You didn’t think France’s capital could resist joining the world’s friendliest party, did you? Each March, Paris gives a wink to the Emerald Isle and embraces St. Patrick’s Day with its own dash of style. From pints in lively Irish pubs and green riverside strolls to Gaelic music, chocolatey treats and grand cultural adventures, you’ll find more than enough craic (that’s Irish for ‘good fun’) to keep your St. Patrick’s spirit high. Want to celebrate with a Parisian twist and a sprinkle of Irish cheer? We’ve rounded up the city’s best spots for a top St. Patrick’s Day—leprechaun hat optional!
Our favorite things to do for St. Patrick’s Day in Paris include:
- Pop into an Irish pub
- Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
- Paris Science Museum
- Gourmet Chocolate Museum
- Centre Pompidou
- Live Music and Dance Shows
- Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Stroll
- Try French-Irish Fusion Eats
- Picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Pop into an Irish Pub
St. Patrick’s Day and Irish pubs go together like Guinness and shamrocks—and Paris delivers. Expect roaring singalongs, rugby on the telly, and pints of stout poured just right. Popular spots like O’Sullivans by Grands Boulevards and The Quiet Man near Hôtel de Ville don’t just deck the halls with green for the occasion—they transform into buzzing hubs of laughter and live Gaelic music as locals and visitors join the party.
You’ll find pub quizzes, hearty Irish dishes (don’t miss a big bowl of Guinness stew), and plenty of people dressed for the part in everything from green beads to leprechaun hats. Even if it’s your first visit, bartenders and regulars make everyone feel at home. Swing by early evening for family-friendly vibes, or later to see Paris let loose—St. Patrick’s Day style.
Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Give your St. Patrick’s adventure a sightseeing twist with the Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. There’s something delightfully carefree about cruising past the Eiffel Tower or Opéra Garnier with your green scarf trailing in the breeze. On St. Patrick’s Day, friends, families, and couples use the bus tour to jump between top landmarks and festive stops, taking the stress out of city navigation.
You’ll have the flexibility to discover hidden gems, pause for a pub break, or join a street-side celebration whenever the mood strikes. It’s the best way to cover maximum ground, snap those must-have selfies, and make every corner of the city part of your St. Paddy’s crawl—no sore feet required.
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
Why not celebrate with a gentle cruise along the Seine, soaking up Paris’s riverside beauty while enjoying the festive mood? Bateaux Parisiens offer day and evening cruises with open-air decks and glass-enclosed cabins—so you’re comfortable come rain or shine. As you float from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll see bridges and landmarks gleaming in the spring sun.
For St. Patrick’s Day, gather your crew for a pre-party toast with sparkling city views or join in the occasional themed cruise, complete with Celtic tunes and Irish tipples. Watching Paris glide by is pure magic, and the atmosphere is lively yet relaxing—a welcome pause between pub visits and dance floors. Cruising the Seine is a Paris must-do year-round, but on March 17th, it feels just a little luckier.
Paris Science Museum
Paris Science Museum
Trade shamrocks for science at Paris Science Museum in Parc de la Villette —a perfect escape from the crowds. This spot is all about hands-on discovery, with interactive exhibits that invite you to play, experiment, and explore. Catch an immersive show beneath the dazzling Géode dome, and don’t miss the planetarium for a journey through the stars.
In March, you’ll often find themed workshops where rainbows, “pots of gold,” and other Irish-inspired experiments take the spotlight—ideal for curious minds and families alike. Kids love hunting for scientific “treasure,” while adults enjoy clever displays and cutting-edge tech. It’s all about discovery and wonder, making it a great spot to recharge before diving back into the St. Patrick’s festivities.
Gourmet Chocolate Museum
Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day with a visit to the Gourmet Chocolate Museum—a paradise for anyone who prefers their ‘pot of gold’ in truffle form. Around St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find themed chocolates inspired by the Emerald Isle: think creamy whiskey ganache, shamrock-shaped bonbons, and dark bars for every tastebud.
