A melody of colours and atmospheres, a symphony of contrasting skies and light. Every season pays tribute to Paris and highlights its charms, be it the sun caressing its pale facades, or the rain reflecting the night’s gleam. To the sweet music of romance or a festive beat, compose your own score for your trip to the city, depending on the time of year and the whims of the weather.
Spring
This is the season where Paris seems to reawaken, with its avenues fringed with new green shoots and its trees in flower. The days are getting longer, as are the opening times of museums, and the high season is just around the corner. There’s a holiday feeling in the air and the sweet smell of candy floss pervades the pathways of the Foire du Trône funfair. People venture out and about in the parks and gardens and along the river banks, strolling, cycling or skating.
Summer
When the summer season is at its height, rest and relaxation and 'joie de vivre' bask in the sun, on the café terraces, in the parks and on the 'beaches' by the Seine. Picnics abound and gourmets melt for the best ice cream in Paris. On the Champs-Elysées, the 14 July parades and the cyclists triumph. Cinema and music celebrate: free films and concerts thrill the capital, which takes on its summer scenes.
Autumn
When you see the avenues and parks take on their autumn reflections, and the soft light of the street lamps sets aglow the carpet of fallen leaves, it’s an inspiring sight. The days may be getting shorter, but the colours are blooming. This is not only the time to return to school, but also a renewal of culture. Autumn has its own festival and the major trade fairs draw the crowds. Towards the end of November, Paris already sparkles with Christmas decorations.
Winter
Snow occasionally covers the rooftops of Paris with its mantle, reminiscent of the Impressionist paintings by Caillebotte. Christmas dresses up the main avenues with its sparkle, markets and appealing window displays spring up around the city. It is a pleasure to dive into the cosy warmth of its restaurants and cafés. Take a tasty break for hot chocolate between two museums or after a few pirouettes on the open-air ice rinks. From January to March, this is the charm of off-season Paris.