The photographs of the magnificent cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux inspired me to get on the RER train and make the one-hour trip from Paris. Not only did I marvel at more than one hundred cherry trees in full bloom with their delicate pink flowers and white blossoms, but discovered a magnificent park to stroll and explore.
Why Visit The Parc de Sceaux
Cherry blossom season put the Parc de Sceaux on my radar. One of the best places to see beautiful cherry trees, the Parc de Sceaux is a great location to immerse yourself in nature. With its beautiful 17th century château, stunning gardens, fountains, and lakes, the Parc de Sceaux is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Cherry Blossoms At Parc de Sceaux
Every April, the orchards of cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux draw hundreds of visitors. When you go, you’ll see why! It’s pure cherry blossom heaven! It’s a joy to wander under the delicate pink blooms of the more than 150 cherry blossom trees.
There are two groves of cherry blossoms at Parc des Sceaux. The south grove is full of prunus avium “Plena” or double-flowered wild cherry trees. These trees are laden with white blossoms. The north grove is bursting with prunus serrulata “Kanzan” or Japanese Flowering Cherry trees. Stunning pink flowers fill the trees and delicate petals waft on the breeze. It’s a very poetic experience.
People are picnicking, reading under the pink blooms, playing badminton, walking their dogs on leashes, and photographing the stunning array of flowers. And, many people are wearing pink to make the perfect photo op!
There’s a buzz in the air.
I went on a Wednesday afternoon when the children were out of school. There were lots of people enjoying the Sakura trees (cherry blossom trees). The best time of the day to visit the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux is the morning, especially if you want to photograph the trees with fewer crowds.
Hanami At Parc de Sceaux
Cherry blossom festivals are actually a thing! Hanami is the name of the Japanese festival honouring the flowering period of the sakura trees (cherry blossom trees). Hanami is celebrated in style annually at this time of the year in the Domaine Départemental de Sceaux. With family-fun activities and events that celebrate Japanese culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Amidst the most beautiful cherry blossoms, immerse yourself in Japanese culture with music, dance, origami, and flower arranging.
Hanami Festival 2024:
- Dates: March 30 to April 28, 2024
- Location: 8 Ave Claude Perrault, 92330 Sceaux, France
- The Full Program from the Domaine Départemental de Sceaux
The Château Of Parc de Sceaux
There are plenty of fabulous French châteaux not too far from Paris. The Château de Chantilly is one of my favourites. Is this really where whipped cream was first invented? I also adore the Château de Fontainebleau with its rich French history. The opulent Château de Versailles is a must-visit on most people’s travel itineraries to Paris. But you have to be prepared for the crowds.
At the lovely Château de Sceaux, you’re not going to find throngs of people. You will discover a château rich in history with grand interior rooms and fine architectural details. There has been a château on the grounds at Sceaux since the 15th century. Unfortunately, the original château did not fare well during the French Revolution.
In 1670, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV’s Finance Minister, wanted to settle near Paris and Versailles and bought the domain of Sceaux. Colbert hired André le Nôtre to design the gardens. The master French gardener is famous for his stunning French gardens at the Château of Versailles, Château of Chantilly, Château of Fontainebleau, and Vaux-le-Vicomte.
The gardens at the Château de Sceaux have telltale signs of Andre le Notre – landscaped French gardens, fountains, the Octagonal Lake, and waterfalls. Later, the Grand Canal, reminiscent of the Grand Canal at Versailles was added.
The Château de Sceaux passed through many hands before being acquired by the Département de la Seine.
Owners of The Château de Sceaux:
- 1670 Jean-Baptiste Colbert
- 1683: Marquis de Seignelay (son of Colbert)
- 1700: Duc du Maine (son of Louis XIV)
- 1755: Comte d’Eu (son of Duc du Maine)
- 1775: Duc de Penthièvre (cousin of Comte d’Eu)
- 1798: Hippolyte Lecomte (bought the domain)
- 1829: Duc de Trévise (son-in-law of Lecomte)
- 1875: Marquis de Trévise (son of Duc de Trévise)
- 1923: Département de la Seine (bought the domain)
Things To Do At The Parc de Sceaux
Visiting the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux has to be a priority in April. But take time to wander by the canal, rent a rowboat on the canal, ponder the fountains, and find the stunning alley of ancient sequoia trees.
