Paris blooms. Almost all year. But there is something sacred when spring arrives carrying signs of renewed life. Spring flowers in Paris bring a pop of colour. Fragrances carried on a light breeze fill the air.
Coming from Canada where the majority of the country is frozen solid until an early spring thaw in April, I can barely contain myself when I find a rose blooming in January in Paris. Yellow crocuses and violet hyacinths poking through the earth in February make my heart skip.
In late March, magnolias bloom by the Eiffel Tower and cherry blossom trees colour the city in a pink hue. Love chestnut trees in full bloom? Stand on the bridges of Canal Saint-Martin and witness the glorious trees laden with white flowers arching over the waterway.
Finding spring flowers in Paris adds to the enchantment and romance of the French capital. It lightens the heart to happen upon magnolias and cherry blossom trees.
Guide to Spring Flowers in Paris
This guide to spring flowers in Paris includes when and where to find:
- magnolias
- cherry blossom trees
- wisteria
- chestnut trees
- roses
Fragrant Magnolias In Paris
In early March, I love searching for magnolia trees and finding their pink or white buds facing skyward, just ready to burst forth. Magnolia trees with their large, showy, fragrant flowers are one of the spring flowers in Paris that are worth the side trip.
Close your eyes, just for a second, and inhale. The fragrance of magnolias is a sure sign that spring is here. Ah, spring flowers in Paris can shift a day from ordinary to extraordinary.
When Do Magnolias Bloom In Paris?
Start looking for pink and white magnolias early to mid-March. Magnolia flowers, arranged in a cup-like shape, only stay on the plant for about 2 to 3 weeks.
Where To See Magnolia Trees In Full Bloom
1. The Eiffel Tower And The Champ de Mars
The Eiffel Tower in the spring framed with pink magnolias is magical. It is a sight you won’t soon forget. Find the best magnolias trees while facing the Eiffel Tower on the west side of the Champ de Mars. Linger a little and marvel at this splendour before exploring more of the the 7th arrondissement!
2. Garden Of The Palais Royal
Tucked away in the 1st arrondissement is the Jardin du Palais Royal, one of my favourite gardens in Paris. Do spring flowers in Paris get any better than this? Sixteen majestic magnolia trees make a magnificent spring spectacle with their pink and purple blooms. Sit by the fountain, watch locals walk their dogs, and note how the magnolia flowers frame the statues. The Jardin du Palais Royal is the best place to see magnolias in Paris.
- Location: 2 gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
3. The Tuileries Garden
Right in the heart of Paris stretching between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde is the Tuileries Garden. This garden opened to the public in 1667 and has been a gathering place for locals and tourists alike ever since. Sit by the fountains, marvel at some of the 120 statues, and visit the Orangerie Museum which houses Claude Monet’s magnificent water lilies.
There are plenty of magnolia trees in the Jardin des Tuileries but my favourites are near the Louvre Museum. Stand in the gardens and face the Louvre Museum. The magnolia blossoms are stunning. It’s a photographer’s dream to see the Louvre Museum framed with magnolias.
4. Eglise Saint-Eustache
Stand in the square at Chatelet-Les Halles and find the soaring Gothic church, Eglise Saint-Eustache. Magnolia trees bloom all around. It’s a magnificent sight. Even though you may be chasing the best spring flowers in Paris, take a minute to enter the church and admire its height, famous organ, and stained glass windows.
- Location: 2 Imp. Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris
5. Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville
Find the Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville between the Seine River and Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville). Look up! It’s impossible to miss the equestrian statue of Etienne Marcel. In Paris in the spring, he is surrounded by stunning magnolia flowers. Look across the River Seine. Are you tempted to cross to Ile de la Cité or Ile Saint-Louis?
- Location: Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris
4. rue Saint-Blaise
Make your way to the 20th arrondissement. Start at the charming 13th century Église Saint-Germain de Charonne and stroll down cobbled rue Saint-Blaise with its cafés and street art. Be sure to turn around and notice that the Église and her tower are watching over you. Keep descending and find two stunning, mature magnolia trees. Sit on the bench and inhale the fragrance.
Best Cherry Blossoms In Paris
Can Paris be any more beautiful than in cherry blossom season? Of all the spring flowers in Paris, beautiful cherry trees with their delicate and pale pink and white blossoms make a breathtaking spectacle.
What Is The Best Time To See Cherry Blossoms In Paris?
Cherry blossom trees are best seen in Paris from mid-March until mid-April (depending on the weather, of course).
9 Places To Find The Best Cherry Blossoms in Paris
1. The Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars
What better spot to find cherry blossoms in Paris than right by the Eiffel Tower? The Eiffel Tower in the spring is unforgettable. Head to the Champ de Mars where’ll you find lots of stunning cherry blossoms. The Eiffel Tower cherry blossoms make for the perfect photo op!
2. Square Gabriel-Pierné
Square Gabriel Pierné in the 6th arrondissement is a delightful square and possibly one of the most romantic places to see cherry blossoms in Paris! Cherry blossoms amidst statues, and the dome of the Institut de France make Square Gabriel Pierné one of the top spots to see these spring flowers in Paris.
