Cherry Blossoms in Paris: The Hanami Fête in Parc de Sceaux 2023

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Cherry Blossoms in Paris: The Hanami Fête in Parc de Sceaux 2023

With the long-awaited arrival of sunnier days, there are a whole host of springtime events lined up in Paris. In April one of the first things that many urbanites look forward to is the ethereal spectacle of Parc de Sceaux’s cherry blossoms or sakuras, as they are called in Japanese.

Cherry blossoms in Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

Located to the south of Paris in the Hauts-de-Seine department of France, the Parc de Sceaux is built around a centuries-old mansion that belonged to the seigneur, or lord of Sceaux, Jean II Baillet in the 15th century. The domain was purchased in the 17th century by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who expanded the chateau and appointed André Le Nôtre to design the park. While this grand park is reason enough to visit, the cherry blossom festival is an unparalleled experience.

The Chateau de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

For about a month every spring, the northern grove in Chateau de Sceaux is surreally dotted with 150 blooming Japanese cherry trees in pink and white. Visitors are welcomed to revel in the beauty of this sight, and to participate in Parc de Sceaux’s Hanami celebrations.

Cherry blossoms in the Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

The Japanese word “hanami” means “flower watching.” The festival in Parc de Sceaux thus honors the annual Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry and plum blossoms. The celebration is a nod to the onset of spring, as well as to the ephemerality of beauty, as symbolized by the short-lived splendor of these stunning cherry blossoms.

Tulips in the Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

Besides admiring the beauty of nature, hanami is the perfect time to sit beneath the blooming cherry trees and spend time with friends and loved ones over a picnic, or simply take a delicious nap in the sunshine, a definite luxury after a long cold winter.

Cherry blossoms in the Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

This year’s theme for Parc de Sceaux’s Hanami celebration is manga. Visitors can also participate in various events and workshops throughout the festival. The event culminates in a grand celebration on the weekend of April 15 and 16. There will be free workshops for drawing, origami (the art of Japanese folding), and furoshiki (the traditional technique of folding and knotting fabric). There will also be a demonstration of ikebana (Japanese floral art).

Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

Parc de Sceaux’s Hanami festival is a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and experience a slice of Japanese culture in France. Besides hanami, Parc de Sceaux also makes for a lovely outing to explore the museum and partake in activities such as boating, cycling and jogging in the park.

Fountains in the Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

DETAILS

Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux
8, avenue Claude Perrault
92330 Sceaux

Website: Domaine départmental de Sceaux

Dates: Parc de Sceaux’s Hanami Celebration 2023 takes please from 1st April – 8th May 2023

Venue for workshops on April 15 and 16:

The workshops take place in the open air, on the Allée des Cèdres (access via the “Pavillon de Hanover” gate, or follow the signs from the “Croix-de-Berny” gate).

How to reach Parc de Sceaux: From St Michel-Notre Dame, take the RER B about 20 minutes to the Parc de Sceaux stop. Walking from the RER station, the gardens and chateau are less than 10 minutes away.

Cherry blossoms in the Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

Lead photo credit : Cherry blossoms in Parc de Sceaux. Photo credit: Pronoti Baglary

More in cherry blossom, cherry blossoms in Paris, Hanami Celebration 2023, nature, Parc de Sceaux, sakuras, Spring in Paris, trees

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Pronoti is a freelance writer and photographer based in Paris. When she is not writing or learning French, she spends her time exploring Parisian oddities and delights. A sociologist by training, she is interested in everything related to society and culture including food, language and architecture. She shares photographs and tid-bits about her life in France on her Instagram @paris_shuffle and on her blog The Shuffle.