Visiting Paris in Spring
Visit Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime – spring flowers, affordable travel, and less crowds make Spring the time for a trip to Paris. Bursting with color, Paris in Spring is a visual delight.
Best of all, see more of Paris when the crowds at the top attractions are lower. Furthermore, maximize your travel dollars when Paris hotels and flights are more affordable than in the summer.
Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime
- Enjoy the Spring blooms walking through Paris gardens
- Especially take a day to visit Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France
- Then walk the shaded paths of Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
- Importantly to get the best experience, visit the world class museums without crowds
- Of course, relax at historical cafes enjoying a croissant and coffee
- Absolutely take a Cruise on the Seine in the perfect Spring weather
- Explore Paris on foot to get a real feel of the city without the crowds or heat
- Along with traditional Paris sites, visit the Paris Menagerie with local families
- Shop the many boutiques and historic shopping malls for Paris Spring Fashions
Setting the Mood for Paris in Spring
Paris in Spring: Spring Flowers
Walking through the gardens of Paris in Springtime you can enjoy the gardens in full bloom.
Springtime Rain in Paris
Remember to pack a rain coat as weather switches from sunny days to rain in Paris in the Spring. Additionally, add an umbrella in your day pack or tote bag.
Luxembourg Gardens
Located in the inner circle of Paris in the 6th arrondissement the Luxembourg Garden is known in France as Jardin du Luxembourg. Beginning in 1612 the widow of King Henry IV, Marie de’ Medici, commissioned the garden as part of the construction of her residence, the Luxembourg Palace. Currently, the layout is based on revisions by Haussman in 1865 after the first 200 years of the garden’s history.
Wander the gardens to enjoy the spring bulbs and flowers. Next, stop at Serres du Jardin du Luxembourg to explore the botanical gardens. Afterwards, head over to the historical Fontaine Medicis in the tree shaded area of the park. Also located in Luxembourg Gardens is the Mineralogy Museum in Hotel de Vendome with displays of gems, minerals, and meteorites. Lastly, enjoy a picnic or beverage and relax while enjoying the surrounding spring flowers in bloom.
Of course, taking the RER from the airport to the heart of Paris provides an exit at Luxembourg Gardens offering a wonderful welcome to the city.
Bring a Sarong Picnic Blanket
Often I recommend packing a sarong while traveling. Although Paris is not a tropical location this advice still holds true.
Lightweight for packing and carrying in a tote bag or day pack, a sarong can be used as a scarf when the Spring air gets a little chilly and for a casual garden picnic.
Claude Monet’s Garden at Giverny
First to open for the season in Spring, take a day trip to Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime should include a visit to where Claude Monet painted his famous water lily pieces inspired by his gardens.
Giverny is a full day excursion. Bring a day pack with water bottle for the trip.
Musée national Eugène Delacroix
A hidden gem is the Musée national Eugène Delacroix which includes the painter’s workshop and home. More importantly during Spring enjoy the gardens. This museum is small and a worthy stop to enjoy springtime in a traditional garden.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Although technically not a garden the Pere Lachaise Cemetery offers a nice walk under shaded pathways. Among the resting places of the famous are magnificent statues with over 2,000 works of art. Despite receiving 3 million visitors annually the 200 year old cemetery is a quiet retreat.
Plan the walk to exit Metro Gambetta at the top of the hill and then walk downhill to restaurants to Metro Philippe-Auguste to continue your journey. Currently, entrance is free. Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the largest green space in Paris with over 107 acres. Therefore, allow about two hours to explore.
Exploring the Père Lachaise Cemetery
Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime
World Class Museums of Paris
Paris is filled with world class museums as well as smaller museums to explore. Indeed it is easier and more enjoyable to visit the museums without the crowds or long entrance lines.
Paris in Spring: Visit Museums
Top on most traveler’s list is to visit the Louvre Museum. Especially without the crowds or entrance lines you can see many of the top pieces of art in the Louvre in a three hour best-of tour. Of course with fewer crowds there is also a better opportunity to take pictures of the famous paintings without being blocked.
Musee de l’Organerie
Without a doubt, lovers of Claude Monet’s work and French Impressionism should add the Organerie Museum to any Paris itinerary. Best of all, in Springtime you can enjoy the museum without the crowds.
Monet Water Lily Pond at Night
Musee Marmottan Monet, Paris, France
After the Musee de l’Organerie, Monet lovers will enjoy the Musee Marmottan Monet. After about a 20 minute Metro ride and a short walk you can be enjoying the galleries of Musee Marmottan Monet without the crowds during Spring.
Musée d’Orsay
Another world class museum is the Musee de Orsay housed in a historic, glass domed Beaux-Arts train station.
First, start at the top floor to view Impressionists’ paintings by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gough, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, and Mary Cassatt. Here you will also find French Post-Impressionist artists such as Paul Gauguin along with Neo-Impressionist works by Belgian artist, Theo van Rysselberghe.
Included in the Orsay Museum is the famous painting by Vincent Van Gough, Starry Night.
Enjoy famous works without the crowds when you travel to Paris in Spring.
Relax at a Paris Cafe
Sitting in a Paris cafe should be a daily ritual while visiting the city. Once you start you will wonder how you manage at home without a daily cafe break.
Famous Parisian Cafes
Among the famous Paris Cafes are Les Deux Magots which opened in 1865 and Cafe de Flore, a corner cafe from 1887 that has hosted famous celebrities since that time.
There are lines in the morning for Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore even in Spring. Yet, it does not take that long to be seated.
Local Cafes
Of course, become a regular for your Paris Spring trip by stopping at the Paris cafe near your hotel in the morning.
