What to do during school vacation?

What to do in Paris during holiday APRIL 2024 ?You decided to visit Paris and its area during French school holidays? Here is a list of the most well-known places located in Northern Paris to explore all by yourself or with your family. Here you can find a lot of indoors and outdoors activities such as museums, parks, markets and different events... open all year long!

Scroll down the page to see activities and special events organized for each season of the year!

Find more information about public holidays in Paris and its area here.

Looking for something to do in the Paris region during the school vacations ?

Looking for activities to do in the Paris region during the Easter school vacations? (or Spring vacations)

Vacation dates in April 2024 in the Paris region will be held from Saturday April 6 until Sunday April 21, 2024; until May 5, 204 for other academies.

Spring is here, get out of your house!
Spring is here, the beautiful season...

Discover current exhibitions, take part in a workshop, visit a museum...

cemetery Pere Lachaise - Paris - visitTake an unusual stroll: visit famous cemeteries on your own or on a guided tour (Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse or Montmartre, for example). Many celebrities are buried here. Tombstones of artists and the anonymous are to be seen for their splendor, their singularity, their history. To see on your own or on a guided tour. 
Oscar Wilde's grave is in the Père-Lachaise cemetery, division 89, Paris. You'll also find Edith Piaf, Frederic Chopin, Jim Morrison's grave, painter Amédéo Modigliani, Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion,...
Famous graves at Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris. You'll find Samuel Beckett, Marguerite Duras, Eugène Ionesco, Serge Gainsbourg, Bartholdi,...

Let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the Buttes Chaumont park in Paris.

A stroll along the Canal de l'Ourcq or Canal Saint-Denis, on foot or by bike, or an outing to a part of Paris you've never been to before.

Spring Holidays 2024! Where to go out?

Here are a few ideas for outings and leisure activities in Seine-Saint-Denis and north-east Paris to share with your children or friends. Sports and leisure activities, visits to sites and museums, theaters and cinemas, cultural outings... or simply a drink on a terrace, weather permitting.

Forest or city walks

Bondy : woodStroll in the forest or parks of the 93 region. You can stroll in the parks or forest of Bondy or Bois St Martin in Noisy le Grand (for the latter, only on foot, no animals, no bikes), but also take part in the various urban walks on offer or make your own route, either on foot or by bike. If you don't feel like walking or cycling, take a look at some of our cultural and leisure outings below!

It's something to discover and it's not during school vacations

  • On Sunday April 28, 2024, join us at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris (metro line 12: Solférino) for the D.I.S.C.O. Battle, a competition dedicated to Waacking in collaboration with Josepha Madoki! Don't forget to buy your tickets on the Musée d'Orsay's official website.
  • The Foire de Paris from May 1 to 5, 2024 celebrates its 120th anniversary! The Foire de Paris will be held at Paris Parc Expo Versailles. For this anniversary, there's sure to be plenty of entertainment.
  • Two exhibitions to be discovered at the amazing Musée Quai Branly (ticket office)
    - Anthropologie - three women in the spotlight - exhibition until May 12, 2024
    - Mexica - Gifts and gods at the templo Mayor - exhibition from April 3 to September 8, 2024

Pell-mell of vacation outings in April 2024

> On vacation or at the weekend: go graffiti-hunting and be surprised by what's new - one graffiti chases another, and they're regularly covered. Follow the Street Art Avenue along the Canal Saint-Denis!

> The "Batman Escape" play area (the largest in France) in Boom Boom Villette Paris.
You'll find: virtual bowling, arcade games, interactive mini-golf, laser game, play area with trampoline...

Going out during the 2024 school vacations in Paris Region?

The vacations are here at last... but what can you do to keep the whole family busy and find activities in Paris Region? Here are a few ideas for outings with the family, children, teenagers and friends.
It's Monday - what to do? Museums close on either Monday or Tuesday, so plan your program according to the weather.

In the meantime, here are a few ideas to keep you, your kids and your teens busy!

The best vacation deals in Ile-de-France

Free museums on the 1st Sunday of the month! Sunday April 7, 2024

These museums are free on the 1st Sunday of the month: Centre Pompidou (partial closure from autumn 2024 then total closure from 2025 to 2030), Quai Branly, Musée d'Orsay, Musée des arts et métiers, Musée national des arts asiatiques, Musée de l'histoire et de l'immigration, Cluny - musée du moyen-âge, Musée de la céramique de Sèvres, Musée national Eugène Delacroix, Musée Rodin (October to March), etc. the Musée de l'air et de l'espace.
Please note that some museums only offer free admission during the winter months.

Consult the official websites to check access conditions.

I visit, I book before!

Book your tickets from home! We strongly recommend that you book before you visit, and that you respect the time indicated on your ticket.

