March in Paris

It’s still February, and already the daffodils are in bloom - in Paris - and even in Normandy. It’s been an unseasonably warm winter for 2008. Being ever optimistic, I’m hoping this great weather will continue into March, just in time for the Easter festivities.

Easter 2008 events in Paris

If you plan on being in town this March, be sure to drop into Notre Dame cathedral for the Easter Tuesday (March 18th) concert. If you’ve never heard Gregorian chant - live, this is the ideal time and location. You can buy your tickets in advance at the cathedral.
15 Euros. Free for kids under 18. Tickets are sold at the Cathedral reception every day from 9:30 am to 6 pm on the night of the concert.
Tuesday March 18, 2008 or up until 8 pm the night of the concert.
Concert begins at 8:30 pm or 20H30 : « O CRUX AVE »

For those interested in medieval relics (one of the excuses for those Crusades back in the days of King Louis iX), what is believed to be and original part of the ‘Crown of Thorns’ is brought out for veneration on Good Friday, March 21st, 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm

Originally, Louis IX brought back the relic from the Venetians on one of his return trips from Jerusalem back in the 1200s. It was originally kept in the Sainte Chapelle royal chapel located on Ile de la Cite within walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral.

March weather in Paris

In March, you can truly enjoy the city in its normal day-to-day rush of activity. Expect the weather to range from mild to cold and rainy. However, it rarely snows in Paris. A good pair of waterproof shoes and a waterproof or leather jacket should keep you warm for the cooler days.

Where to stay

Hotel rates will be best on Sundays. Be aware that conventions can sometimes fill up hotels near the convention centers such as Porte de Versailles, but March tends to be a quiet month. This March municipal elections will have French voters staying close to home (Voting on March 9th). Easter weekend falls on March 22-23 this year. Depending on the weather, it’s normally the first big weekend for opening up country houses, so expect more traffic on the Paris ‘periphe’ or city loop for the Friday before ‘Paques’.

I’m crossing my fingers that the sunshine stays with us through till Easter.