What’s On in Paris – March 2025

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS: in France is Sunday, March 30th (at 2am, clocks will spring forward to 3am), three weeks later than Daylight Savings in the US (which takes place March 9th).

VACANCES SCOLAIRES (French School Holidays): The winter holidays for 2025 are February 8 through March 10, depending on the region (Paris/Ile-de-France is February 15-March 3). This usually affects how crowded a particular city or resort may be, as well as train and hotel prices.

First Sunday – March 2
Today is the first Sunday of the month, which means many museums and monuments are open for free (most require reservations, check their websites): the Centre Pompidou, Orsay, l’Orangerie, Rodin, Picasso, Delacroix, Cluny, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, the Panthéon, Versailles (already full) and Fontainebleau. You might want to try one of the (slightly) less crowded establishments, such as Cité de l’Architecture, Arts-et-Métiers, Cité de la Céramique de Sèvres, Guimet, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration – Palais de la Porte Dorée, Musée Albert-Kahn, Château de Vincennes or the Saint-Denis Basilica. Those which don’t require reservations may have long lines, so bundle up!

March 2
The 28th annual Carnaval de Paris, also known as the “Promenade du Bœuf Gras,” dates back to the Middle Ages and takes place the Sunday before Mardi Gras. The theme for 2025 is “Love, Peace, and Joy” (although participants have a lot of liberty in what their float actually looks like). The parade begins at 1pm at Place Gambetta (20th arrondissement), with the procession starting at 2pm. The route follows Avenue Gambetta, Place Auguste-Métivier, Boulevard de Ménilmontant, Boulevard de Belleville, and Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple, before concluding at Place de la République around 6pm, where festivities continue on the square until 8pm. Free entry, have fun!

Through March 2
The magical Pavillons de Bercy — Musée des Arts Forains, or Carnival Arts Museum, is exceptionally open for guided tours daily throughout the French school holidays. The 90-minute tours are led by a costumed actor, in French (a leaflet in English is provided to follow along), for a journey through the different decorated rooms and halls, allowing you to ride some of the antique carrousel rides and enjoy mechanical music shows. Advance booking online required, no ticket sales on site €18.80 for adults, €12.80 for kids 4-11.

Thursdays through March 6
The prestigious Comédie Française theater at Place Colette (next to the Palais Royal, 1st arrondissement) is having its third annual sale of rare costumes from their copious stock of period costumes and accessories worn on the stage for its repertoire of historical productions, for €50-€500. From now through March 6th, they’re releasing a dozen new outfits every Thursday in their boutique, open noon-8:30pm. If you want to be able to try items on, wear a body suit so you don’t have to wait for the dressing room.

First Friday – March 7
Tonight is the Free First Friday at the Louvre, where the evening visit (from 6pm-9pm) is free the first Friday of the month (except July-August). Tickets are required, and are only available two weeks in advance, and time slots fill up fast! Book online here: https://www.louvre.fr/expositions-et-evenements/evenements-activites/les-nocturnes-du-mercredi-et-du-vendredi

March 7-9
The French soup kitchen charity Restos du Coeur are holding their annual collection drive in supermarkets throughout the city for three days. Volunteers will be at the exits with boxes to collect food and hygiene items, “a box of rice, a can of food, a shower gel…each donation is a valuable help for those we support.” For more info (including on how to volunteer for the event): https://collecte.restosducoeur.org/

March 7-10
The permanent collection of the Centre Pompidou will be closing March 10th for five years of renovations (some temporary collections will be open until June). To mark the occasion, there will be four days of free festivities and special cultural events at the museum, where visitors can enjoy dance performances, guided tours, concerts, DJ sets, workshops, and artistic “encounters”. Highlights include the opening night “Que la fête commence!” on the evening of March 7th with jazz, DJ sets, and creative workshops from 6pm until 11:30pm; March 8th will have interactive art activities and artists on-site; March 9th is all about relaxation, with massage sessions and musical strolls; and a grand finale on March 10th featuring a dance performance by choreographer Alban Richard with DJ Simo Cell. Entry is free, space permitting (!!), but the event on the 7th is by reservation only, get your free spot by reserving online here.

