The Best Month to Visit Paris? It’s NOT When You’d Think

Now for the important query: Which month is best for trips to Paris? Almost everyone in Canada traveled to Paris in 2019, making 35.4 million visits documented. This begs the issue of whether there is a best month to visit Paris. That is a substantial number of visitors!

Nevertheless, is Paris truly known as the City of Lights or the City of Tourist Hoards?

The latter title captures what’s to come in the summertime. Seeing the interminable lines winding up to the Eiffel Tower observation deck or watching the throngs of people crammed into tight spaces like sardines in an attempt to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photo of the Mona Lisa is interesting.

People will explain why the spring and fall months are the best times to visit Paris, but I believe “best” is subjective and depends on the individual and what they value most.

After exploring this fascinating city at various seasons of the year, I realized that there IS a perfect month to visit Paris.

Although France is a great destination in June, I think March is the ideal month to visit Paris in particular.

Really?

Without a doubt.

Here’s just one of my many essential travel suggestions for Paris. I’ll explain why in detail below!

The Best Month to Visit Paris? It’s NOT When You’d Think

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Where to stay in Paris

If you enjoy art as much as I do, you just can’t resist booking a stay in Montmartre. I had now made five trips to Paris, but I had never before stayed in the artistic neighborhood. I was quite happy that I went with the Hotel Relais Montmartre.

Located just off Rue Lepic on a very calm street, it takes only a short stroll to go to the Metro, the Moulin Rouge, restaurants, and shopping. The Sacré-Coeur and Place du Tertre are only a ten to fifteen-minute walk away!

The room was very clean and well maintained, albeit on the small side (which is to be anticipated in Paris—we weren’t there to spend much time in our room anyhow).

When my travel companion and I were outside dancing in the snow, the staff were quite kind and made jokes with us crazy Aussies. Right in the middle of Montmartre, this hotel is ideal.

Why March is the best month to visit Paris on a budget

March is the best month to visit Paris because it’s that usually, uneventful month between the Christmas holidays and Easter break many travellers seem to completely overlook. It shouldn’t be! There are loads of benefits to visiting this incredible destination in March.

March is a great time to visit Paris. There are usually discounts on hotels because there is less demand. It’s also the ideal month to avoid contributing to overtourism and to look like a tourist.

Here are an additional five reasons as well as a bonus!

The Best Month to Visit Paris? It’s NOT When You’d Think

1. Catch the beauty of seasonal transitions

Snow is a rarity in Paris (on average only 15 days per year) but with the right weather combination towards the end of winter, it’s definitely possible. Otherwise, if you miss out on snow there will be encouraging signs of spring in the air with pastel pink flowers starting to blossom.

I was so fortunate to experience this beautiful city in the snow and I was incredibly excited to have checked “See Snow in Paris” off my Bucket List! I’ll let my pictures here speak for themselves!

2. You’ll ask yourself, where are the tourists?

According to statistics fewer tourists in March 2016 (1.7m compared to 1.9m in Oct 2016) will obviously mean smaller queues at the major attractions.

Instead of wasting hours of your life waiting in line, spend more time taking in the sights that make Paris, Paris! In a typical Invisible Tourist manner, you might even be taken for a native!

3. March is the best month to visit Paris because there are fewer pickpockets.

Pickpockets are unfortunately well-known in Paris, but in March they are extremely rare. When the obstinate ones who do linger around throughout the colder months are stripped of their natural disguise that large groups offer, they are sure to stand out.

Knowing the telltale signals to look out for and how they behave will let them know you’ve caught them on and make them stay away.

TIP: Watch out for people who seemingly have nowhere to be and lurk mysteriously around crowds at tourist hotspots such as The Sacre Cœur, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and The Louvre. As mentioned here, being an Invisible Tourist means having a healthy dose of skepticism when you’re traveling.

4. You’ll almost have the city to yourself

March is the best month to visit Paris because you’ll be able to take enviable photos of landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Moulin Rouge. With fewer people out and about, your photos are less likely to feature other people unintentionally photobombing them.

The only overcrowding you’re likely to encounter is from commuters on the Metro and RER during rush hour (which is to be expected). Why not go and explore some of the more unusual things to do in Paris without the crowds?

TIP: If you need to ask a Parisian for advice on traveling around Paris by Metro, be sure to address them in French by greeting them politely and excusing yourself before you ask your question (eg “Bonjour Monsieur, excusez-moi”, then your question). If your accent isn’t perfect but you adopt this custom it will be greatly appreciated and highly likely they’ll answer you in English anyway!

5. There are plenty of things to do indoors if the weather isn’t great

If the day turns miserable there are plenty of things to see and do out of the cooler weather. Crowds will be minimal so you’ll be able to enjoy each activity to the fullest. Yay!

Make the most of this by exploring the various museums that are so inspiring in Paris (you can get tickets in advance for them!), dining in a café like a local, or shopping to your heart’s content at chic department shops like Printemps or Galleries Lafayette.

Before learning some common words and the ins and outs of the culture, I did, to a certain extent, believe this during my first visit. I have met a rude Parisian since then. My travel companion and I got along so well that one night we met locals in a pub and were invited to an exclusive after-party!

