful place in the world to listen to classical music. In April, a special Easter concert series is held, alongside Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." The acoustics combined with the famous stained glass windows create a truly spiritual experience.
Brahms' Requiem and more
The impressive Madeleine Church offers a variety of concerts in April, including “The Four Seasons” and special performances of Brahms’ Requiem towards the end of the month. The church’s vast space gives the sounds extraordinary depth and drama.
Concert inEiffel Tower
Combine the most iconic view of Paris with fine music on the first floor of the tower. Concerts combining famous opera arias or chamber works are planned for April 2026, with the ticket usually including the elevator ride.
Recitals and concerts
The Champs-Elysées Theatre on Boulevard Montaigne is one of the most important halls in the world. In April 2026, the schedule is full of piano recitals by the greatest performers and opera performances in concert performance. A Parisian cultural experience at its best.
For the complete guide to concerts and opera in Paris »
Culinary and markets in April
The shop windows of the great chocolatiers are transformed into small museums of chocolate sculptures for Easter. Wander through the Saint-Germain district and admire the works of Patrick Roget and Pierre Herme. Coffee lovers can also enjoy Le Paris Café Festival in Carreau du Temple from April 11 to 13, 2026.
Culinary Tours and Cooking Workshops in Paris »
Paris with children in April 2026
April is a great month for family trips. The weather is nice for spending time outdoors, and the city is getting ready for the young tourists of the Easter holiday.
What's happening at Disneyland Paris in April 2026?
April 2026 is a particularly exciting month at Disneyland Paris. Beyond the spectacular spring blooms, the park is rejuvenating itself with the most talked-about attraction of the decade: the recently opened World of Frozen in the Studios Park. This is the first opportunity to visit the Kingdom of Arendelle and meet Elsa and Anna.
In addition, this month there are seasonal shows such as 'A Million Splashes of Colour' and the new show 'Minnie's Dream Factory' . On April 12, the park celebrates its 34th birthday, which promises a festive atmosphere. Please note: Due to the Easter holiday, advance booking is required.
Disneyland Paris tickets
Spring at Disneyland is a celebration of colors and blossoms. In April 2026, the park is especially lively due to the Easter holidays. Booking in advance saves you from waiting in line at the box office and guarantees your entry if the park is fully booked.
Egg hunt in castles (Chasse aux œufs)
One of the most authentic French experiences for kids in April is the “Chasse aux œufs” (egg hunt) at castles around Paris, such as the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. It’s a great opportunity to combine a visit to an impressive historical site with a fun activity that the kids will never forget.
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Don't miss the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne – a classic and relaxing amusement park perfect for spring days. The park combines playgrounds, wildlife areas and large green spaces.
To book tickets to the Acclimatization Garden
Questions and answers about April in Paris
What is the weather like in Paris in April?
It's warming up. Daytime temperatures range from 8–17 degrees, and there are an average of eight and a half rainy days per month. The sudden showers of March are still popping up for a visit, so keep a light jacket and a foldable umbrella in your bag. This is also the month of cherry blossoms in the city gardens. For an up-to-date forecast, visit the Paris weather page.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in France?
Yes. Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) is an official Sabbath. Banks and public institutions are closed, but most museums and attractions are open. In 2026 it falls on April 6, and in 2027 it falls on March 29.
When is the Paris Marathon and how does it affect traffic?
The marathon is held on a Sunday in April (April 12 in 2026). On this day, major thoroughfares such as the Champs-Élysées and Rue Rivoli are closed to traffic, so it is best to avoid taxis and buses in the center and take the metro.
Is April a busy month in Paris?
Yes, especially around Easter and school holidays. The weather is nicer and the city fills up, so hotels, big exhibitions and Disneyland are worth booking in advance.
What to do with children in Paris in April?
Disneyland Paris, with its World of Frozen complex, is the big destination, and tickets must be booked in advance during the Easter holidays. The city itself has the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne, and in castles around Paris, such as Vau-le-Vicomte, there is an egg hunt (Chasse aux œufs) around Easter.
What awaits chocolate and coffee lovers in Paris in April?
In the run-up to Easter, the shop windows of the great chocolatiers are filled with chocolate sculptures, and it's worth wandering among them in the Saint-Germain district. For coffee lovers, there's Le Paris Café Festival in the Carreau du Temple, which in 2026 took place from April 11 to 13.
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