In this case, try a few nearby until you decide on your favorite. After a long day of sightseeing it is nice to have a place for a nightcap or bite to eat near where you are staying.
In addition, try the Cafe Glacier, founded in 1686, for dinner as another classic cafe experience.
Patisseries
First and foremost, ensure you partake in the delightful French pastries daily. As a matter of fact, take some to go for a late night treat as the Pâtisseries close prior to dinner time.
For instance, not one to miss a day in Paris without a pastry, I stop at a local Pâtisserie in the morning. First, enjoying a quick coffee and breakfast pastry I also order dessert pastries for take away. After dropping the pastries back in the hotel room it is time for the day’s sightseeing and adventures. Of course, returning to my room after dinner I am always delighted!
Angelinas Tea House
In particular as a pastry lover, Angelinas is on my must-do list when visiting Paris at any time of year. For one thing, Angelinas is conveniently located at 226 Rue de Rivoli, across the street from the Tuileries Gardens of the Louvre.
However, convenience is hardly the reason to visit. Instead, make a reservation online at this popular, historic tea house for its elegant setting, incredible French pastries, and a famous cold chocolate drink or pot of hot chocate.
Parisian aristocrats frequented Anglinas from its beginning including Coco Chanel and Proust. In fact, you feel a bit aristocratic yourself dining in the elegant Belle Epoque room graced with marble, murals, chandeliers, and mirrored walls.
Currently, Anglinas is expanding its locations to luxury addresses worldwide. Fortunately, there is also a Angelinas in the Louvre offering the perfect break while at the museum.
In fact, if you visit Versailles ensure that you schedule a pastry break at Angelinas. Take the little train in the garden to the Queen’s Hamlet. After touring Marie Antoinette’s retreat chateau stop at the Angelinas by the entrance and then take your pastry and coffee or hot chocolate directly outside to enjoy on the tables in the park.
French Cooking at Home
Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime: Seine River Cruise
Definitely book a cruise on the river Seine as an introduction to Paris.
In fact, this is frequently on my arrival day itinerary. Especially when tired after traveling, sitting down on the barge and cruising past many of the famous sites of Paris really makes you feel like you have arrived in Paris.
Furthermore, if you arrive during the day or at night you can usually enjoy a Seine River Cruise on your first day.
Additionally, a Seine Cruise takes you under the famous bridges of Paris.
What to Bring on a Seine River Cruise
Spring days and nights can be chilly on the water and the best seats are outside. Just in case, wear your raincoat and pack a warm hat and gloves.
Walking Around Paris in Spring
Paris in Spring – Top 7 must include the sheer joy of walking around Paris.
Pop in the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore for English language books and a Shakespeare and Company book tote.
The founder of Shakespeare and Company, Sylvia Beach, was the first to publish James Joyce’s Ulysses. Furthermore, as a legendary publisher for expatriates clients included illustrious literary names such as Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, H. D., Ezra Pound, Janet Flanner, William Carlos Williams, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Learn more about the famous Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Musee Rodin Sculpture Garden
Almost everywhere in Paris you will find statues especially in the multitude of gardens.
Although a museum, the Sculpture Garden of the Rodin Museum needs mention in the gardens of Paris section. Filled with works by the famous sculpture the gardens are magical all year round and blooming in Spring.
Walking in Paris Packing
It is popular in Paris to carry a shopping bag or tote while walking in Paris. You will see many Parisians with a shopping tote for their fresh baguette.
Of course, they are also handy for travel souvenirs.
Paris Menagerie in the Jardin de las Plantas
Often overlooked by tourists, the Paris Menagerie is situated in the beautiful Jardín de las Plantas.
It should be noted, the Jardin de las Plantas is the primary botanical garden in Paris. Founded in 1635 it incorporates several sites to visit.
Galerie de Botanique is a small science museum. Secondly, the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution is a natural history museum housed in a metal and glass 19th century hall. As well as a wonderful natural history museum it is worth a visit for architecture buffs too.
Also located in the Jardin de las Plantas is a garden Labyrinthe that provides an uphill walk to stretch your legs.
Menagerie, le zoo du Jardin de las Plantas
A favorite past time on a spring afternoon is to explore the small Paris Menagerie.
Mostly frequented by locals it is a nice way to spend a few hours of spring in Paris.
In addition to pink flamingos the small zoo is home to Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, and Bornean Orangutan.
Paris in Spring – Top 7 Things to do in Paris During Springtime: Paris Spring Shopping
Shopping for the latest Spring fashions is a treat in Paris. First of all the streets are lined with unique boutiques. In addition, there are the historic department stores to visit.
- Printemps Paris is an elegant department store located across from the Grand Opera House. Visit the luxury Printemps Haussmann Paris and its 10 glass domed ceiling. Even if you manage not to buy anything the building is beautiful inside.
- Le Bon Marche was one of the first department stores in the world and was completed in 1852. Another luxury department store it is within walking distance from the Luxembourg Gardens.
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Galeries Lafayette Haussmann features a art noveau glass dome with a viewing platform. Galeries Lafayette is another century old department store filled with luxury and fashionable goods.
Immerse yourself in the history of Paris Fashion by packing a travel book
Enjoy Paris in Spring – Top 7 Trip Preparation
- First, check out our general packing list for travel to create a packing checklist
- Of course if you plan to visit the Louvre Museum, book mark our Louvre Museum Paris France 3 Hour Best Of Tour
- Browse pictures of Paris to inform your itinerary by following our Instagram page
- Also, find our travel videos on TikTok
- Use Amazon’s Prime Try Before You Buy program for a new Paris wardrobe
- Include a popular Paris travel book and map in your packing
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