5 Most Beautiful Spots in Paris in the Spring

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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 
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Lead photo credit : The Pont des Arts by Edgardo W. Olivera/ Flickr

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Anne McCarthy is a contributing writer to BBC News, Teen Vogue, The Telegraph, Dance Magazine, and more. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Westminster and is the Editor in Chief of Fat Tire Tours’ travel blog. She lives in New York City.

Comments

  • j. madison rink
    2019-05-16 11:21:53
    j. madison rink
    Absolutely fabulous publication!!! Thank you!

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  • DENYSE MAINS
    2019-05-09 21:49:21
    DENYSE MAINS
    Tak you so much for those wonderful articles and pictures wich remind me of my youth ,I have come back many time since I left many many years ago and at 93 years old now reminissand enjoy your journal and wonderful pictures I miss Paris so much but have such wonderful memories .again Thank you for making me feel at home reading you Denyse langlois

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  • Ed Cobleigh
    2019-05-09 11:56:44
    Ed Cobleigh
    40 years ago, I visited Paris for the first time. Watching children sail small wooden boats in the fountains in the Tulleries and the Luxemburg Gardens, I anticipated my own kids doing just that. Over the years and 50+ visits to the City of Lights, somehow it happened. Last summer my wife and I took the four grandkids to Paris where they had a great time with the boats. Better late than never. The grandkids' offspring will have the same opportunity as some things never change.

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  • David Mulligan
    2018-05-07 12:43:53
    David Mulligan
    Have been going back and forth to Paris now for more than 50 years. I have to admit that the first time I saw the city was my favorite. However, the allure of the city NEVER goes away and I am constantly drawn back to the City of Lights

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  • Stephan
    2018-05-03 17:26:49
    Stephan
    My first trip to Paris was in 2002. I knew nothing of the Place des Vosges and discovered it quite by accident. It has now become one of my favorite places to walk around. Also, the beauty of the Jardin de Luxembourg is overwhelming. And with an Angelina's right there, well, what's not to like?

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  • kerstin
    2018-05-03 11:15:51
    kerstin
    rather limited outlook.Do get thee outside the tourist circuit and discover that most magic of parks, the Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement, take metro 7 and get off at Botzaris. Ideal for relaxing and indeed for picnics

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  • Shirley GAvelin
    2017-04-28 21:32:12
    Shirley GAvelin
    Wonderful article! I spent a month in Paris in 2008. When I stepped onto the sidewalk at Hotel de Mars, I felt like I'd come home after a long, long absence. Dreaming of coming bact and revisiting all these lovely spots!

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  • Bonnie Sullivan
    2017-04-28 17:18:22
    Bonnie Sullivan
    One beautiful May day, 5 years ago, I took my 12 yr old granddaughter To the Luxembourg Gardens, and she got to sail a little boat in the pond! Also there is a wonderful sort of swing around ( they sit on wooden seats) and swing around, and in and out !! It is a very cool way to enjoy something else in the park!! Fun for children in my favorite city!!!

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  • Denise
    2016-04-09 15:29:48
    Denise
    I visited Paris with my daughter in October 2013. I am American but half French (but 100% French en mon coeur). I would move to Paris in a heartbeat if I could find a job there. I felt instantly at home there and felt this was where I was meant to be. I loved wandering its cobblestoned streets and parks for hours and enjoying a cafe crème or glass of rose while people watching in its cafes. We spent several hours in Luxembourg Gardens on a sun-dappled autumn afternoon people watching while drinking the espressos and citron tartes we bought at a nearby market. My dream would be to live in the Luxembourg Gardens area and spend the rest of my life exploring Paris, the most beautiful place on earth.

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  • Derry Hennessy
    2016-04-08 11:56:49
    Derry Hennessy
    I have been to all these places in Paris. Each one is magical

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  • Lori
    2016-04-07 23:50:23
    Lori
    I visited Paris in April 2013 and visited many lovely gardens. Thank you for such a wonderful trip down memory lane.

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  • Carolyn Chase
    2016-04-07 21:06:53
    Carolyn Chase
    Have you been to the Parc Floral???

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