This label, in my opinion, is unjustified because, typically, the tourists are the ones who don’t put in much work. As I’ve already mentioned, having a solid understanding of the local tongue offers you a world of opportunities to enhance your trip. That is the main goal of becoming an Invisible Tourist.

The Best Month to Visit Paris? It’s NOT When You’d Think

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Paris in a Day: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, City Walk & Cruise

Overview:-

Discover Paris’s iconic landmarks in a single day with a small group and a knowledgeable local guide. Skip the lines at the Louvre Museum for an immersive art experience and see the famous Mona Lisa. Explore Montmartre and Ile de la Cité on guided walks and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square. Conclude your day with a Seine River cruise to admire Parisian sunset vistas.

Paris sightseeing with a small group and guide

Cram to multiple postcard-worthy attractions in one day

Pre-reserved tickets included for the Louvre Museum plus a Seine River cruise

Take a guided walking tour in Montmartre and Ile de la Cité

If you’re planning on travelling to Paris and have one day to explore, it may seem difficult to see all the major attractions in this famous city. But do not worry! With the help of this book, you’ll learn how to see most of Paris in a single day, including the iconic Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, a picturesque stroll through the city, and a leisurely Seine cruise. Let’s begin your journey to Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower!

Morning: Louvre Museum – Art and History in a Snapshot

Begin your day early by visiting the Louvre Museum, which is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, such as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Given the limited time you have, give priority to the highlights. As soon as you arrive, pick up a map and make your way directly to these well-known works of art.

Don’t worry if you’re not really interested in art. A historical landmark in and of itself is the Louvre. Beautiful architecture can be found within and outside the former royal palace. As you stroll around the courtyards, you can observe the contrast between the old buildings and the contemporary glass pyramid entrance.

Pro Tip: To avoid the crowds and make the most of your time inside, get your ticket online in advance!

Midday: Eiffel Tower – The Heart of Your Paris Trip

It’s time for the highlight of your Paris trip to see the Eiffel Tower after the Louvre. Visit the Eiffel Tower, a famous representation of France. More than just a photo opportunity, this Iron Lady experience is a breathtaking way to capture the spirit of Paris.

Use the elevator to the second story for expansive city views to make the most of your stay. If you’re up for the challenge, you can ascend the stairs to the first floor, which offers you a better view of the tower’s elaborate architecture.

Looking up from the bottom or looking out from the top, the Eiffel Tower captures the essence of Paris and is a must-see.

Paris in a Day: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, City Walk & Cruise

Pro Tip: Pre-book your Eiffel Tower tickets to skip the lines and avoid spending too much time waiting.

Afternoon: City Walk – Strolling Through Parisian Charm

After admiring the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, go along the Seine for a leisurely stroll through the city. The greatest way to explore Paris is on foot, and some of the most magnificent views can be found around the Champs de Mars and Trocadéro.

Stroll around the quaint neighborhoods, stopping at neighborhood cafés for a coffee or croissant. You may explore the Notre Dame Cathedral by strolling via Île de la Cité, or you can just wander along the lovely streets and take in the classic Parisian ambiance.

You may experience the essence of Paris on this walk, taking in its colorful culture, quaint architecture, and riverfront wind.

Evening: Seine River Cruise – A Relaxing End to the Day

A Seine River boat is the ideal way to round off your journey to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris as the day comes to an end. Get on a boat and take a leisurely trip down the river, passing by some of the most well-known sites in the city that are lit up at night.

The trip provides a tranquil view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the dusk and the Notre Dame Cathedral towering over the riverbank. After a long day of sightseeing, it’s the ideal way to wind down and take in the beauty of the City of Light.

Pro Tip: You can eat while admiring the landscape on some cruises that include dinner selections.

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Eiffel Tower Paris Trip

This schedule guarantees that you will see the most famous locations, even though one day is undoubtedly not enough to see everything Paris has to offer. Though the Louvre, a lovely city stroll, and a Seine cruise are all highly recommended, the Eiffel Tower is unquestionably the highlight of your vacation to Paris. You’ll also come away with a heart full of memories.

This quick trip is the ideal way to see Paris’ ageless charm in a single day. Paris is a city that stays with you long after you leave. So prepare to fall in love with Paris’s enchantment as you tie up your walking shoes and charge your camera!

That’s it—your ideal one-day schedule for a vacation to Paris that will never be forgotten, complete with the Eiffel Tower. You’ll get a taste of the city’s captivating landmarks, rich history, and distinct personality with this quick trip.

Although you might spend days or even weeks seeing Paris, this carefully thought-out schedule provides you with a satisfying taste of the city’s vibrancy and beauty. This day perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Parisian beauty, from the world-famous artwork at the Louvre Museum to the majestic heights of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a calm city stroll and a placid Seine River cruise.

Whether you’re floating down the Seine as the city’s lights reflect on the river, drinking coffee in a quaint café, or marveling at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll take with you treasured memories as you leave the city. These are all moments that add to Paris’s ageless charm, and they will undoubtedly make you want to visit the city again soon.

Recall that Paris is more than simply a place you visit; it’s an experience you’ll carry with you for a long time. The City of Light will undoubtedly leave its impression on your heart whether you visit for a day or for the rest of your life. Happy journeys!

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