- Location: 5 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
3. Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company is an iconic English language bookstore situated in the heart of the city. This renowned bookstore with its eclectic atmosphere has been welcoming writers and artists for decades. Peruse the book bins in front of the store, order a coffee at the Shakespeare and Company Café, and sit by the magnificent cherry blossom tree. Does a spring day in Paris get any better?
- Location: 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
4. Square René Viviani
Just a few steps from Shakespeare and Company, you’ll find another perfect spot in the Latin Quarter to see cherry blossom trees. Square René Viviani has beautiful cherry trees, the oldest tree in Paris, and a great view of Notre Dame Cathedral!
- Location: 2 rue du Fouarre, 75005 Paris
5. Jardin Tino-Rossi On Quai Saint-Bernard
I love the Jardin Tino-Rossi for the tango dancing and its open-air sculpture garden. It’s a park along the Seine River with views of Ile Saint Louis and Notre Dame Cathedral. The springtime bonus? Cherry blossom trees in full bloom! Oh, those pink blossoms are seductive.
- Location: 2 Quai Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris
6. Métro Saint-Paul in the Marais
If you’re looking for spring flowers in Paris, head to Métro Saint-Paul in le Marais. It’s a great spot to admire the cherry blossoms in Paris. There are plenty of cafés with outdoor tables. Sit awhile and enjoy!
- Location: rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris
7. La Coulée Verte René Dumont near Gare de Lyon
The elevated walkway on an abandoned railway line in the 12th arrondissement is a hidden gem in Paris. The Promenade Plantée, also known as La Coulée Verte René Dumont, is about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long and full of lush greenery including trees, shrubs and flowers. Head to the Promenade Plantée for some off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom trees!
- Location: Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris (there are a number of different access points)
8. Square Jean XXIII Behind Notre Dame
Square Jean XXIII was one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Paris. Framing Notre Dame Cathedral with their delicate pink and white flowers, it was a breathtaking sight.
Since the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, you can’t see these cherry blossom trees. Hopefully, when all the reconstruction is completed, these spring flowers in Paris will be back in full bloom.
- Location: 4 Parvis Notre Dame-Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
- Please Note: Square Jean XXIII is temporarily closed
9. The Petit Palais
The Petit Palais is a treasure to discover in Paris. The magnificent Beaux-Arts building, the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts (free entry), and the hidden interior garden are worth visiting on any Paris itinerary. Make your way to the secluded garden and discover cherry blossom trees. Those pink blossoms? It’s pure Paris magic.
- Location: Av Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
10. Paris’s Parks And Gardens
As you wander through Paris, you’ll find that cherry blossom trees are found in most Paris parks and gardens. If you don’t have time to search all the best places in Paris head to the following gardens and be impressed:
- the Luxembourg Gardens (6th arrondissement)
- the Jardin des Plantes (5th arrondissement)
- Jardin du Palais-Royal (1st arrondissement)
- Parc Monceau (8th arrondissement)
- Parc des Buttes Chaumont (19th arrondissement)
- Parc de Belleville (20th arrondissement)
Day Trip To See The Best Cherry Blossoms
Parc de Sceaux
I finally made it to Parc de Sceaux to see the magnificent array of more than 150 cherry blossom trees in full bloom! When people talk about having a picnic amidst cherry trees, this is the most popular spot. Plan an afternoon to wander under cherry trees, and visit the Château de Sceaux. Will you plan your visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival? Read the full article about the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux.
- Location: 8 Ave Claude Perrault, 92330 Sceaux, France
Hanami: The Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
Hanami, the famous springtime Cherry Blossom Festival, is being celebrated in Parc de Sceaux from March 30 to April 28, 2024. Hanami, a Japanese Spring Festival, is going to be celebrated in style in the Domaine de Sceaux. With family-fun activities and events that celebrate Japanese culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Amidst the best cherry blossoms, immerse yourself in Japanese culture with music, dance, origami, and flower arranging.
Grand White Cherry Blossom (Prunus Shirotae)
When Does The Grand White Cherry Blossom (Prunus Shirotae) Blossom?
This cherry tree blooms in early April. Its plentiful, large white blooms cover the branches that arch to the ground.
Where To See These Paris Spring Flowers?
Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes is known for its pink cherry blossoms and stunning gardens. But for spring flowers in Paris, the white cherry blossom (Prunus Shirotae) gets a special mention. It’s a magnificent sight laden with hundreds of delicate flowers. The Prunus Shirotae is worth the trip to the Jardin des Plantes.
This stunning spectacle draws a crowd so go early in the morning. You might see Parisians practising yoga. It’s a peaceful way to begin a new day in Paris.
- Location: 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris
Spring Flowers In Paris: Wisteria
When purple is your favourite colour, wisteria ranks right up there as a favoured spring flower in Paris.
The delicate, fragrant violet blossoms tumble and climb at the same time. The flowers reach over fences and scramble up fabulous façades in Paris.
When Does Wisteria Bloom In Paris?
Wisteria blooms In Paris from mid-April to early May.