FAQ’s Parc de Sceaux
Is Parc de Sceaux Worth Visiting?
Parc de Sceaux is definitely worth visiting. It is a gorgeous domain just an hour from Paris. The month of April is the best time to visit the Parc de Sceaux. The cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux are in peak flowering period and it is a marvel to see over 150 beautiful cherry trees in bloom.
Where Is The Parc de Sceaux?
The Parc de Sceaux is located in the southern suburbs of Paris. It is located in the town of Sceaux in the Hauts-de-Seine department which is part of the Ile de France region. The Parc de Sceaux is about 6 miles/ 10 kilometres from the centre of Paris.
Location Parc de Sceaux: 8 Ave Claude Perrault, 92330 Sceaux, France
How To Get To The Parc de Sceaux
From Paris take the RER B towards Robinson. Get off at the station Sceaux or Parc de Sceaux. I got off at Sceaux as I wanted wander through the town of Sceaux. After exiting the station the direction to walk is well indicated. It is approximately a ten-minute walk to Sceaux and then a couple of minutes past the town centre to the Parc de Sceaux entrance.
Not sure how to take the RER? Read how in my metro guide. The best tip to remember is to hold onto your ticket as you will need it when transferring between the metro and the RER.
What Are The Opening Hours Of The Parc de Sceaux?
- January: 8 AM to 5 PM
- February: 8 AM to 6 PM
- March: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
- April: 7 AM to 8:30 PM
- May, June, July: 7 AM to 9 PM
- August: 7 AM to 8:30 PM
- September: 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- October: 8 AM to 7 PM
- November, December: 8 AM to 5 PM
Best Time To See Cherry Blossoms At Parc de Sceaux
The best time of year to see cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux is April. At this time of the year, the Hanami festival is in full swing celebrating the blooming period of the cherry blossoms.
The Town Of Sceaux
The town of Sceaux is delightful and super calm after the hustle of Paris.
If you don’t have time to pack a picnic for seeing the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux, stop by a café in the town of Sceaux.
I made my way to the center of town and had lunch at Café de la Paix. The bakery/ boulangerie L’Etoile du Berger came highly recommended so I had my delicious dessert and coffee here. The continual lineup at this boulangerie speaks volumes!
Another café in Sceaux that was bustling was les félibres.
Other Places To See Cherry Blossom Trees In Paris
April is the best month to see cherry blossoms in Paris. Here are some of the best cherry blossom spots in Paris:
- Jardin des Plantes: don’t miss the stunning Grand White Cherry Blossom tree that blooms in the beginning of April; 5th arrondissement
- Square Gabriel Pierné: one of the most beautiful places to see the pink blooms with the dome of the Institut de France; 5th arrondissement
- Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars: a perfect spot to enjoy the pink blossoms; 7th arrondissement
- Tuileries Garden: sit by the fountains and admire the pink cherry blossom trees; 1st arrondissement
- Parc Monceau: a delightfully local park; 8th arrondissement
- the Petit Palais: Oh là là.. have tea in the garden; 8th arrondissement
- Jardin Anne Frank: tucked away in the Marais, this is a delightfully local place to enjoy the cherry blossom trees; 4th arrondissement
- Shakespeare and Company on rue de la Bûcherie: right in front of the popular bookstore is a gorgeous cherry tree; 5th arrondissement
Love spring flowers? My article explains where to find the best spring flowers in Paris including cherry blossoms, magnolias, wisteria, chestnut trees, and roses.
I hope you enjoy visiting the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux as much as I did.
Until next time,
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