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

“Paris, the romantic City of Lights.”

Time for the burning question: When is the best month to visit Paris? With a recorded 35.4 million visitors in 2019, which is almost the entire population of Canada, it raises the question of whether there really is a best month to visit Paris. That sure is a lot of tourists!

Having said that, is Paris really the of City of Lights or City of Tourist Hoards?

The latter title is definitely an accurate description of what you could expect over the summer months. It’s fascinating to watch the crowds squeeze together like sardines attempting to get that Instagrammable shot of the Mona Lisa or witness the endless queues snaking their way up to the Eiffel Tower observation deck.

People will explain why the spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Paris, but I like to say “best” is subjective depending on the person and what they value most.

Having experienced the wonders of this inspiring city at several different times of the year, I recognised there IS a best month to visit Paris. 

While France is one of the best countries to visit in June, for Paris specifically I believe the best month to visit is March.
Really?
Definitely. 
This is one of my many crucial Paris travel tips. I’ll get into exactly why below!

This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

 

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 visit this incredible destination in March.

Staying in Paris during the month of March usually means discounted rates on hotels as there is less demand, too! It’s also the best month if you’re wanting to not look like a tourist and avoid contributing to overtourism.

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.

Spend less time being bored to death lining up for hours and more time enjoying the sights that make Paris, Paris! Maybe you’ll even be mistaken for a local in true Invisible Tourist fashion!

TIP: To save even more time, you can buy tickets in advance for many attractions. I’ll list them and some other popular European attractions here.

READ MORE:

Skip the Line! Buy Tickets in Advance to Europe’s Top Attractions

Do’s & Don’ts in Madrid to NOT Look Like a Tourist

Essential Prague Travel Tips to NOT Look Like a Tourist

Vienna Travel Tips: Do’s & Don’ts to Know Before You Go

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

Unfortunately Paris is notorious for pickpockets but in March they are very few and far between. For the stubborn ones that do hang around in the colder months, they easily stand out when they’re deprived of the camouflage big crowds provide.

By keeping an eye out for a few signs and being aware of how they operate they’ll know you’ve caught onto them and will keep their distance.

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 scepticism when you’re travelling.

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 travelling 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!

Take advantage of this by visiting the many museums (you can buy tickets in advance to them!) that make Paris so inspiring, slow down and dine the Parisian way at a café or shop up a storm at stylish department stores Galleries Lafayette or Printemps.

BONUS: By the way, the French AREN’T rude

This goes for any month but you’ll soon realise the “French are rude” stereotype is a total myth. I’ve explained the full story in my #1 Amazon New Release book.

I did believe this to an extent on my first visit before I learnt some basic phrases and cultural differences. Since then, I have encountered a rude Parisian. In actual fact, my travel buddy and I were invited to an exclusive after party by meeting locals in a pub one night because we got along so well!

In my opinion this stigma is quite undeserved because it’s the usually the visitors who don’t put in much effort. As I’ve explained previously, learning enough of the local language opens multiple doors of opportunity to enrich your travel experience. That’s what being an Invisible Tourist is all about.

Concluding the best month to visit Paris

Would I visit Paris during March again, even for the fifth time? Absolutely! And I’d highly recommend it to others, especially if you’re hoping to avoid the notorious summer crowds . If you’re after more ideas for your trip, here’s some ideal things to do in Paris for first-time visitors.

Although it’s magical in the summer months, sometimes I feel as though too many visitors in Paris can hinder the type of experience you have.

Big draw card attractions such as Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower observation deck are much more enjoyable without the elbows of others constantly poking into your ribs.

Go make the most of this awe-inspiring city during a time when many other travellers overlook it!

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This guide to the best month to visit Paris contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. As always, I only recommend a product or service that I genuinely love and use myself!

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