PARIS IN SPRING:

A good many of the city's annual 20-million visitors arrive in the spring. It is the season for fairs and concerts, when the marathon street race is held and the outdoor temperature is pleasant.

March:

- Collectionamania (last weekend), Espace Austerlitz. Curio and ojject collectors' fair.

- Foire du Trône (mid-March-end-May), Bois de Vincennes. Large funfair.

- 18 Heures-18 Francs (1st week), 3 euros for any film starting at 6pm.

- Jumping International de Paris (3rd week), Palais d'Omnisport de Paris-Bercy. International show jumping.

- Salon International d'Agriculture (1st week), Parc des Expositions de Paris, Porte de Versailles. Vast farming fair.

- Spring flower shows at the Bagatelle Gardens in the Bois de Boulogne and Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes.

April:

- Six Nations Trophy (early April), Stade de France. International Rugby.

- Salon de la Musique à La Villette (last week). International music extravaganza.

- Jeune creation (mid-end month). Exhibition of contemporary young artists' work.

- Shakespear Garden Festival (until October), Bois de Boulogne. Classic plays performed outdoors.

- Paris International Marathon (April), from Place de la Concorde to Chateau de Vincennes.

- Foire de Paris (end-April-1st week of May), Paris Expo. Food, wine, homes and gardens and tourism show.

May:

- Carré Rive Gauche (one week, mid-month). Exhibits at antiques dealers in St-Germain-des-prés.

- Football Cup Final (second week), Stade de France.

- Grandes Eaux Musicales (April-mid-October: Sundays; July-September: Saturdays), Versailles. Open air concerts.

- French Tennis Open (last week May-first week June), Stade Roland Garros.