What to do on vacation in the Paris region

A Basilica of the kings and queens of France

tombs of the kings and queens of France - Saint-Denis Basilicatombs of the kings and queens of France - Saint-Denis Basilica - Copyright: Pascal Lemaitre/CMN

> During your vacation, you'll want to discover the superb sculptures of the tombs and recumbent statues of French princesses, queens and kings (the great families of Merovingia, Carolingia, Capetian, Valois and Bourbon).
Let's brush up on our history and admire the sculpture, the finesse of the details, the beauty of the marble! Look up and you'll see the magic of stained glass and light.

Basilica, necropolis of kings and queens> The Basilica's organ (known as Cavaillé-Coll) is not to be outdone; in fact, a dedicated organist gives a few concerts a year (autumn, spring).

> Access to the Basilica, necropolis of kings. Buy your ticket to visit the Basilique des rois. General public

> Close to the Basilique des rois is the Museum art et d'histoire Paul Eluard in Saint-Denis. Museum visits and/or workshops are offered regularly.

A chapel to discover

Chapelle Expiatoire (c) Benjamin Gavaudo - CMNChapelle Expiatoire (c) Benjamin Gavaudo - CMN

The Chapelle Expiatoire, located in Paris near the Gare St Lazare, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. A booklet-game is available for children.
This site is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

A guided tour is offered on Saturdays (see schedule on official website).

What to do in Seine-Saint-Denis?

Outings to leisure parks, places to let off steam, jump from boulder to boulder or play indoor soccer, but also ideas for quieter outings.

indoor climbing - Paris > Indoors, whatever the weather - for the adventurous, and with your teens and friends, try out the climbing wall! Three great indoor climbing sites near Paris are open during the vacations. Ideal even for beginners.

> at the Archives Nationales in Pierrefitte: permanent exhibition "Archives explore time" (free admission). Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4.45pm.

It's in Paris during your vacation!

  • Mission Spatiale exhibition at the Cite des Sciences
  • Metamorphosis exhibition! A family show about this amazing phenomenon. Discover the different worlds offered by the Cité des Sciences to understand, learn and simply marvel (for 2-11 year olds - end March 2023 to november 2024).
  • Exhibition for teens: Cerveau! An exhibition for pre-teens, teens and adults to understand what's inside our heads; it's non-stop! (for ages 12+). Permanent exhibition.

activites for children Paris la Villette, cité des enfantsThe Philharmonie for children aged 4 to 10 is open; reservations required. It's the music version of the Cité des enfants.
Musical activities and game booklets are available online on the Philharmonie website, so you can play while you're at home.

La Cité des enfants! Spaces dedicated to different activities for different ages. Fun and interesting. Be sure to book in advance and be on time for your time slot, otherwise you won't get in. The two areas of the "City of Children" are open to 2-7 year-olds and 5-12 year-olds.

See the official Cité des sciences website for access conditions. Closed on Mondays.

It's close to La Villette

Ideas for guided tours and walks at La Villette!

free game - outdoor - Dragon GardenIt's outside, and it's free!

For children - Outside in the Parc de la Villette there's... the free Dragon Garden for children. You can also access the Jardin des Dunes, open outdoors but secured by gates and divided by age group (open according to the weather).

Near the Jardin des Dunes (open in fine weather - free of charge), you'll find an antique merry-go-round, and food trucks serving sweets (cotton candy, waffles, etc.).

It's not free, but you can take a ride on the Carousel Jules Verne in the Parc de la Villette (near the Canal de l'Ourcq) : for kids.

Free sport for teenagers and adults - urban

Teens, adults... for sports enthusiasts: come to the Voltiges garden in the Parc de la Villette, near the Zénith de Paris, to train in the open-air sports area (street-workout, parkour, body-building apparatus, etc.).

These three large, delimited areas are open all year round and in the open air.

Free outings... or almost

An inexpensive plan for an outing with family, friends or solo.

weekend at the Puces de Paris St Ouen, open from Saturday to MondayMy vacation, my weekend at the Puces de Paris St Ouen!

Looking for a rare or vintage item, a gift or decoration idea, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are the days to find what you're looking for. All day long - Paris St Ouen's various flea markets and chic antique shops - unusual or classic, clothing, curiosities - are open to the public. The Puces de Paris can be affordable or very chic or even luxurious!

Let yourself be tempted by the open-air markets and enjoy the sunshine. Some markets are indoors only.

For many Parisians, it's a free stroll and a place that keeps renewing itself. The surprising alleyways of these little "villages" promise relaxation. Les Puciers are open at weekends all year round! The Puces are open in August, although there are fewer vendors.

The Puces are open at weekends, even on public holidays (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).