Engage your senses with live chocolate-making demos, or try a hands-on workshop to create your own sweet masterpieces—green sprinkles encouraged. The museum is fun, educational, and so much more than a typical tasting room. It adds a playful (and tasty) twist to your celebrations, and you’ll leave with a bag of treats and a big smile.
Centre Pompidou
Celebrating artsy St. Patrick’s Day? Head to Centre Pompidou—a modern art playground set inside Paris’ quirkiest building. Browse bold exhibitions, marvel at street performers on the plaza, and keep an eye out for impromptu Irish dancers or fiddlers—March sometimes brings Celtic artists to the Pompidou’s pop-up scene.
Don’t skip the rooftop terrace; the panorama offers Paris at its prettiest, with possible hints of rainbow if you’re feeling lucky. It’s the perfect counterpoint to nighttime festivities—the energy is upbeat, galleries are inspiring, and there’s that infectious feeling of everyone coming together to celebrate, whether it’s Irish culture, Paris style, or both.
Live Music and Dance Shows
Music and dance are key to authentic St. Patrick’s Day fun, and Paris rises to the occasion. At Irish pubs across town, guitarists and fiddlers play foot-tapping traditional tunes well into the night. For a deeper splash of Celtic culture, check out the events at Le Centre Culturel Irlandais—a hub for Irish heritage tucked in the Latin Quarter.
Expect live concerts, storytelling, Irish dance troupes, and sometimes even Céilí nights, where everyone’s encouraged to join the fun. You don’t need to be a pro—just bring enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. If you’re craving a proper dose of “craic,” few experiences match the crowd, the clapping, and the whirlwind of bodies moving to a lively Irish rhythm under Paris’s city lights.
Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Stroll
Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Stroll
Want to slow things down for a spell? Enjoy a riverside walk around Notre Dame and Île de la Cité, where gothic stonework and cobblestone lanes set a fairy-tale scene.
Pause to snap a photo of Notre Dame’s towers wreathed in spring sunshine, or duck into a riverside café for a pastry. The area teems with history and charm—perfect for a breather between the day’s action. Whether you’re traveling with old friends or someone special, this stroll balances lively festivities with classic Paris romance, offering a little bit of magic at every turn.
Try French-Irish Fusion Eats
St. Patrick’s Day in Paris means extra creativity in the kitchen. Many brasseries and bakeries serve up limited-edition specials with a Gaelic twist—think Guinness-infused beef stew, potato croquettes with French flair, or shamrock-sprinkled éclairs in vibrant shades of green. If you want an Irish coffee to cap off your meal, Café Oz is famous for its St. Patrick’s Day revelry (and strong, creamy Irish pours).
Some restaurants cook up dedicated Irish menus, and you might discover local twists on cottage pie and fish and chips—Parisian produce meets Irish comfort! These creative dishes are perfect when you crave hearty flavors with Parisian panache. You’ll leave with a belly full of goodness and a new appreciation for culinary crossovers.
Picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
When the weather smiles, there’s nothing like a casual picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont—a favorite local retreat that blooms green just in time for St. Patrick’s. Bring friends, a striped blanket, and a bag stuffed with fresh bread, creamy cheese, apples, and (why not?) pistachio macarons from a nearby bakery.
The park’s rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and whimsical Temple de la Sibylle create a playful setting where laughter comes easy. Spot groups of locals toasting the day with cider or wine, and join in by raising your own cup to Ireland and Paris alike. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy both cities’ greatest gift: the ability to relax, celebrate spring’s arrival, and find joy in the simplest pleasures.
Whether you want a pub crawl by moonlight, a museum day packed with laughs, or a chance to raise a toast on a scenic cruise, St. Patrick’s Day in Paris is all about making your own fun—with a side of Parisian flair and a good dose of Irish luck. Cheers, or as the French say, santé!
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