A Guide to Paris Spring Blossoms with Georgianna Lane

Waiting for spring blossoms—and that sweet moment when they finally arrive—is much like the special feeling of eagerly anticipating a trip to Paris. When it arrives, it is like Hemingway wrote in A Moveable Feast about Spring: “There were no problems except where to be happiest.” As the warmth of spring arrives in Paris, the city becomes even more romantic as it’s adorned with soft colors and sweet fragrances.

No one captures this spring enchantment as well as our friend Georgianna Lane, expert floral photographer and author of Paris in Bloom, who calls the City of Light home. We’ve teamed up with Georgianna to share some of the varieties of blossoms you can see in Paris – accompanied by her gorgeous photographs. And, removing Hemingway’s problem, we’ve included tips on where to find them this year. All that’s left for you is to be the happiest this spring in Paris!

Magnificent Magnolia Blossoms

Nothing says the arrival spring quite like the first magnolia blossoms unfurling. While the classic pink blooms easily catch the eye, you’ll also find white star magnolias, yellow magnolias and the softer pink blossoms of the pink star magnolias. Enjoy a walk around the Jardin du Palais-Royal where the magnolias are accompanied by cheerful daffodils. While strolling along the Seine, don’t miss the bright pink magnolias in bloom at the Jardin des Combattants Espagnols de la Nueve (a very long name for a very small garden!) next to the Hôtel de Ville.

Georgianna’s Magnolia Blossom Tips:

While you can usually spot the pretty pink and white blooms in the Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop, preparation for the Olympics has limited access to that area. So instead head to the Tuileries to enjoy the magnolias near the fountains.

Captivating Cherry Blossoms

Starting in April, the cherry trees begin to bloom and transform the city into a springtime wonderland. In the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower and along the Seine, vibrant hues of pink and white blossoms adorn the branches of different varieties cherry trees. At the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement, springtime means the delicate blooms of the Mount Fuji and Kwanzan cherry trees will be on display. You’ll also find some lovely Kwanzan cherry trees in front of Shakespeare & Company bookstore along the Seine and surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral. For the peak cherry blossom experience, head to Parc de Sceaux, six miles outside Paris, where the Kwanzan cherry trees create a magical setting surrounded by pink blossoms.

Georgianna’s Cherry Blossom Tips:

Tucked away behind the Institut de France near the Seine and the Pont des Arts, head to Square Gabriel-Pierné in the 6th arrondissement for some lovely cherry trees in a less crowded spot. Coming around the corner, it’s a gorgeous burst of spring surprise to catch the trees in bloom. Or visit the pretty and quiet park at Square Paul Langevin along rue Monge in the 5th arrondissement. Some of the best spots for spotting blooms are little garden squares like these that you’ll find while out for a stroll – the best way to see Paris!

Chestnuts in Blossom

Every year we count down the days to when the chestnut trees in Place Dauphine burst into bloom. It’s such a romantic scene even the classic song “April in Paris” begins with chestnuts in blossom. The bright pink blooms grace the square in mid to late April and are just one of the many reasons this is one of the prettiest spots in Paris. Even better, book a stay at one of our luxury apartments at La Place Dauphine and you’ll enjoy a view looking out over the chestnut trees in blossom!

Georgianna’s Chestnut Blossom Tips:

If you’re staying in the 7th arrondissement, you won’t have to go far to see beautiful chestnut blossoms. Just head to Avenue Emile Deschanel, running parallel to the eastern side of the Champ de Mars, and the Avenue Emile Pouvillon. You can also find blossoms on the Île de la Cité along the river on the Left Bank side near the Pont Saint-Michel.

Lingering Scent of Lilacs

You doesn’t have to wait until summer to imagine Proust’s “lingering scent of invisible lilacs” if you’re lucky enough to visit Paris in the springtime. You’ll often catch the sweet scent of lilacs before spotting a tree or shrub covered in purple or white blooms. Head to the Jardin des Plantes or to the Square Jean XXIII and along the side of Notre-Dame closest to the Left Bank. (While this is a generally a lovely spot to see lilacs, the area is currently closed for the renovation of the cathedral.) If you love lilacs, find even more of Georgianna’s gorgeous photos in her book entirely dedicated to Lilacs.

Georgianna’s Lilacs in Paris Tips:

Find the best lilacs on the main allée of the Jardin des Plantes. While the blooming season varies every year, try from the 2nd to 4th weeks of April.

Wonderful Wisteria

The very fleetingness of wisteria season is part of what makes catching it in bloom in Paris such a memorable experience. Generally starting after cherry blossom season, the delicate scent of the purple blossoms is something you simply have to experience in person. You’ll find some beautiful vines in the Marais around the corner from the Saint-Paul Metro station on rue de Fourcy by the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. Or head to the Square de la Turlure in Montmartre for a beautiful view of Sacré-Cœur over a wisteria covered pergola. For a sumptuous display of wisteria, visit the Grande Mosquée de Paris.

Georgianna’s Wisteria Blossom Tips:

Strolling through residential areas of Paris is one of the best ways to uncover pockets of wisteria. You could head to La Cité Florale, a charming little village setting with vine-covered houses in the 13th arrondissement. There’s even a road called Rue des Glycines – Wisteria Street!

Enjoy Spring in Paris!

For even more springtime beauty, you’ll want to add Georgianna’s book Paris in Bloom to your collection. She includes a field guide to blooming trees and shrubs and an even more detailed spring tour of blossoms in Paris. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @GeorgiannaLane and sign up for her newsletter, too.

Ready to plan a spring stay in Paris? Book one of our hand-picked Paris vacation rentals online or contact our team at [email protected] to plan a beautiful spring stay!

Posted on Friday, March 8th, 2024 at 10:25 am in See & Do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.