April is the month when Paris bursts back into colour and sparks a renewed curiosity to explore. Between unusual outings in Paris and original activities in Île-de-France, the April 2026 calendar holds plenty of surprises for those who like to think outside the box. Whether you’re a couple, a family or a group of friends, in the 3e arrondissement of Paris, beneath the slabs of La Défense, or an hour’s drive from Seine-et-Marne, there’s always something unexpected to discover.
To make your April as fun as possible, to break you out of the day-to-day routine and gift you lasting memories, the Sortiraparis team, always hunting for the best bons plans à Paris, has put together a neatly tailored guide so that this budding month is as enjoyable as can be. Between new openings, secret activities and exclusive exhibitions, you won’t have a dull moment this month.
The Subterranean Ecstasies: an introspective artistic journey beneath La Défense's Grande Arche
With headphones on, a flashlight in hand, visitors descend into 1,000 square meters of tunnels usually closed to the public beneath the Grande Arche. The Sous l'Horizon exhibition dives into the ocean depths through poetic installations by Antoine Bertin, Ugo Schiavi, and Shivay La Multiple, with narration by Emily Loizeau. A sensory, meditative experience not to be missed, from April 3 to 26, 2026 in Paris La Défense. [Read more]
Hanami at Parc de Sceaux 2026: reservations required, program announced and tickets soon to go on sale
Each spring, the Domaine de Sceaux transforms into a passport to travel as its Japanese cherry trees bloom. Hanami 2026 is slated from April 4 to 21, with advance reservations. It stands as one of the most fleeting and photogenic spectacles in Île-de-France, to be enjoyed along the Grand Canal in the Hauts-de-Seine (92). Also don’t miss the city’s full program, which includes charming activities. [Read more]
Fête de la Songkran 2026, le Nouvel An thaï à Wat Thammapatip, la pagode insolite en Seine-et-Marne
Heading to Moissy-Cramayel in Seine-et-Marne (77) for a Thai immersion without leaving the Île-de-France. The former Château de Lugny now houses the Buddhist pagoda Wat Thammapatip, ringed by hundreds of golden statues. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Thai community will celebrate the Thai New Year with traditional dances, street food and festive vibes. A quirky, transportive outing less than an hour from Paris. [Read more]
The Yellow Mill Goes Pink for Hanami 2026 in its Stunning Remarkable Garden
This remarkable garden of clown Slava, in Crécy-la-Chapelle, Seine-et-Marne, opens its gates on 18 and 19 April 2026 for a bloom-filled weekend celebrating spring. An unconventional, Instagram-ready setting, nestled between sculptures, cherry trees, and a fairy-tale atmosphere, far from the bustle of Paris. [Read more]
Night of the Monuments 2026: Île-de-France's heritage lit up after dark, dates and program
From April 17 to 19, 2026, the heritage of Île-de-France comes alive at night for the Night of the Monuments. Places usually off-limits after hours will open their doors for theatrical tours, family-friendly activities, and offbeat discoveries across the region’s castles, abbeys and monuments. A wonderful chance to (re)discover our shared heritage in a new light. [Read more]
Eggxtraordinaire: a free, whimsical and gourmet exhibition you won’t want to miss in the Marais
At Galerie Joseph in the 3rd arrondissement, 94 artisans, pastry chefs, chocolatiers and artists are reinventing the egg in every form: chocolate, metal, ceramics, paper… A free exhibition led by honorary presidents Pierre Hermé and Patrick Roger, to be seen from April 3 to May 3, 2026, from 2 to 7 pm. [Read more]
Thousands of tulips at the Château de Dampierre in Yvelines, captured in photos and video! Events planned.
In the Yvelines, the Domaine de Dampierre opens its Printanières from late March to early May 2026. Thousands of tulips, a Tulip Day, and a Plant Festival are on the agenda for spring 2026—the full story, plus the photos and video from our on-site visit, are revealed to you. [Read more]
Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau: a royal, immersive weekend
Un immersive show around Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI takes over the Château de Fontainebleau on the weekend of April 18–19, 2026. Scenes, an equestrian performance, an introduction to Jeu de Paume... Here’s more about the program awaiting you at this event that aims to whisk you back in time! [Read more]
A free giant dictation at the Palais de la Découverte for the Paris Book Festival
The Palais de la Découverte will host the free Grand Dictation organized as part of the Paris Book Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Three sessions, open to all, celebrate the French language and handwriting. [Read more]
Kaldea's free street-art exhibition at Espace Cinko plunges us into kawaii Japan — photos
Street artist Kaldea presents Identity, her major solo show at Espace Cinko, Passage Choiseul in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. A free, no-booking immersive exhibition that invites visitors into her kawaii world, nurtured by Japanese culture, on view from April 11 to 18, 2026. [Read more]
In short, you’re all set for what should be a great April! If you or your wife can’t snag tickets to Céline Dion’s concert, you’ll just have to cheer yourselves up, right?
Dates and Opening Time
From April 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026