March 7-16
The 108th annual Foire de Chatou gathers nearly 500 antique and second-hand dealers at île des Impressionnistes, 10 minutes from Paris. Expect high quality goods from vintage jewellery to industrial furniture, mid-century lighting to 18th century antiquities. Plus regional French foods, oysters and both a cocktail and a champagne bar! Entry €10 (free for under-15s), purchase on-site; there’s a free shuttle bus from RER station Rueil-Malmaison from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6pm, approximately every 30 minutes. Open 10am-7pm.

March 8
Today is International Women’s Day, known in France as the Journée Internationale des Droits des Femmes (International Women’s Rights Day). There are many different events all over Paris on March 7th and 8th, and this year Americans in Paris can participate in the French tradition of 100% legal and organized protest marches by joining the Democrats Abroad for an International Women’s Day Resistance Rally (time/location TBC).

March 9
The Gros Marché is holding a huge second-hand clothes market at Ground Control (81, rue du Charolais, 12th) today from noon-7pm, with 40 stands selling items €5-€30. As usual, there will be the bookstore, record shop, and the Ground Control food court. Free entry.

Through March 10
Calling all orchid lovers! The 12th annual Mille & Une Orchidées exhibition returns to the Grandes Serres (historic greenhouses) of the Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, 5th arrondissement), highlighting the natural habitats of orchids with a lush botanical display, a photography exhibition showcasing orchids in diverse ecosystems, and two curated discovery trails. Visitors can explore a 1,000 m² floral installation featuring hundreds of rare and exotic orchid species. There are workshops and demonstrations (in French), and a pop-up boutique with orchids for sale. Open daily except Tuesdays, from 10AM to 5PM (until 6PM from March 1). Tickets €7-€9.

March 11
Secrets of Paris contributor Scott Carpenter will be presenting his latest book, Paris Lost & Found: A Memoir of Love, today at the Café de la Mairie (51 rue de Bretagne, 3rd arrondissement) from 3pm to 5pm. This is Scott’s second memoir, this one offering a poignant and humorous story of navigating life and loss in Paris. Free event, space limited.

March 13
The Boudoir des Muses is a boutique hotel and spa in a former convent and brothel (not at the same time!) int he Marais district. Every month, their cocktail bar hosts Maud Amour for a sexy show combining burlesque inspirations and circus feats. From 7:30pm, free entry for standing or bar seating (you’ll need to purchase a drink); or reserve a table with the set €60 menu of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (including vegan option).

March 13-30
The Expo des 150 is a free contemporary art exhibition taking place in an abandoned telephone exchange at 17 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière (9th arrondissement). This massive show in 3000m² features 350 contemporary artists setup throughout the space (note: it doesn’t look like it would be heated, dress warm). Visitors can explore freely between 10am and 9pm, with the option to stay later to enjoy the bar and exhibition in a relaxed atmosphere. Free, but reservations required (you sign up for a date, and even though it says 10am, you can go anytime from 10am-9pm, and the bar is open even later). See some images of it here.

March 14-17
The Sustainable Living Fair at Parc Floral de Paris (Bois de Vincennes, 12th arrondissement) offers four days dedicated to eco-friendly lifestyles, featuring 300 exhibitors, conferences, and workshops. This year’s highlights include a special focus on permaculture with expert advice for sustainable food practices and a dedicated senior-friendly pathway covering organic products, wellness, and short supply chains. Visitors can also explore innovations like algae-based nutrition and natural water purification. Whether you’re a zero-waste advocate or just curious about greener living, this free-entry event provides inspiration for all. Download a free ticket online here.

