The Best Time to Visit Paris

SPRINGFALLWINTERSUMMER

Paris, as they say, is always a good idea. But one could argue that it's a much better idea come spring, when the flowers are in bloom, the temperatures are balmy, and café terraces are bustling after a winterlong hibernation.

Need further convincing? We asked several trusted Parisian locals why spring is the best season to enjoy the City of Lights.

SPRING

“My favorite time of year in The City of Light is the late spring, early summer season. The flowers are in full bloom and the weather is warm and sunny. There is always an excuse to be outdoors, whether it be a picnic in the park, window shopping on the famous rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, or enjoying a drink in Le Bristol Paris’ French garden. The museums are buzzing with new exhibitions and the main tourist attractions more beautiful than ever." — Luca Allegri, Managing Director, Le Bristol Paris

"The best time of the year to visit Paris is during Spring, because the weather is nice, parks are covered with flowers, and the city is less inhabited." — Bertrand Kerzreho, Concierge, Le Meurice

"The best time to discover Paris is at sunrise in the spring from the Pont Alexandre III, where the monuments are sublimed by the daylight." — Marc Raffray, Managing Director at Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel

Though we're partial to Spring, there's certainly never a "bad" time to be in Paris. Here's what locals have to say about the rest of the year.

"Paris is divine in the Fall. You still feel summer alongside the beautiful fall colors. I love the business of the season—the new theatre plays, the exhibitions happening at the International Contemporary Art Fair [in mid-October], and also the arrival of Fashion Week." — Jerome Poret, Head Concierge, Hotel Plaza Athénée

WINTERv

"There's a special allure in Paris during the winter season. The air is crisp, and there's added excitement with the holidays just around the corner. The city streets are dressed in festive lights and local boutiques decorate their window displays for the occasion. Have a silky hot chocolate at Café Antonia or warm up at the fireplace with a winter old fashion at Le Bar du Bristol. " — Luca Allegri, Managing Director, Le Bristol Paris

"There's a reason Paris is named the City of Lights. During Christmas, the decorations are stunning, especially in the windows displays in the Galerie Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. There's also the huge Christmas Market and amazing decorations on the Champs Elysées." — Bertrand Kerzreho, Concierge, Le Meurice

SUMMER

"If you're into fashion, the sales season in July is great for shopping. And Parisians love August, because there's nobody in town, and most of the famous places and museums are still open, so you don’t have to wait in long lines." — Bertrand Kerzreho, Concierge, Le Meurice