What to do in Paris in March 2026 – The Complete Guide
March in Paris is a month of awakening. After the winter hibernation, the city begins to stretch its limbs. While the weather can still be fickle – one moment the spring sun caresses and the next a classic Parisian rain – the atmosphere changes. The trees on the boulevards are starting to show their first signs of life, the cafes are carefully taking their chairs outside, and the city is filled with new energy.
March 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months on the Parisian calendar. Beyond the early blooms in the gardens, this month is packed with cultural events, intriguing exhibitions in the major museums, and of course – exciting news from Disneyland Paris. I’ve put together all the information you need to know to best plan your visit, save time in lines, and enjoy everything the City of Lights has to offer.
Recommended exhibitions in Paris – March 2026
The art scene in Paris never rests. In March 2026, the major museums present a fascinating mix of modern art, classical history and groundbreaking exhibitions. Here are the exhibitions you can't miss this month.
Nan Goldin: This Will Not End Well
Beginning March 18, the Grand Palais hosts the monumental retrospective “This Will Not End Well” by photographer and activist Nan Goldin. This is not a standard photography exhibition, but a cinematic and immersive experience designed as a “village” of architectural structures within the vast space of the museum. Goldin presents her works in her original and beloved format – slide presentations accompanied by a unique musical and vocal soundtrack.
The Musée des Pômes on Place de la Concorde presents the exhibition “Global Warning” by British photographer Martin Parr. Parr turns his ironic lens on burning issues of environmental quality and the climate crisis. The images document the culture of excessive consumption and mass tourism, and evoke a smile and embarrassment at the same time through intense color and a uniquely British humor.
At the Luxembourg Museum, an enchanted journey into the mind of Leonora Carrington awaits you. The British-Mexican artist has created a world that combines Celtic mythology, alchemy and feminism. The exhibition reveals mysterious paintings and sculptures of hybrid creatures. A perfect opportunity to combine art with a leisurely stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens as the blossoms begin to appear.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) offers a journey back in time to the heart of Parisian nobility. The exhibition is designed as a chronological tour of a day in the life of a Parisian nobleman, through more than 500 rare exhibits: sumptuous furniture, period costumes and delicate porcelain that show the splendor and intimacy of the French elite before the Revolution.
Attention, this is the last call! The Louis Vuitton Foundation is showing a retrospective of the great German artist, Gerhard Richter, until March 2nd only. After that, the museum will move on to the next exhibition dedicated to Alexander Calder. A visit to Frank Gehry's iconic building with its observation terraces is an architectural experience not to be missed.
Billionaire François Pinault's spectacular art gallery presents a bold, contemporary interpretation of classic lighting plays. The works explore the tension between the visible and the hidden within the Tadao Ando-designed structure. Very centrally located next to the Louvre and Le Hall in one of the most impressive architectural spaces to open in Paris in recent years.
The Gima Museum surprises with an exhibition that delves into the historical roots of the cult of beauty in Korea. It connects ancient rituals in the imperial courts with the contemporary K-Pop phenomenon, and shows how makeup and grooming have become an integral part of Korean identity. A wonderfully aesthetic exhibition with ancient makeup tools alongside modern displays.
Of course, this is just a small taste. Paris is full of museums, both large and small, that offer unique experiences. If you are wondering which museum is right for you, or want to get to know the permanent collections at the Louvre and the Orsay, I highly recommend reading my in-depth guides on the site.
Holidays, strikes and special events in March 2026
When planning a trip to Paris, it's important to not only know where to eat, but also what might disrupt your plans or make them more special. Here are some dates and events to keep an eye out for this March.
Paris Fashion Week
From February 23 to March 3, 2026, Paris hosts Fashion Week (Women's Collection, Fall/Winter). If you're in town during the first few days of the month, expect the city to be busier than usual, especially in the Golden Triangle and the Marais district. Luxury hotels will be fully booked and prices may skyrocket. On the other hand, this is the best time to see celebrities on the streets.
St. Patrick's Day
On March 17th, the world celebrates Ireland, and Paris joins in the celebration. The Irish Cultural Center in the 5th arrondissement is holding a “Family Day” around this date with music and a happy atmosphere. Irish pubs across the city will be packed with revelers, Guinness beer, and good music.
