Wondering what to do in Paris? Not sure how to make the most of the city in the beautiful springtime? The MICHELIN Guide has got you covered! With our selection of 15 fabulous spots in and around the city, you can make the most of the milder weather and go full Emily in Paris. Channel your inner Parisian at the best restaurants with outside tables; enjoy a picnic or admire the cherry blossom at the prettiest gardens and parks; and discover the best ice cream shops, open-air markets, and flea markets.
1- Bask in the sun on one of the capital's 3,000 terraces
Rooftop spaces with a bird's-eye view of the city, leafy courtyards sheltered from sight and the noise of the street… in Paris, some restaurant terraces are real treasures, jealously guarded by those in the know. With an intimate terrace hidden from view, Apicius is set in a sumptuous 18th-century mansion akin to a small palace; overlooking the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower, Monsieur Bleu is ensconced in the Palais de Tokyo; and then there is the impressive terrace of Michelin-Starred Le Tout-Paris, a brasserie perched on the seventh floor of the Cheval Blanc hotel (3 MICHELIN Keys). From Saint-Germain to Montmartre, via the Eiffel Tower, discover all the loveliest terraces in Paris!
More good news for fans of outdoor dining is that this year, as every year since 2021, the capital's 3,000 or so outdoor cafés will be allowed to expand and overflow onto the sidewalk too. Even better: from 1st April to 31st October 2024, these pop-up terraces will be open until midnight (instead of their usual closing time of 10pm).
2- Go bargain-hunting outside, from the bouquinistes to brocanteurs
The return of warmer weather means getting out in the fresh air! The City of Paris regularly publishes a list of the best flea markets. But for anyone who loves antiques and vintage design, the best place to go remains the Puces de Saint-Ouen, the world's largest flea market, where antique dealers and brocanteurs (second-hand dealers) sell their wares. This Marché aux Puces is spread over 7 hectares and encompasses no fewer than 11 different markets and over 2,000 stalls and shops. Furniture, bronze ornaments, lights, tableware, jewelry, books, archaeological finds… Pick up a rare piece as you wander through the narrow streets of this bohemian market founded in 1885, or sit on the terrace of a café and listen to a gypsy jazz concert.
Another typically Parisian point of interest: the bouquinistes. These are booksellers who set up on the Right Bank of the River Seine, from Pont Marie to the Quai du Louvre, and on the Left Bank, from the Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire – they specialize in old editions and second-hand books.
3- Picnic in a park with a view of cherry trees blossoming
If you ask a Parisian what their favorite springtime activity is, the chances are they'll say having a picnic. If you're lucky enough to be in the capital during that brief period when the cherry trees are in bloom, then your timing is perfect! In the Jardin des Plantes, the impressive 'Shirotae' Japanese cherry tree stands at 8m tall, and its branches form a giant parasol measuring 12m across. Square Marie-Trintignant on the edge of the historical Marais has a number of benches overlooking the nearby Seine.
But if you're a true cherry blossom fan, the Parc de Sceaux is the place to go to see a remarkable floral explosion. From 30th March to 28th April 2024, the park is celebrating Hanami, the Japanese festival marking the blossoming of the sakura (cherry trees) – of which there are more than 150 scattered across the 180 hectare estate. Other green spaces where you can relax on the grass and tuck into your picnic are the Luxembourg Gardens, the Champ de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the Buttes Chaumont, and Parc de Belleville, which commands one of the best views in the capital from its hilltop location. And let's not forget Parc Montsouris, in the very south of Paris.
4- Stock up on top-notch produce at the best markets
Would Paris be Paris without its countless food markets? With stalls packed with mouth-watering produce from all over France, they illustrate Parisians' obsession with good food. From the stalls of the famous Marché des Enfants Rouges to the crowded paths of the Marché d'Aligre, take a stroll through The MICHELIN Guide's favorite Parisian markets.
5- Hire a license-free boat or embark on a cruise
With Marin d'Eau Douce, hire a license-free electric boat and navigate the waters at your own pace, whether with friends, family or a date. Alternatively, hop aboard one of the famous Bateaux-Mouches, Vedettes de Paris or Bateaux Parisiens for a River Seine cruise taking in sights such as the Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, and the Eiffel Tower. At night, with its illuminated bridges and monuments, the capital feels like a life-size film set.
The Seine doesn't have a monopoly on Parisian waterways. Enjoyable cruises are also organized on Canal Saint-Martin, Canal de l'Ourcq, and the River Marne. Paris Canal takes you alongside the Musée d'Orsay, the Philharmonie, and La Géode; Canauxrama offers a range of cruise formats, from an introduction to the Paris of Parisians to a full-day exploration of the banks of the River Marne.
6- Savor the best ice creams and sorbets in Paris
Just a stone's throw from the Sacré Coeur Basilica, at 16 Place des Abbesses, Une Glace à Paris came up with the concept of offering outdoor seating in the form of deckchairs. Their delicious sorbets and ice creams are designed by Emmanuel Ryon (a Meilleur Ouvrier de France Glacier and World Pastry Champion) and Olivier Ménard. You can of course also order your cornet to take with you as you explore the streets of Montmartre. Head for the most popular sights, from Café des Deux Moulins, made famous by the film Amélie, to the bronze bust of the singer Dalida at the top of rue de l'Abreuvoir.
