Where to See Paris in Bloom

Where to See Paris in Bloom

For many reasons, Paris in the Spring is one of my favorite times to visit. There is a buzz in the air after being inside over Winter. The terraces are packed with people from lunch to past happy hour, and the city starts to bloom with spring flowers. It begins with the magnolia blossoms, followed by apple, cherry, and chestnut blossoms. Paris is sprinkled with different shades of pink from March through May, and it is stunning. Don’t forget the white blossom trees and the purple wisteria too. I hope you enjoy this post on the best places where to see Paris in bloom.

Magnolia Trees in Paris

Apple Blossoms in Paris

The first time I saw apple blossoms in bloom outside the Eiffel Tower, I confused them for cherry blossoms. It was the first time I saw either blooming, and I didn’t know what to expect. Apple blossoms are smaller flowers in a light pink or white shade with about five blossoms on each bud. These flowers start to bloom in early spring in Paris. You can spot these beautiful flowers on trees throughout the city until late March.

Where to see Paris cherry blossoms in bloom

Cherry blossoms in Paris are a fantastic experience and a special time to be in the city. During my first spring in Paris, they didn’t pop until the end of April, which is unusual. They typically start in early April and last two weeks. My birthday is right around this time, and I try to line up my spring trip to April to see them in bloom. When planning a trip to Paris to see the cherry blossom trees in bloom, the beginning of April is the best time. The weather can be challenging; a good rain storm can quickly wash them out. There are no guarantees for anything during the spring in Paris.

One of the best spots for cherry blossom season is next to Notre Dame Cathedral in Square Jean XXIII. Early morning before the crowds show up, the perfect spot is just on the edge of the Seine river. Notre Dame is currently under construction and doesn’t expect to reopen until late 2024. The earliest you can experience this magical spot is spring 2025. Before the fire, there was a tiny sandbox for kids to play in, and the trees would blossom right above.

Jardin des Plantes Where to See Paris in Bloom

Jardin des Plantes is an excellent spot to see Paris in bloom. The garden has the best cherry blossom trees with white and pink blossoms. You cannot miss them as you enter from the main street. Jardin des Plantes is a destination in Paris during the blossom season.

Shakespeare & Co., located on Rue de la Bûcherie in the heart of Paris, has a few trees right at the entrance of the famous bookshop with cherry blossom trees to attract tourists and locals. It is best to arrive early in the morning for a photo opportunity, as the shop has a long line. Shakespeare & Co. is tiny on the inside but worth visiting. Next door is a shop for coffee and cakes with an inside and exterior terrace with tables. This will give you a great view of Notre Dame and the reconstruction process.

St. Paul Metro Paris Cherry Blossoms

St Paul is a great spot to see the best cherry blossoms near the Marais. There are metro stations nearby to let you off directly in the square of St. Paul, where you will be greeted with pink blooms.

Eiffel Tower Paris Cherry Blossoms

There are two places to spot the cherry blossoms near the Eiffel Tower. From the Trocadero gardens, trees are lining the sidewalk, which was much smaller a few years ago and has probably grown in size over time.

Cross the street to the Champ des Mars for another perspective with cherry blossoms just at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Off the Beaten Path Paris Rue Monge in Bloom

Rue Monge, located in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, is near the center of Paris, close to one of my favorite coffee shops, Strada café. In Square Paul Langevin and the surrounding area, you will spot beautiful cherry trees with pink cherry blossoms. Take your coffee to go and sit in the square or walk through the sea of pink flowers.

Square Gabriel Pierné Paris in Bloom

Square Gabriel Pierné is a popular spot close to the Seine river on the way to St. Germain des Près off Rue de Seine. Dogs are allowed here, and seeing them resting in the sun under the cherry blossom trees is so cute. It is a small square, but you can’t miss the large cherry blossoms as you walk down Rue de Seine.

Where to See Paris Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

Parc de Sceaux is one of the most beautiful places to experience cherry blossoms in Paris. Take the RER B south of the city to Sceaux. It is a day trip out of Paris. Pack a picnic lunch for under the field of cherry blossom trees. It is one of the best locations for a memorable cherry blossom picnic.

Along the Champ des Mars, you will see the cherry blossoms in full bloom framing the iron lady for a great photo opportunity. One of the best things you can do in the spring is to picnic under the trees until the day ends. Bring a blanket, baguette, cheese, and rosé and set up an impromptu picnic. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour after sunset.

Chestnut Blossoms in Paris

As the cherry blossoms fade away in late April, chestnut blossoms bloom in Paris. These are pink and white flowers found on trees throughout Paris. One of my favorite places to see the chestnut blossoms is in Place Dauphine. The whole square explodes with pink blossoms from the chestnut trees. Enjoy a seat on one of the benches for a picnic, people-watching, and soaking up the sunshine in Paris.

Chestnut Blossoms outside the Eiffel Tower

Wisteria in Paris

Finally, Wisteria in Paris starts toward the end of April and mid-May. Take the time to explore Pais off the beaten path in Montmartre and some side streets. You never know where you might find hints of wisteria climbing in the city; it is a beautiful shade of purple.

Îl de la Cité

Just on the side of Notre Dame, you will find a café covered in purple wisteria.

Montmartre in Bloom Where to Find Wisteria

P.S. If you plan a trip to Paris this spring, don’t miss this post on what to pack for Paris.