Watching Paris in bloom is something that every Francophile should experience at least once. Luckily, you can usually find the city blooming from mid-February to early-May. The early spring flowers are especially exciting and welcome after the gray winter months. Here you’ll find some of the best places to take in the magnolias and other early spring flowers in Paris!
If you’re planning on being in Paris from mid-February through early April (before the Cherry Blossoms normally bloom), be sure to check out the following places to see Paris with a pop of color:
Palais-Royal
Year after year, Palais-Royal is one of the first places in mid to late February where the magnolias bloom in Paris. The setting at Palais-Royal is stunning year-round, but especially when the trees in the center are dressed in a shade of pink. As a bonus, the magnolia blooms are always accompanied by yellow daffodils for a fun contrast.
The colors really peak in mid-March when the tulips arrive. Head to Café Kitsuné for a coffee to-go and sit on one of the numerous benches or green chairs scattered throughout the garden and enjoy!
Jardin des Tuileries
In late-February you’ll find the Jardin des Tuileries dotted with pink magnolia trees in bloom. Not only is it a photographer’s paradise with the Louvre and buildings along the Rue de Rivoli in the background, but it’s also just a wonderful place to sit and relax.
Because the Jardin des Tuileries is so big it never really feels too crowded (unless you’re by the central fountain). Grab a green chair and a friend or book and enjoy.
Square Boucicaut
I saw my very first early spring flowers in Paris this year on February 12th in Square Boucicaut, just across from Le Bon Marché. There are plenty of benches inside the small park, so I love picking up a sandwich or salad and eating surrounded by trees and plants.
In 2018 I even saw these pink blooms covered in a layer of snow in mid-March!
Champ de Mars
Around mid-March you’ll find the pink blooms at the Champ de Mars, which means you can take in the flowers with a side of Eiffel Tower! While these flowering trees are a little less full and vibrant than the Cherry Blossoms in April they’re still beautiful.
There are several spots just at the base of the Eiffel Tower where you can take photos with the pink flowers in the background. For a different perspective you can also go a little further back. No matter where you are, it’s a great place to enjoy the scenery.
Planning an early spring trip to Paris? I’d love to help you with creating the perfect bespoke itinerary.
2 comments