April in Paris

Springtime in Paris is iconic, partly due to the song “April in Paris”, written for a Broadway musical in 1932.  The lyrics were written by “Yip" Harburg, a lyricist whose credits include The Wizard of Oz.  (Incidentally, he was born in April.)  

If you're headed to Paris in spring, be prepared for rain, and delighted if you have sun.  April showers do indeed bring May flowers, but it’s hit-or-miss with good weather in the capital from March to June.  Pack layers and an umbrella, just in case.  However, prices are lower and lines are shorter, as peak summer tourist season doesn’t hit until mid-June.  There are numerous inside activities, and you can participate in events designed for locals. 

  

Pick up the Paris Museum Pass, and set off to expand your historical and cultural knowledge on topics ranging from fashion to airplanes.  The pass is valid for 2, 4 or 6 days, and starts at 35 euros.  It’s worth it if you want to hit several major museums during your stay (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, Rodin, Versailles).  Beware of museum over-load: don’t combine big museums in one day, and don’t hit more than two per day.  Go to a small museum first to buy the pass (Rodin is great), and you’ll sail through the entrances to the larger museums.  The palace of Versailles is included in the pass, but requires a full day, and if it’s raining, the gardens won’t be as much fun.  Wait for a sunny day, or skip it and visit something else instead.  


     

Don’t let rain dampen your spirits, you can always buy postcards (or find photos elsewhere) of the monuments taken during better weather.  The metro and buses can zip you around, and the museums can store your coats and umbrellas.  If you need to warm up, take a short break at a café.  Hop on bus #69 for a dry hour-long loop tour of the city’s major sites for the cost of a métro/bus ticket (~$2).  This option is much cheaper than the red hop on/hop off buses (~$40), only popular with tourists.      

Any visit to Paris is well worth it, no matter the weather.  Don’t work against it: have options for nice days and museums to see when it turns.  Plan to be flexible, and you’ll have a great time in Paris!