Explore our curated list of must-see cultural events happening in March across Paris and Greater Paris. From the ongoing Chinese New Year festivities stretching until March 3rd, to the vibrant Holi celebrations, the arrival of spring, school holidays, and International Women's Day, the Paris cultural calendar promises a busy and exciting month.
Explore Paris offers a curated selection of guided tours and cultural walks related to these events. Whether you're with family, friends, or exploring solo, enjoy the top cultural activities in Paris this March.
The Chinese New Year started on February 17th and runs until March 3rd: Numerous cultural events and visits celebrating Chinese traditions are available on Explore Paris. These experiences offer an in-depth look into the history and growth of Chinatown neighborhoods in Aubervilliers, in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, and in Belleville.
Must-see:
- Discovering the neighborhood through its Chinese bookstores, temples, restaurants, and traditions...
- Discovering Belleville’s Chinatown: customs, traditions, and the story of Chinese immigration.
- Discovering the Chinese wholesale district in Aubervilliers.
Discover the top culinary spots in the neighborhood through a tasting tour in the 13th arrondissement.
The Holi Festival is celebrated on March 4th, inspiring a series of festive and cultural events across the capital. Immerse yourself in the diverse traditions of the Indian subcontinent through guided walks through the neighborhoods of Paris and La Courneuve.
Spring is on its way! Explore our curated selection of nature excursions and quirky city walks to make the most of the sunny days:
Discover nature amidst the city at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, the Beaumonts Park, or in the 12th arrondissement of Paris with guided botanical outings. These excursions offer a chance to learn about wild plants, their benefits, and the diverse biodiversity thriving in the heart of Paris.
Enjoy the sunny days with a cruise along the Seine or the Canal Saint-Martin and experience breathtaking views of iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods from the water.
Discover this flooding and inundation phenomena during a stroll that connects Plateau Park to the Marne banks, passing through the idyllic trails of Île Pissevinaigre.
Discover a hidden gem in Paris that has remained largely secret: the Carmelites’ convent, located within the Institut Catholique de Paris. Behind its walls lies a sprawling, bucolic garden. This exclusive visit also offers a chance to explore the nuns' private chapel, the sacristy, and the historic cloister.
Guided tours are also a fantastic way to rediscover your city and uncover its hidden treasures:
Embark on a journey through the vibrant, working-class side of Paris, exploring remnants of industry, iconic film locations, and lively cafes along the Canal Saint-Martin. Discover the tour Le canal Saint-Martin, from the Grisette to La Villette.
Springtime vineyard stroll: Join members of the Clos Saint-Vincent confrérie to explore the viticultural history of Noisy-le-Grand. The tour takes you into the wine cellar where the batches are crafted and offers insight into the pruning work that begins as early as March to prepare for the upcoming harvest.
Discover a space in the midst of renewal: Lil'Ô, a former industrial wasteland now turned into flowering fields and a hub for scientific and ecological experimentation.
Keen on unique urban strolls?
- The Pantinoises Walks comprise a series of four guided tours designed to explore and rediscover Pantin, a city in full transformation. Known for its vibrant industrial and working-class history, Pantin is undergoing one of the most dynamic shifts in the northeastern Paris suburbs.
- Follow a guide passionate about the supernatural: from mysterious crimes in Paris during the reign of Louis XIV, through the currents of Satanism and Romanticism in the 19th century, to the captivating history of funeral rituals across the ages.
- Immersive tours in Paris that allow visitors to experience the City of Light during the Belle Époque or travel back to the Middle Ages, blending historical facts with local legends.
- Les rand'eau: Explore a series of urban hikes to learn about the journey of Parisian water, from its source to your tap, delving into its history and technological advancements along the way.
Explore the history of women in Greater Paris:
In celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, Explore Paris has put together a special lineup of tours and walks focused on women's history, available throughout the month of March.
- Discover iconic neighborhoods through a feminist lens with guides from Feminists in the City. Wander through Butte-aux-Cailles to follow the trail of female street artists or explore Pigalle's neighborhood and its sometimes taboo topics.
- For a deeper look into the history of women in Northeastern Paris, join Anouk Colombani, a specialist in popular memory. She will shed light on the women of the Commune, Resistance fighters, and other often-overlooked female figures who have shaped our cities through their work and activism.
The Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis is offering a special tour dedicated to the history of the queens and princesses buried in the former royal necropolis. Discover this unique visit in honor of International Women's Rights Day.