March 15
The latest Repair Café to give your broken objects a second life is today at Centre Paris Anim’ Poterne des Peupliers (1 rue Gouthière, 13th arrondissement) starting at 2pm. Volunteers with repair expertise will help you fix household items instead of throwing them away, such as a toaster that keeps burning your bread, pants that need a hole fixed, a laptop that won’t turn on, etc. So you learn while also saving on throwing things out! In French, normally, but some franglais might pass. 😉 Free entry, limited to one item per person. Registration closes at 4:30pm, and access depends on available volunteers.

March 15-16
Violette Sauvage is the biggest “vide grenier” (empty your attic) clothing sale of the year, this time at the Espace Bailly (5/9 rue Bailly, 75003). There will be clothing and accessories from “thrift” to high-end designer brands for a steal. Open 11am-6pm. Entry €2 (cash and credit cards accepted).

March 18-28
Chili: La Dictature en Caricatures – The Galerie Bièvre at the Mairie du 13ème (Town Hall of the 13th arrondissement, at Place d’Italie) hosts this exhibition featuring forty satirical drawings by renowned Chilean cartoonist Guillo, author of Pinochet Illustré. Alongside his work, the exhibition includes iconic French press caricatures of Pinochet and contemporary dictators, with contributions from professional and student artists, including those from École Estienne. Organized in partnership with the Chilean Embassy in France, the event opens with a vernissage on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30pm.

March 19
Are you a US or dual citizen living abroad and you just found out you’re supposed to be filing a US tax return every year? Join a Zoom webinar on How to Catch Up on US Taxes as an American Abroad, hosted by Democrats Abroad and presented by Nathalie Goldstein from MyExpatTaxes. This session explains how to get compliant using the Streamlined Filing Procedure, covering key topics like how many years to back file, filing thresholds, deadlines for expats, retirement income, double taxation, and IRS COVID relief payments. Ideal for US and dual citizens abroad who haven’t been filing or need to catch up. The webinar runs from 3am-4am EST (8am London, 9am Paris, 7pm Sydney). Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for retirees, students, or unemployed participants. A recording is available for those who can’t attend live. Tickets and details available here.

March 20-23
The Paris Music Festival returns with 45 unique concerts across 17 unexpected venues in the capital. This festival, inspired by the spontaneity of the 1960s and ’70s, offers short, immersive performances ranging from an intimate concert by Émilie Loizeau on Vian’s personal piano to a candlelit show at Sunset-Sunside and a David Bowie Party at Ground Control. Audiences can also experience live music with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower at the Cité de l’architecture or explore the legacy of electronic music pioneer Pierre Henry through screenings at Atelier Son/Ré. Ticket prices range from €5 to €20, with details and reservations available at paris-music.com.

March 22
The Hôtel de Ville Open House returns for its 4th edition on Saturday, March 22, from 2pm to 5:30pm. Visitors can explore the grand halls of Paris’ City Hall (3 rue de Lobau, 4th arrondissement) and engage with elected officials and municipal teams through exhibitions, roundtables, and interactive stands on themes like urban life, sustainability, and democracy. Activities include gardening workshops, food tastings, poetic consultations, and a “Made in Paris” showcase. A career forum will also offer insights into working for the City of Paris. Free entry with prior registration. UPDATE: ALL SPOTS APPEAR TO BE FILLED, BUT TRY AGAIN A FEW DAYS BEFORE.

March 23-25
The annual Printemps du Cinéma is a three-day festival where all of the participating films are just €5, from indie films to blockbusters (see the list here).

March 31 – April 6
The Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art return for their 4th edition, celebrating craftsmanship across Paris and beyond. This week-long event offers an immersive look into the world of artisans through open workshops, live demonstrations, conferences, and guided visits. Under the theme Traits d’union, the 2025 edition highlights the connections between tradition and innovation, local heritage and global creativity. Free and open to all, this is a unique opportunity to meet artisans, discover rare skills, and explore the diversity of European craftsmanship. Full program available at journeesdesmetiersdart.fr (filter events by “entrée libre” for the ones that don’t need reservations).