3 Best Places To See Wisteria In Paris
1. Wisteria on rue de Fourcy
The breathtaking display of wisteria on rue de Fourcy is an enchanting sight in Paris. The clusters of purple blossoms are the perfect addition to your itinerary in le Marais.
- Location: 5/7 rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
2. The Grande Mosquée de Paris
The Grand Mosque of Paris, in the Latin Quarter, is one of the best spots to see wisteria flowers in Paris. The stunning array of wisteria in the garden of the Grande Mosquée de Paris will take your breath away. Stay for a mint tea or a serene steam bath at the hammam.
- Location: 2bis Pl. du Puits de l’Ermmite, 75005 Paris
3. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
The façade of this ancient café, founded in 1512, on Ile de la Cité is draped in wisteria. Does wisteria in Paris get any better than this? It’s truly a charming and romantic display. Have a coffee or a meal and soak up the beauty of these spring flowers in Paris.
- Location: 24 rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris
Chestnut Trees In Paris
Majestic chestnut trees, commonly found in Paris, are known for their spiky shells hiding chestnuts inside. They also produce gorgeous cylindrical blossoms in both white and pink hues. Each blossom contains numerous little flowers and gives off a delicate honey-like fragrance. Enchanting.
When Do Chestnut Trees Bloom In Paris?
Look for pink and white chestnut blooms from late April to the end of June.
Popular Spots To See Chestnut Trees in Paris
1. Canal Saint-Martin
Stand on the iron bridges over Canal Saint-Martin and marvel at the chestnut trees in bloom. The majestic trees line the canal and the striking blossoms make a stunning sight. It’s all rather peaceful as the boats make their way through the locks, and locals and tourist alike swing their legs over the side of the Quai and share a bottle of champagne. Ah, la vie est belle!
- Location: Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
2. Place Dauphine
Place Dauphine on Ile de Cité is worth a visit at any time of year. One of Paris’s Royal Squares, it has gorgeous architecture, a tranquil atmosphere, and historic significance. When the pink chestnut trees are in full bloom, their blossoms stretching skyward, Place Dauphine is truly a marvel to behold. Spend a few minutes watching pétanque. There is always a game underway! (1st arrondissement)
- Location: Place Dauphine, 75001 Paris
3. Place Saint-Sulpice
I love this square with the Fountain of the Four Bishops flowing, the mismatched towers of Saint-Sulpice Church reaching skyward, and knowing that Catherine Deneuve who lives close by might appear at any moment. Sit on a bench under the chestnut blossoms and inhale Paris. It’s rather perfect.
- Location: Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris
Flowers In Paris: Roses
In May and June, Paris is awash in vibrant displays of roses and the delicate fragrance abounds. Whether you are seeking out roses or just happen upon them unexpectedly while exploring the city streets, their presence adds a touch of elegance and enchantment to Paris in the spring.
When Do Roses Bloom In Paris?
The best months to see roses blooming are in May through June.
Where To See These Spring Flowers in Paris: Roses
1. Parc de Bagatelle
Parc de Bagatelle, situated in the Bois de Boulogne, is an enchanting park that few tourists know about. The Parc de Bagatelle features a renowned rose garden that features over 10,000 rose bushes and over 1200 different varieties. Rose fans will be delighted! Stroll the pathways, admire the peacocks and revel in the stunning vista (and fragrance) of roses.
- Location: 42 Rte de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016 Paris
2. Rose Garden At The Jardin des Plantes
Rose lovers will be thrilled to discover the Rose Garden (the Roseraie) in the Jardin des Plantes. There are close to 400 different species of rose bushes, some species hailing from before 1867, and thousands of rose bushes. It’s a dazzling array of colours, shapes, and fragrances.
My favourite rose is the Pierre de Ronsard variety. It’s not just their gorgeous pink cup-shaped blooms and delicate fragrances that I love but the story of the Renaissance French poet after whom they are named.
- Location: 18 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris
Parc Floral de Paris
The Parc Floral de Paris is a stunning botanical garden and park located in the Bois de Vincennes on the eastern edge of Paris. It’s known for its diverse collection of plants, landscaped gardens and magnificent flowers. The Parc Floral de Paris is one of the best places to see vibrant displays of roses in June. Plan to spend an afternoon exploring all the different gardens such as the French Gardens, English-style Gardens and Japanese Gardens.
- Location: Rte de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris
Spring flowers in Paris are nothing short of breathtaking. I hope using this guide to finding spring flowers in Paris and that you swooned more than once!
Until next time,
More Paris Travel Info…
Book In Advance:
Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Book your one-hour Seine cruise, a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre, and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget a skip-the-line guided tour of Versailles and Disneyland!
Where To Stay in Paris:
Read my arrondissement guide to decide where to stay and then check out these hotels.
Or choose to stay In Le Marais Paris: This boutique hotel is built on the site of a 17th-century convent, and this small luxury hotel is right by Place des Vosges. Look for other hotels in le Marais here.
Fancy staying in an apartment in le Marais? This stylish apartment sleeps up to 6 people right in the heart of le Marais. This one-bedroom apartment is in the perfect location for exploring le Marais.
Looking for the ultimate splurge on this trip to Paris? How about being neighbours with the Eiffel Tower?
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