What to do in Paris in January, February, March and April 2023
There are lots of exhibitions in Paris. Here is our list of not-to-miss events!
MAJOR EVENTS IN PARIS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL 2023
January, as all Paris fashionistas know, offers rich pickings with the start of the much-awaited winter sales on Wednesday 11 January until Tuesday 7 February 2023: four whole weeks of bargains, with reductions of up to 70%.
In January each year, Paris is top dog on the catwalk during Fashion Week. On this occasion, the biggest names in fashion, celebrities and journalists flock to Paris to discover the new trends in ready-to-wear for men (from 17 to 22 January 2023) and haute couture (from 23 to 26 January 2023) for the next year.
Valentine’s day: Paris the capital of love
In the depths of winter, as the mercury drops sharply in the French capital, lovers’ hearts are ablaze on 14 February, Valentine’s Day. Infinitely romantic, Paris is the city of lovers. For something special and to feel as though you are having a short getaway, book into one of the city’s hotels of charm and character with room service, enjoy a menu specially designed for two for the occasion, or opt for a click & collect menu from one of Paris’s top restaurants, or discover the capital from a new angle by treating yourself to a cruise on the Seine with Green River Cruises, or by strolling through the loveliest parks, embracing in front of the Medici fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens, by crossing the Pont des Arts (without fixing any locks to it!) or strolling through the Père-Lachaise cemetery in search of the mythical lovers Heloise and Abelard … Passion is tucked away everywhere in the streets of Paris!
More information about Paris romantique
EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL 2023
To get the year off to a good start, the capital's many museums are the places to go to see eagerly awaited, surprising and original exhibitions.
On 17 February 2023, the Atelier des Lumières unveils two exhibitions devoted to Marc Chagall and Paul Klee. On this occasion, visitors experience an artistic and immersive digital journey (until 7 January 2024).
And, not to miss: the exhibition Matisse in the 1930s at the Musée de l’Orangerie (from 1st March to 29 May 2023).
From 15 March 2023, the Musée du Luxembourg pays tribute to Léon Monet, the overlooked brother of Claude Monet who played a decisive role in the career of the artist. The exhibition sheds new light on the friendship between the two men, their shared interest in colour, their links with the major Impressionist painters and their works (until 16 July 2023).
The Musée d’Orsay celebrates two great masters of 19th century painting, with a special exhibition Manet-Degas, from 28 March to 23 July 2023. Produced in association with the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the exhibition is conceived as a dialogue between the works of the two artists who were first partners and then rivals. More than 150 masterpieces are brought together for the first time.
The Fondation Louis Vuitton is creating a buzz with a highly anticipated exhibition: Basquiat X Warhol. Painting Four Hands, from 5 April to 28 August 2023. The exhibition brings together a hundred works co-signed by the two icons of the New York underground in the 1980s. A colourful testimony to a historic friendship between two major artists.
Older kids will enjoy Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, where more than 180 original objects are presented, some of them for the first time in France. A priceless treasure that is sure to take your breath away! At the Grande Halle de la Villette, from 7 April to 6 September 2023.
The actress Sarah Bernhardt is one of the great female artists being honoured this year by museums in the capital. From 14 April to 27 August 2023, to mark the centenary of her death, the Petit Palais is devoting an exceptional exhibition to the woman Jean Cocteau described as being a ‘giant’ of the stage. In an exhibition of over 400 works, the public is invited to discover the life and artistic work in painting and sculpture of one of the greatest actresses of the 19th century.
From 21 April 2023, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will be hosting Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Visitors will be transported to the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and will experience an unprecedented immersive adventure that will bring them closer to Harry, Ron and Hermione. Highlights include reconstructed key scenes, cult costumes and props, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the saga.
But also …
> Monet - Mitchell. Dialogue and retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, until 27 February 2023
> Hyperrealism. This is not a body at musée Maillol, until 5 March 2023
> Art deco France – North America at Cité de l’Architecture & du Patrimoine, until 6 March 2023
> Top secret at the Cinémathèque française, until 21 May 2023
> Kimono at musée du Quai Branly, until 28 May 2023
TRADE SHOWS, FESTIVALS AND OTHER EVENTS IN PARIS IN PARIS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL 2023
The New lunar Year celebrations take place on 22 January 2023 and welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The many performances and attractions are back again this year, and the decorations in several districts of Paris are worth a visit!