Discover all the cultural activities for children and families in March and during the school holidays:
- Workshops for kids to build models and create photomontages inspired by Jean Dubuffet's tower.
- NEW A Literary Tour of the Playing Card Museum with a writer, offering a fresh, unconventional way to explore some of the museum’s key pieces.
- A visit to the Tiffany stained glass windows at Saint-Denis Basilica, followed by a workshop where children design their own stained glass masterpiece.
- A children's workshop: Come make your own cinema! to learn about the origins of the 7th Art and bring images to life using some of the oldest techniques.
- Following a guided tour of the "Andiamo" exhibition with a cultural mediator, join us for a paper craft workshop at Crédac to create a collaborative masterpiece.
- A game tour: puzzles in the covered passages, an engaging family walk filled with clues and mysteries.
- Family workshops at the Paul Eluard Museum of Art and History in Saint-Denis.
- The secrets of artisanal bread in a century-old bakery oven: Knead, shape, and enjoy making your own bread.
- Montmartre game trail for all ages: Climb up the Butte Montmartre and explore the footsteps of Francisque Poulbot and his little Poulbots with guide Emilie Poulbot.
Exploring the world of spirits and wines in Greater Paris:
From winemakers and spirits producers to urban distilleries, Greater Paris unveils a rich tapestry of experiences through visits, workshops, and tastings. Explore local craftsmanship and traditions through the world of spirittourism.
- NEW Visit and tasting at Paname Brewing Company, a brand-new craft brewery just 15 minutes from the Stade de France.
-Gin Workshop at L’Alambic Parisien Distillery: Craft and blend your own personalized gin with guidance from a passionate master distiller.
- Visit and tasting with a craft winemaker at the Fossés winery.
- Tour and tasting at Gallia Brewery, a historic Parisian brewery that epitomizes the beer-making tradition of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Or explore some lesser-known museums of Greater Paris for a truly unique cultural experience:
- NEW Visit the 'Kourtney Roy - All Inclusive' exhibition at Citéco
- The departmental archives also offer guided tours of two exhibitions: "Happy Taxpayers? Paying Taxes in Eastern Paris from 1302 to 1914" and "Vacations! House of History and Heritage".
- Discover 5,000 Years of Paris History at the Carnavalet Museum, from its underground vaults to the upper floors, through relics of the past, maps, models, and artworks.
- The Living History Museum of Montreuil unveils its latest exhibition, “Colors: A History of Work and Struggles.”
-The Museum of Art and History at Saint-Anne Hospital
Explore the great monuments in a different way
rediscover iconic sites such as Hôtel Gaillard, a remarkable building that once housed the Bank of France, Château de Vincennes, or the La Défense neighborhood.
Explore some of the city's most remarkable historical and heritage sites, distinguished by their architecture, rich history, and ongoing significance:
- Hôtel de Beauvais, now home to the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal, located in the heart of the Marais
- La Maison des Jardies in Sèvres, a 17th-century estate once home to Balzac and later Gambetta
- The Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis offers an immersive experience with an augmented reality tour that grants free access to the Flèche Workshop, where visitors can observe artisans at work.
- Palais d’Iéna, home to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), the third chamber of the French Republic.
Step behind the scenes at iconic sports venues like the Stade Roland-Garros and the Stade de France to explore restricted areas such as VIP boxes, locker rooms, and press rooms that are usually off-limits to the public.
Step inside some of the world's most iconic venues: the headquarters of one of the most renowned international organizations, UNESCO; the New Court of Paris designed by Renzo Piano; the Palace of Justice; the Commercial Court; and the Great Mosque of Paris…
Discover the secrets of extraordinary locations: marvel at the traditional French craftsmanship of the Gobelins National Tapestry Factory, experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, or explore the Grosbois estate with a tour of the castle and the renowned gallop horse training center.
Discover iconic filming locations with cine-walking tours, get lost in the charming covered passages of Paris, or enjoy a unique experience in Montmartre with a singing guide.
Looking for a gift idea?
Looking for a unique gift for a celebration, birthday, or any special occasion? Surprise your loved ones with extraordinary tours from our Explore Paris gift cards, perfect for sparking curiosity and adventure.
Tip: don't forget thatthere are plenty of free tours on Explore Paris!
In English, please!
Discover Paris with us through our English-language boutique. We offer guided tours in English of the Saint-Denis Basilica, UNESCO headquarters, the Roland-Garros Stadium, or the lively district of Montmartre in song. But our main focus is our extensive selection of private tours. Enjoy your visit!