Cycling or walking tours

Cycling in Seine-Saint-Denis, from Paris or further afieldFor sports enthusiasts: run during the week or at weekends, solo or with others, for pleasure or to train for the various races organized throughout the year, get out the bikes (bike itineraries) or simply for a stroll!
The weather's still cooperating, so take a look at the various routes you can follow as you please - in rando or promenade mode.

Discover the Musée de l'air!

air and space museum at Paris Le BourgetWe're off to the Air and Space Museum (closed on Mondays). Book your ticket to enter the museum.

Entrance to the museum is free for children under 26 (see conditions on the official website).
Museum admission is free on the 1st Sunday of the month.

planet pilot - children's games

Opening of the "Planète Pilote" game area in the museum. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday (closed).

Air museum exhibitions

The Musee de l'Air presents a new exhibition: pending

Paris or the suburbs, what to see on your vacation!

Which metro or RER to use to visit Paris, tourism in the Ile-de-France region, exhibitions and events in play parks accessible by public transport or shuttle bus?

Grab your Navigo travel card and let yourself be tempted by a visit to Paris or the Ile-de-France region... the countryside's limit!

Disneyland ParisDisneyParis during the winter vacations?

Going to Disneyland Paris during the holidays. It's not that far ...

Disneyland Paris (ticket) is just a few stations away via the RER A towards Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy. The park and its attractions are just 2 minutes from the station.
Where to book a hotel around Disney or Studio Park (by foot, shuttle or car)

Go to Parc Astérix!

This park is the second most visited amusement park in France after Disneyland Paris, so don't miss it when you come to the Paris region.

Parc Astérix (ticket) - Book your ticket now for Parc Asterix !

Parc Astérix: how to get there?

You'll need a car, but you can also get there by public transport: RER B to Charles De Gaulle Airport - Get off at the "Aéroport Charles De Gaulle 1" stop. Then go to the "Parc Astérix" ticket office - buy a ticket to board the shuttle bus that will take you to the park (¤9 to ¤10/person round-trip ticket).
Please note that work is being carried out on the RER B at weekends, and that the RER does not necessarily take you to CDG, but rather by bus! (check the Transilien.com website for RER traffic information).

To visit... in Paris

> pending

Paris - Saint-Ouen Flea Market

 

Visit the most famous flea market in the suburbs of Paris. Old or new clothes, books, music, art, furniture: you will find what you are looking for! Open from Saturday to Monday.

The Art and History Museum of St Denis

This place is a former monastery transformed into a museum of art and history since 1981 and also composed of a garden.

The Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget

This aviation museum located in the North of Paris offers exhibitions, activities for children, a planetarium and also recounts the story of the different aircrafts in France. Why you should visit it?

The Parc de la Villette

Located in the Northern Paris, the Parc de la Villette as too many things to offer: movie theaters, concert halls, museums, shopping malls... This is the place to spend a great day with your family!

The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

This science museum is perfect for children and teenagers and their thirst for discovery! Check out the different permanent and temporary exhibitions!

The Philharmonie

The Philharmonie de Paris offers exhibitions, workshops and concerts all year long. You can also visit the Cité de la Musique (Music Museum) located next to it.

The Grande Halle de la Villette

 

This place made of glass and iron is composed of 3 halls and holds professional or public events such as exhibitions, circus shows, dance and music festivals.

The Basilica Of Saint-Denis

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is one of the most important heritage site near Paris. Explore the crypt, the necropolis and the recumbent effigies of the French Kings and Queens.
Virtual tour - Basilica

The Saint-Denis market

You can find at this market exotic products coming from all around the world or just buy some fruits and vegetables to your local farmer.

The Stade de France

Come to visit this emblematic stadium! This is here that the most important sport games and concerts are held! Follow in your favorite soccer player or rockstar's footsteps...

The Shoah Memorial

The Shoah Memorial located in Drancy is a museum and an information center about Jews' life during the WWII. Visit this place of remembrance.

The Cité des Enfants

    

The Cité des Enfants, located inside the Cité des Sciences was specially created for children from 2 to 12 years old offering interactive exhibitions. If you have bigger children, check the activities for teenagers in Paris.

The Géode

The Imax cinema at the Géode (Parc de la Villette) is scheduled to reopen in spring 2024.
Do not miss this incredible movie theater with a giant hemispheric screen, one of the largest in the world!


You are visiting Paris and its region on your spring, summer, fall or winter vacation? Here are some activities, events or places to visit according your schedule!

What to do during spring vacation?

What to do during summer vacation?

Summer is the most important season of the year, that is why the Seine-Saint-Denis region suggests you plenty of activities for all the family!

What to do in Paris during July and August?

What do do during fall vacation?