April 1-5
The Open Studios at Caserne des Minimes welcome visitors from 11am to 7pm as part of the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art. Located at 3 rue Saint-Gilles, this former military barracks now houses artisans specializing in textile design, jewelry making, and heritage textile manufacturing. Discover Denovembre’s handcrafted scarves, La Duchesse aux Pieds Nus’ limited-edition vermeil and precious metal jewelry, and Société Choletaise de Fabrication’s historic weaving and braiding techniques. Free entry.

April 5
Unstoppable You: Live Your Best Life in Paris is a half-day conference designed to empower English-speaking women in Paris, taking place Saturday April 5th from 2pm to 6pm at the International School of Paris (45 rue Cortambert, 16th arrondissement). Co-hosted by INSPIRELLE, the event features inspiring speakers (including keynote Genie Godula of France 24), interactive workshops, one-on-one speed coaching, and expert advice on careers, business, health, relationships, and thriving as an international woman in France. Tickets are 40€, with discounts for INSPIRELLE members, ISP parents, and students.

April 5
The Art of Glass Painting with a Master Stained-Glass Artist takes place at Bibliothèque Forney (4th arrondissement) from 3pm to 5pm as part of the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art. Renowned master glass painter and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Josette Trublard will share insights into the history, techniques, and craftsmanship of stained glass. Through live demonstrations, including a reproduction of the Histoire de Psyché stained-glass panels from the 16th century, she will discuss restoration, contemporary creation, and career paths in the field. Free entry, no reservation required.

April 5-6
The Open Studios at Cour de l’Industrie take place from 11am to 6pm as part of the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art. This historic industrial courtyard in the 11th arrondissement, dating back to 1673, is home to 50 workshops featuring artisans and artists. Visitors can explore studios specializing in wood sculpture, gold leaf gilding, art restoration, textile design, wallpaper making, and theatrical wig craftsmanship. A food stand from Cantine will be available in the first courtyard. Free entry. More details at www.37bis.net.

April 12-14
The Paris Café Festival returns to Le Carreau du Temple for three days of specialty coffee experiences, bringing together top baristas, roasters, and industry innovators. Visitors can sample exceptional coffees, discover the latest equipment and trends, attend expert-led talks, and enjoy coffee-infused cocktails, music, and a vibrant atmosphere. Open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, with Monday reserved for industry professionals. Tickets €22. https://www.pariscafefestival.com/

April 15-29
The Handbags Online: The Paris Edit auction, hosted by Christie’s, presents an exclusive selection of rare and highly sought-after luxury handbags, including exceptional Hermès pieces. Running online from April 15 at 12am to April 29 at 2pm (CEST), this auction caters to discerning collectors looking for unmatched quality and craftsmanship. Bidding takes place online, with previews and inquiries available through Christie’s Paris at 9 Avenue Matignon.

April 25-27
The Urban Art Fair returns to the Carreau du Temple, bringing together over 30 French and international galleries showcasing works by more than 200 urban artists. Established in 2016, this annual event is a key meeting point for collectors, art professionals, and street art enthusiasts. The fair features exhibitions, live performances, artist signings, and short film screenings. Public opening hours: Friday and Saturday from 11am to 8pm, Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Tickets: €15 standard, €10 reduced, free for children under 12.

Through September 7
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (5 Rue Vivienne, 2nd) presents Le monde pour horizon, a year-long, three-part exhibition showcasing rare maps, prints, manuscripts, photos, costumes, and stage jewelry. Highlights include Hokusai’s The Great Wave and Toulouse-Lautrec’s Divan Japonais poster. With rotating exhibits every four months, visitors can return for new discoveries throughout the year. Open Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm. Tickets €10, reduced €8.

Through September 21
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Louis-Senlecq (31 Grande Rue, L’Isle-Adam) presents Trois siècles à L’Isle-Adam, an exhibition showcasing the town’s history through paintings, sculptures, watercolors, engravings, vintage posters, postcards, and historical photographs. Visitors will explore L’Isle-Adam’s evolution from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Highlights include works by artists like Jules Dupré, depictions of the Oise River landscapes, and a focus on the town’s industrial and leisure history. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. €6.