Are you wanting to see the cherry blossoms in Paris? Starting in mid-march to the end of April, you have the best chance to catch the blooms in the city. From bright whites to baby pinks, there are thousands of trees around Paris that put on a spectacular show. Rivaling the cherry blossom season in Japan, the French have been enjoying the cherry blossoms in the city quietly for years. However, with the rise of Instagram these hidden gems have been exposed all over the internet and are starting to attract a similar following.
Unfortunately, not every location is in bloom at the same time. To make blossom sighting matters more complicated, the weather has a significant effect of the timing of the blooms. An extra cold winter will delay to first blooms to the end of March or early April. However one thing that is always consistent is the magnolias are always the first to bloom, and you can see them first blooming in a few specific locations. If you are planning a trip to Paris in the spring, here is an overview of the general timeframe and locations of the best blooms in the city.
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Locations of March Blooms in Paris
Jardin du Palais Royal
The earliest blooms in the city are the magnolia trees usually appearing in mid-march. One of the best places to see these earliest blooms are at the Jardin du Palais Royal in the heart of the city. Located right around the corner from the Louvre Museum, this is a former royal palace with a large inner courtyard that is open and free to the public. Combining classical architecture with modern art pieces, the Jardin du Palais Royal is a great place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Other places to find the magnolias trees in March are at Champs des Mars near the Eiffel Tower which offers a fabulous photo opportunity with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Get here early in the morning for the least crowds as this is a popular spot, and rightfully so.
Square René Viviani
Across the bridge from the Notre Dame is the Square René Viviani which is a rather small green space in Paris. In mid-March this is another location where you can find the first pink blossoms with the backdrop of Notre Dame.
Locations for April Blooms in Paris
Once the blossoms start blooming in mid-march, they will continuing popping up around the city until the last week of April. The most widespread and stunning blooms occur in the month of April. Here are some of the best places to see the cherry blossoms if you are visiting in April.
Jardins du Trocadéro
One of my favorite areas to see the Sakura cherry blossoms are at the Jardin du Trocadéro located across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. This is a very popular area from sunrise to sunset due to the view of the Eiffel Tower past the gardens. This was one of my favorite spots in Paris to photograph the cherry blossom trees as they seemed to frame the Eiffel Tower so perfectly. Mid to late April is your best chance to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom at this location. We visited at sunrise and a little later in the day and while it was crowded both times, the park is large enough for you to enjoy a picnic or a relaxing break in the park without too much disruption.
Avenue de New York
Not a cherry blossom variant, but if you time your trip correctly you can catch this brilliant period in Paris when the cherry blossoms and the wisteria is starting to bloom. When we visited during the second to last week of April we were able to catch this wisteria bush along the Avenue de New York to the right of the Pont de I’ena when looking towards the Eiffel Tower.
Related Post: 16 Prettiest Streets in Paris & the History
Notre Dame & Square Jean XXIII Park
Typically around mid-April the cherry blossoms in the Square Jean XXIII park behind the Norte Dame are in full bloom. These are some of the last cherry blossoms trees to bloom in Paris and for good reason some of the most crowded. If you are able to time it right and see the trees here in full bloom, come early in the day for the best viewing experience!
Shakespeare & Company
Across the bridge from the Notre Dame, and very near to the Square René Viviani you will find a few cherry blossom trees out front of the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore in late April.
Parc de Sceaux
A little bit outside of the city of Paris, you can find one of the largest concentration of cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux. There are rows upon rows of cherry blossom trees that bloom pink in the North Grove and bloom white in the South Grove. As always it depends on the weather, but the trees here generally bloom in the second and third week of April.
A few additional parks to check out around Paris are Jardin des Plantes, Parc Clichy-Batignolles and Paris Park Floral.
Rapeseed fields outside Paris
All along the highways and backroads of Europe you will be able to see the fields of bright yellow rapeseed crops which is harvested for it oil-rich seed. Most start appearing in mid-April and it is as if the earth is welcoming the spring sunshine with beautiful sweeping fields of yellow flowers.
You may also enjoy these other European flower related posts:
- Where to Find the Best Fields of Tulips in the Netherlands
- Where to Find the Best Lavender Fields in Provence
- How to Visit the Cherry Blossom Avenue in Bonn, Germany
- Visiting the Flower Carpet in Brussels in 2022 (Incl. a Secret Viewing Spot)
You may also enjoy these France related posts:
- Driving the Champagne Route in France
- Alsace Wine Route in France: The Ultimate One Day Itinerary
- A Complete Guide to the Best of Paris
- 16 Prettiest Streets in Paris & the History
- Where to Stay in Paris: Best Arrondissements and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler
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