On Île Saint Louis, Berthillon has become a real institution, having reigned supreme since the 1950s. Their recipes are guaranteed to contain no artificial colors or preservatives, and the menu features around 40 flavors on any given day (there are over 90 altogether): candied chestnut, blackcurrant, mango, roasted pineapple with basil… all delicious!
7- Admire the greatest masterpieces at the European Night of Museums
Around mid-May, just before summer is in full swing, a magical night takes place in Paris. The European Night of Museums is a not-to-be-missed event organized by the Ministry of Culture, offering free evening entry to over 3,000 museums in France and Europe. As night falls, soak up the festive atmosphere with new routes, guided tours, open-air events, live shows, music, and culinary delights!
In Paris, the Musée d'Orsay, Fondation Louis Vuitton, and Centre Pompidou will be welcoming you free of charge for this 20th edition, which falls on Saturday 18th May 2024. It's also an opportunity to visit the Louvre, as well as its eponymous brasserie with tables set up beneath the arcades of this quintessentially Haussmann-style building. But take note: you'll need to pre-book!
8- Get romantic in the gardens of the Musée de la Vie Romantique
South of Montmartre, on the other side of Boulevard de Clichy, the bucolic ‘Museum of Romantic Life’ is well worth a visit. From the ground floor (where writer George Sand's room has been recreated) to the first floor (dedicated to painter Ary Scheffer), it sweeps us back to the 19th century. But the main draw of this private mansion is its foliage-kissed terrace – one of the most idyllic in the capital, complete with an English-style tearoom, Rose Bakery. At a remove from the hustle and bustle, this green space is an oasis of calm in the heart of the 9th arrondissement.
9- Visit the Opéra, the Eiffel Tower… and the best restaurants in the area!
Kill two birds with one stone: Avoid the tourist traps and confidently head to these top restaurants located close to Paris's most beautiful monuments, not forgetting the excellent bistro Le Maquis, just a 15 minute walk from Montmartre.
10- Get a bird's-eye view of Paris: belvederes, rooftops and balloon rides
Springtime in Paris (usually) means clear skies. From the Belvédère de Belleville to the Tour d'Argent or the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, from the upper terrace of the Arc de Triomphe to our favorite rooftops, see Paris from a different angle at these sky-high venues!
If you want to go even higher, the Ballon de Paris Generali – in the Parc André Citroën (15th arrondissement) on the banks of the Seine – promises an unforgettable experience for young and old, from 0 to 99 years. Aboard the world's largest hot-air balloon, see the capital and its monuments from 150m above the ground.
11- Eat macarons
The famous almond-based sweet is distinguished by its texture, which is at once both crunchy and soft. The most famous brands are Ladurée, Lenôtre, Dalloyau, Fauchon, and Pierre Hermé, but there are also noteworthy lesser-known names; for instance, Jean-Paul Hévin, one of the best chocolatiers in Paris, has created a delicious macaron with Peruvian Grand Cru dark chocolate. There's also Chez Carette (Place des Vosges and Place du Tertre) and Yannick Lefort, another macaron specialist, in the 6th arrondissement. And don't forget Le Jardin Sucré (17th arrondissement), whose shop is nestled next to Parc Monceau. Get ready for a rainbow of flavors!
For the record, it was Queen Catherine de' Medici, of Italian origin, who imported the macaron to France in the 16th century. It was a roaring success, shooting to fame all over France during the Renaissance and giving rise to the Amiens Macaron, the Saint-Emilion Macaron, and the Nancy Macaron. The Parisian version, also known as the Macaron Gerbet, only appeared in the 19th century.
12- Take a dip in the most stunning open-air, Art Deco swimming pool in Paris
Luxury hotel Molitor Paris has taken over the Molitor swimming pool, a legendary venue from the 1920s up to the 1980s. Tastefully renovated by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, the outdoor pool has had extra floors added, including a roof terrace overlooking the city. It also boasts a Clarins spa and a fantastic restaurant run by an award-winning chef. Behind the ultra-contemporary veneer, the site's Art Deco heritage has been preserved, not least the original studded portholes and 1940s furniture. Access to the swimming pool is, of course, included in the room rate.
13- Order an excellent specialty coffee… or the best hot chocolate!
There was a time when the average espresso at a Parisian café was undrinkable, being dubbed ‘jus de chaussette’ (‘sock juice’), but over the last decade the capital has been making up for lost time. When it comes to coffee, Paris has nothing left to prove and now even boasts a number of quality coffee roasteries. If you're not a fan of caffeine, you can fall back on our best Parisian haunts for a hot chocolate. Drink in or take away if you can, to sip as you wander the streets of the capital.
14- Enjoy the gardens of Versailles, its fountains and restaurants
Considered among the most fabulous in Europe and the world, the royal gardens of Versailles come into their own in spring. Take in the Palace of Versailles fountain show, in which the water interacts with lights and music. Then refuel at Le Bistrot du 11, just a stone's throw from the palace, one of five establishments in Île-de-France (the Paris region) to have recently been awarded a Bib Gourmand.
15- Watch a tennis match at Roland Garros
The French Open is back from 20th May to 9th June for another championship! Located in the west of Paris, at Porte d'Auteuil, on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, the Roland Garros Stadium hosts this Grand Slam tournament every year, as well as the Paris Major Premier Padel. The sun will hopefully be shining, so don't forget your hat and sunglasses. Celebrities are often to be seen watching from the stands, so you might even bump into a famous face while you’re here!
Illustration image © Dan Asaki / Unsplash