Caution: Transportation Strikes
You can’t talk about Paris without mentioning the strikes. February and March are “disaster-prone” months for the unions. I highly recommend installing the relevant apps (Citymapper or Bonjour RATP) and checking the situation the day before your flight. Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes.
Classical music and church concerts
The acoustics, architecture and atmosphere of Paris' churches create unforgettable moments. In March 2026, the calendar is full of all the goodies. Here are my recommendations:
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Concerts at Sainte-Chapelle
A spiritual and aesthetic experience inside the magnificent 13th-century Gothic chapel. In March, the repertoire focuses on accessible classical works such as Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” The concerts take place in the evening when the chapel is closed to the general public, which adds to the sense of magic in front of the famous stained glass windows.
The Madeleine Church offers unique acoustics within a structure reminiscent of a Greek temple. In March, a series of concerts featuring monumental masterpieces such as Mozart's Requiem and Forte are held here. The combination of massive neoclassical architecture and choral music creates a breathtaking power.
In the oldest church in the city, you can enjoy an intimate and warm experience. The “Classic” ensemble performs Baroque and Romantic works with masterful precision. The ideal location in the heart of the Left Bank allows you to continue from the concert directly to dinner in one of the neighborhood’s famous bistros.
The modern National Opera House vigorously presents “Carmen” and “Tosca” – two of the world’s most beloved operas. These are huge, elaborate productions with spectacular sets and top-notch singers. It is recommended to book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
March is a month of transition in French cuisine. On the one hand, it’s still cold enough for a hot onion soup or a comforting raclette. On the other, the markets are starting to fill with asparagus, fresh peas and the first strawberries. Tourism is not yet at its peak, which allows for a more open dialogue with merchants and chefs.
Paris and Disneyland with the kids – the big news of 2026
If you are traveling with your family in March 2026, a huge surprise awaits you at Disneyland Paris, along with great activities in the city itself.
The opening of World of Frozen!
The Kingdom of Arendelle is coming to life at the Studios Park with an official opening scheduled for around March 29, 2026. This is the biggest news of the year at Disneyland Paris and peak demand for tickets is expected. It is recommended to reserve your seats as early as possible.
The beloved amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne offers rides for all ages. In March 2026, you can enjoy the spectacular Japanese Festival of Lights (until March 8). It's the perfect solution for a day out with kids in the city, combining nature, animals and modern rides.
In addition to these, a new “Slime Fluo” activity is starting at the “Paint Invaders” complex, and Vincennes Castle is holding activities for families at the beginning of the month.
In conclusion, March 2026 in Paris offers a rare combination of high culture, history and immense excitement for families thanks to the new Disneyland complexes. Dress appropriately, book your tickets in advance, and most importantly – let the city take you at its own pace. Enjoy your flight!
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2 thoughts on “March in Paris 2026 – The Complete Guide (Exhibitions, Concerts, and More)”
A note about exhibitions and the month of March, it is necessary to mention that usually at the beginning of March the flagship exhibitions of the “winter” end and only around March 18th and onwards the flagship exhibitions of the “spring” open. And here for some reason it is not mentioned that the Musée d’Orsay is opening a large exhibition of “Renoir and Love” on March 17th and a side exhibition of a collection of Renoir’s drawings. It is also necessary to mention that at the Galeries Lafayette starting March 10th there is an exhibition of free modern art in the dome, on the stairs and on the roof, works from the Centre Pompidou which is closed for renovations.
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A note about exhibitions and the month of March, it is necessary to mention that usually at the beginning of March the flagship exhibitions of the “winter” end and only around March 18th and onwards the flagship exhibitions of the “spring” open. And here for some reason it is not mentioned that the Musée d’Orsay is opening a large exhibition of “Renoir and Love” on March 17th and a side exhibition of a collection of Renoir’s drawings. It is also necessary to mention that at the Galeries Lafayette starting March 10th there is an exhibition of free modern art in the dome, on the stairs and on the roof, works from the Centre Pompidou which is closed for renovations.
Thank you very much for the information.