Paris In Springtime – What to See and Do

Paris in Springtime – What to See and Do

Paris in Springtime is quite simply one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Paris and if you love gardens and blossom then you’ll love springtime in Paris.  Our round up of what to see and do in springtime is the result of many trips to Paris, and especially at springtime.

Paris in Springtime – the Beckoning Outdoors

With the days getting a little warmer, and the leaves budding and blossoms blooming, the Parisians walk with a spring in their step (no pun intended) and the city comes out to bask in the sunshine.  Outdoor dining becomes more popular with patrons moving their striped cafe chairs to catch the sun’s rays on their upturned faces and the competition to find and claim an empty ‘Luxembourg’ chair heats up.

Originally named the ‘Senat’ chair, and later renamed the ‘Luxembourg’ chair, Paris’ iconic green garden chairs come in either an upright or relaxed model. However, when the sun is shining and competition is fierce, I am happy to snap up either model, turn it into the sun, relax and close my eyes.

Read Jardin du Luxembourg – A Beautiful Parisian Garden 

Paris bursts with pink and white blossom early in the season followed by bulbs and luscious green foliage and is a true photographer’s delight.

Jardin du Carrousel and Jardin des Tuileries

These two gardens are side by side, one leading into the other with the Louvre Museum and Place du Carrousel bordering the gardens on the east end and Place de la Concorde at the western end of Jardin des Tuileries.

Tulips and bulbs are the main focus of the formal garden beds in these gardens during spring and with cold mornings, midday warmth and the gentle care of the municipal workers these plants flourish.

I suggest an early morning walk in both gardens to see the locals exercise their dogs – yes really, there are often groups of dogs and their owners running around on the lawn in front of the Louvre Museum – and to see the flowers bright with dew.  If you are early enough, you might even have much of the garden to yourself.

Monet’s Garden

Monet’s house and garden at Giverny (a village in Normandy) was the home of impressionist painter Claude Monet.  And while this house and garden complex is not in Paris, I’ve included it in my favourite things to see and do in Paris during spring time because it’s only an hour and a half drive from the city, and it’s often included in tours of Paris. 

The garden continues to live to the rhythm of the seasons and flowering times and at springtime the tulips add the first splash of colour combining with daffodils and narcissi.  Wallflowers and forget-me-nots combine in flowerbeds to create colour and movement that is ever changing.

A ticket to tour Monet’s Garden will include access to his house, described as “a house in the country for painting en plein air”, the Clos Normand Garden and the Water Garden.  Visiting the gardens is always a treat but I have to admit that springtime is my favourite season.

Jardin du Palais Royal

If you are looking for a quieter space to enjoy the spring blooms and intense greenery, then the “almost secret” Jardin du Palais Royal is for you.  This once private garden, part of the originally called Palais-Cardinal and former royal palace, is located in the 1st arrondissement, just off Rue St Honore and to the north of the Comédie Française.

Overlooked by the general tourist crowds it’s hard to believe that you’re in the heart of Paris amongst its avenue of trees and flower beds.

With the 17th century arcade of shops, Daniel Buren’s striped columns and cafe in the adjacent courtyard, this garden area has so much to offer.

Walk along the Seine River

Getting down to water level and walking along the quays of the Seine River will give you a very different view of Paris.  The River is the lifeblood of Paris allowing working barges to navigate the busy city.  Add this traffic to the numerous sightseeing boats on their continual cruises and personal boats and there is always activity.

Walking along the quays away from the traffic you will see the interesting bridge (pont) construction of Pont Neuf,  Pont St Michel, Pont Solferino and the stunning golden Pont Alexandre III.

I find that winter is too cold to walk along the river especially on windy days but in spring (while it can be wet and a little windy), is generally pleasant and you’ll often see ducks floating along the very busy river managing somehow to avoid all the large vessels.

Dine outside en plein air

With the sun warming the backs of chairs and making the cutlery glint, outdoor eating returns with gusto around Paris in the springtime.  Gone are the large gas heaters and blankets and making a return are the diners who choose a table outside rather than inside.

Springtime is the time to venture outside and take your meal sitting at a  classic cafe table watching the world go by.

During lunch a crisp white wine will refresh but once the chill returns to the later afternoon, a hearty red might be your preferred choice.  If you are heading out for the day and planning to dine outdoors, I’d suggest taking a scarf and jacket as essential and hat as optional.

Read my Paris Packing Guide: Essential Tips for the Perfect Wardrobe 

One of my favourite places to eat when exploring Montmartre during spring is Le Vrai Paris on 33 Rue des Abbesses.  The blossom decoration (even though it’s artificial) makes this cafe so pretty and as it’s on a busy street, there is always people traffic and activity to keep you entertained.  Ooh, so French!

With so much on offer in Paris in springtime, these are just five of my favourite things to see and do.