5 Most Beautiful Spots in Paris in the Spring

Spring has officially sprung in the French capital, and there’s nothing better! The spring season is an endless source of inspiration for ladies and gents of letters. French writer Victor Hugo wrote in his tome-turned-hit-musical-turned-hit-film, Les Misérables: “If people did not love one another, I really don’t see what use there would be in having any spring.” In the City of Love, this is an apt sentiment. Here is a list of five gorgeous places to enjoy in Paris this spring: Jardin du Luxembourg I am biased, due to the great memoires I have from being in Luxembourg Gardens, but I believe this to be one of the most beautiful spots in Paris. The gardens are packed with beauty: the grand fountain, the tall trees, the ornate statues, views of the nearby Pantheon, the impressive Senate building, and the lush green grass in spring. The garden, which is found in the 6th arrondissement, has been around since the 1600s when it was created by King Henry IV’s wife, Marie de’ Medici. For fans of musical theater, this is a place of note, as it was where Marius and Cosette first meet in Les Misérables. And for fans of music, note that the park’s gazebo often features free performances, to be leisurely enjoyed in the sun (and even on rainy days too). Perhaps the most endearing thing about the gardens during the warm months is the sight of children sailing their small model boats in the fountain. Champs de Mars in the Evening If you’ve ever been to the Champs de Mars in the nighttime hours during summer, you know how lively it can get. Vendors of souvenirs, beers, and snacks, populate the sprawling park area that lies between la Tour Eiffel and École Militaire. The area even had a cameo in the 1985 James Bond film, A View to Kill. Grab a blanket, some charcuterie and wine at the nearby Carrefour, and take to the grounds on a warm night for some good conversation, adventure, and fun. Best of all, catch the glittery lights on the Eiffel Tower in the late night hours for a spectacular sight that will remind you why Paris is a magical place. The Tip of Île de la Cité: Square du Vert-Galant Square du Vert-Galant is the best place to lounge by the Seine and read a book on a beautiful day. Located on the west point of Île de la Cité, this small park has been around for hundreds of years, and is still enjoyed by many today. Located in the first arrondissement, it is central to many tourist attractions, and the perfect spot for a respite during your sightseeing. Pont des Arts Formerly referred to as the “Love Lock Bridge,” Pont des Arts (also known as Passerelle des Arts) is situated over the Seine, nestled between the Louvre and the impressive Institut de France. This is another one of those places that lends itself to a perfect nighttime picnic. In evenings during spring and summer, performers can often be found here strumming on their guitar, with lively listeners nearby who might be enjoying some apéros and Leffe beers. The sight of Paris from the bridge is hard to beat, and artists can be found on the bridge capturing the views. The bridge used to be adorned with padlocks (a dangerous and weighty hazard), before the city of Paris removed them last year. (These were engraved with the initials of lovers who placed a lock there to symbolize their eternal commitment to each other, before throwing the key into the river below. As a friend once pointed out to me, it was amusing to see the padlocks with a combination code that could unlocked with a few twists of the wrist, just in case one in the duo changed their mind.) Place des Vosges The oldest square in Paris, Place des Vosges, sits in the heart of the Marais. Grab a falafel at the famous L’as du Fallafel (Lenny Kravitz is a fan and patron), and sit on the grass in the square to take a brief respite from all the exciting things the Marais has to offer (shopping, cafes, a carousel, museums, etc.). If you’re feeling literary and ambitious (or even just one of the two) after your repose, walk to the nearby Maison de Victor Hugo at 6 Place des Vosges. At the celebrated writer’s former apartment-turned-museum (where he lived from 1832 to 1848), you can view memorabilia, Hugo’s original drawings, and a whole lotta history. (Bonus: the museum is free!) Les Misérables fans will rejoice once again for being a part of the story’s history, as Hugo wrote a large portion of the tome in this apartment. Photo credits: The Champ de Mars by Juanedc/ Flickr; Jardin du Luxembourg by Cristian Bortes/ Flickr; The Champ de Mars at night as seen from the Eiffel Tower by Dustin Gaffke/ Flickr; Square du Vert-Galant by Leon Brocard/ Flickr; The Pont des Arts by Edgardo W. Olivera/ Flickr; Seine panorama by