On 19 February 2023, the Paris Carnival descends on the city. Don't miss the joyful processions that wind their way through the streets in costume.
From 25 February to 5 March 2023, The Agricultural Show 2023 welcomes professionals, and the general public to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This new edition is magnificently epitomized by the cow Ovalie, a true muse of this highly anticipated event!
From 25 March to 21 May 2023, the Centquatre-Paris will be holding a new edition of Circulation(s), the festival dedicated to emerging European photographers. The programme includes exhibitions, round table discussions and screenings ... This year, Bulgaria is in the spotlight.
Every year, the European Artistic Craft Days showcase artists and artisans in Paris and the Île-de-France region from 27 March to 2 April 2023. Artisans, training organizations, project leaders … All the expertise will be on show at meetings, open days and conferences.
From 30 March to 2 April 2023, Art Paris Art Fair brings together nearly 150 galleries at the Grand Palais Éphémère. A major event on the modern and contemporary art scene, this 25th anniversary edition focuses on two major themes ‘commitment’ and ‘exile’.
From 30 March to 29 April 2023, the multi-disciplinary festival 100 %, mixing theatre, dance, circus arts, music and contemporary art, will be back at La Villette.
For some savvy shopping, head to the Foire de Paris (from 27 April to 8 May 2023). Exhibitors and visitors will be at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Europe’s leading trade show! Discoveries and innovations from the world of the home, craftsmanship and gastronomy are always on the agenda. Not to miss, the Concours Lépine an annual award for the best in innovation.
SPORTING EVENTS IN PARIS IN PARIS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL 2023
The sixth edition of the Meeting de Paris Indoor takes place at the Accor Arena on 11 February 2023. For one evening, French and international track and field stars (Kevin Mayer, Renaud Lavillenie, Christophe Lemaitre, Antoinette Nana Djimou…) compete in 7 sporting events. A memorable show!
Rugby fan? In February, it is the launch of the mythical Tournament of the VI Nations. Meet at the Stade de France (February 26, 2023) for the France - Scotland match and (March 18, 2023) for France - Wales.
Two major sporting events for runners from around the world are the Paris half-marathon and the Paris marathon. The half-marathon, known as the Harmonie mutuelle semi-marathon de Paris, will take place on Sunday 5 March 2023. The 40,000 enrolled participants run a distance of 21.1 km through the Bois de Vincennes, along the banks of the Seine, passing by Paris City Hall, etc. The bravest runners will meet up on Sunday 2 April 2023 to run the legendary Paris marathon, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. The 42.2 km route also includes iconic places in the capital: Rue de Rivoli, Place de la Bastille and the Bois de Boulogne.
On 12 March 2023, take up the challenge of running the Grande Course du Grand Paris Express, a sustainably organized race along a 10-km route plus a semi-marathon.
Du 17 au 19 mars 2023, le Grand Palais Éphémère accueille la 13e édition du Saut Hermès, l’une des compétitions équestres les plus difficiles et les plus prestigieuses du circuit.
OUTINGS FOR CHILDREN IN PARIS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL 2023
Springtime is funfair season, and children in Paris look forward in particular to the Foire du Trône, which will be back on the Pelouse de Reuilly. Considered the biggest fair in all of Europe, it has attractions galore, and plenty of surprises in store.
The Musée en Herbe looks back on 150 years of recorded music with its ‘En avant la musique’ exhibition (until 21 may 2023). From the phonograph to digital technology … visitors of all ages will enjoy being taken on a unique interactive and musical journey.
As for the Musée de l’Homme, it is hosting an exhibition-event Arts and Prehistory until 22 May 2023. The programme includes more than 90 original prehistoric pieces and hundreds of digital images of paintings and engravings. Amazing!
Dive into Space, journey to the centre of the Earth or defy gravity … For family adventures, go along to Science Expériences, at Bercy Village.
At the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the exhibition Metamorphoses, specially designed for young people aged 6 to 11, focuses on the fascinating transformations of the world and of living things.
At the Paradis Latin, kids and adults can discover the new family show Mon premier cabaret by Kamel Ouali.
At the Théâtre Mogador, the hit musical « Lion King » continues to thrill audiences.
This year, Easter Sunday falls on 9th April, and there will be egg hunts for children in many different parts of the French capital. Bring your baskets!
> For more information, see our ‘Easter in Paris’ section