Fall is the season of festivals and exhibitions!

  • Do not miss Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine). For adults and kids! (September)

What to do during winter vacation?

  • Celebrate Christmas in a different way in Christmas market (illumination Paris)
  • Christmas is coming and you are still looking for presents? Look at the list of our shopping malls. Winter sales are from January to February.
  • Go ice-skating at the Espace Pailleron close to the Buttes-Chaumont park.
  • Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Christmas by watching your kids having fun at the Jules Verne Carousel.
  • You are interested in aeronautics? Do not miss the aeronautical fair for trainings and jobs at the Air and Space museum (February)!
  • You can enjoy a classical music concert in Paris or Seine-Saint-Denis.

School holidays in France

There are three terms in the school year, starting in September. While everybody starts on the same day, dates of the French school holidays vary according to the “zone” you live in listed in regional education authorities –“academies”.

  • Thanksgiving holiday - autumn holidays: The Thanksgiving holiday lasts for two weeks in October or November. All the three academies – zones A, B and C – are all concerned and have the same school calendar for autumn holidays.
     
  • Christmas holidays – December: Christmas holidays last for two weeks and straddle over the end of December and the beginning of January - December / January. The dates for the Christmas holidays are the same for all academies - Zone A, Zone B and Zone C.
     
  • Mardi Gras Holiday - winter holidays: Formerly known as Mardi Gras holidays, the winter holidays straddle overthe months of February / March. The duration of the winter break is two weeks for the three academies but not on the same dates (two zones overlap one week).
     
  • Easter holidays, spring break: To each his own preference! On the official agenda of the French National Education it is called the spring break, for others it remains the Easter holidays. Depending on the academy sector thus for the zone A, B or C, it is possible to have their Easter holidays on the same dates as the religious festival (the "Easter Monday" is a public holiday in France ). Spring break lasts two weeks in the month of March / April. The three areas are not on vacation at the same time - two school zones overlap over one week.
     
  • The summer holidays, summer vacation: The “holiday” dates cover all zones (A, B, C) over the period of July and August. The term “great vacation” was changed to "summer vacation" in the 1980’s. The duration of the summer holiday is about eight weeks - it tends to shorten over the years (in 1960 there were ten weeks). Please note that some schools prefer to begin the new term in late August rather than the official entry date in September.

Vacation dates in Paris 2024

  • Winter vacation 2024: Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 25, 2024
  • Spring vacations: April 6 to April 22, 2024
  • Ascension Day: Wednesday May 8 and Thursday May 9, 2024 (no classes on May 10 and 11, 2024)
  • Summer vacation 2024 starting July 6, 2024

Vacation dates 2024 and public holidays - Paris

Good to know:
- 2024 is a leap year, so there will be a February 29, 2024, and it will be a Thursday.
- The 2024 holiday plan: Wednesday May 8 to Sunday May 12, 2024 (May 8 and 9 are public holidays, so most schools will be closed on Friday May 10, 2024).

  • Winter vacations 2024: Saturday February 10 to Sunday February 25, 2024
  • Spring vacation: April 6 to April 22, 2024
  • -> Ascension Day: Wednesday May 8 and Thursday May 9, 2024 (no classes on May 10 and 11, 2024).
  • Summer vacation 2024 starting July 6, 2024

Public holidays in 2024

  • Monday, January 1, 2024: New Year's Day
  • Monday, April 1, 2024: Easter Monday
  • Wednesday, May 1, 2024: Labor Day
  • Wednesday May 8, 2024: Allied victory in 1945
  • Thursday, May 9, 2024: Ascension Day
  • Monday, May 20, 2023: Whit Monday
  • Sunday, July 14, 2024: Bastille Day
  • Thursday, August 15, 2024: Assumption Day
  • Friday, November 1, 2024: All Saints' Day
  • Monday, November 11, 2024: Armistice Day 1918
  • Wednesday, December 25, 2024: Christmas

Vacation dates 2024/2025

Back to school 2024: Monday, September 2, 2024

  •  All Saints' vacation 2024: Saturday, October 19 to Sunday, November 3, 2024
  •  Christmas vacation 2024: Saturday, December 21, 2024 to Sunday, January 5, 2025

Party on the canal this summer 2024!

Ete du Canal - Paris - This summer 2024, follow events, concerts and tours on tourisme93.com or Explore Paris from July 6 to August 11, 2024.
For everyone: families, children or adults only.
On weekends only, hop aboard the ¤1 or ¤2 shuttles, enjoy floating concerts, riverside sports games, various events and much more.

Every weekend between July 6 and August 11, 2024, take to the water... on the canals of Paris! You will be seduced by all the activities proposed for families, children and adults.

This summer 2024 in Paris - Festival Ete du canal

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