Paris in Bloom: The Best Spots to Enjoy Spring Flowers

Baguette, cheese, wine—classic staples for any visit to Paris. To that list, I always add flowers, a key element of the la vie Parisienne.

The French have a deep appreciation for flowers. They’re a natural extension of their love for beauty, style, and elegance.

You’ll spot flower stalls and markets on nearly every corner, and the city’s parks show off vibrant displays year-round.

But springtime in Paris is something special. The city transforms into a colorful fantasia of cherry blossoms, tulips, magnolias, peonies, and wisteria. In late spring, the roses and campanulas sprout blossoms.

wisteria vine on a house in Paris with a red door

The city’s parks and gardens overflow with life, and streets are lined with blooming trees. Even quiet neighborhoods hum with the enthusiasm of the season.

In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite spots to enjoy flowers and flowering trees in Paris during spring.

These locations are a perfect starting point for your own blossom-filled hunt. And don’t miss the markets and flower shops!

Spring Tours Of Flowers & Blooms In Paris

Palais Royal

Right in the center of Paris, the Palais Royal was built between 1633 and 1639 by French architect Jacques Lemercier. It was once the residence for Cardinal Richelieu, the infamous schemer from The Three Musketeers. 

Today, its gardens offer a quiet escape from the buzzy city streets, perfect for a picnic, a good book, or just a moment to unwind.

The gardens are filled with roses, colorful tulips, bright marigolds, and delicate irises. In spring, you will find magnolias and daffodils.

Once you’ve soaked in the calm or enjoyed a coffee, take a stroll into the palace courtyard to see the striking art installation, the Colonnes du Buren.

tulips blooming in Luxembourg Garedns
Luxembourg Gardens

Jardin du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Gardens is a peaceful oasis of impressive proportions. It’s one of Paris’ loveliest green spaces, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

The park is a mix of gardens and striking architecture, with plenty of sculptures to admire as you wander.

The gardens date back to the 1630s. Marie de Medici, widow of Henry IV, had them designed to remind her of the Boboli Garden at the Pitti Palace in Florence.

Today, the gardens burst with seasonal flowers, from vibrant tulips in the spring to lush roses in the summer. Manicured lawns, tree-lined paths, and colorful flowerbeds make it a beautiful escape from the city.

You’ll also find charming fountains and ponds that add to its dreamy atmosphere. Plop down on one of the green chairs and enjoy the explosion of color.

Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil

Bois de Bologne

The Bois de Boulogne can be a lovely spot to visit in spring, especially if you’re looking for to escape the city. It’s one of Paris’s largest green spaces, and offers up beautiful scenery, blooming flowers, and plenty of activities.

In spring, the park comes alive with vibrant flowers, including cherry blossoms, magnolias, and tulips. It’s a place of romance in Paris. There’s even an old 17th century saying that “Marriages that take place in the Bois de Boulogne are not performed by a priest.”

The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, located within the Bois, is especially beautiful. There are colorful flowerbeds and spring blossoms housed in lovely-looking antique greenhouses.

The greenhouses were built at the end of the 19th century on top of Louis XV’s plant nursery.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore the Pré-Catelan, visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton for cutting edge contemporary art, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the paths.

Batignolles Park
Batignolles

Batignolles

The Batignolles in the 17th arrondissement is a charming, off the beaten path spot to visit in spring.

It’s smaller and less formal than some of the city’s grand gardens. But it has a cozy, natural vibe that makes it perfect for a relaxing picnic.

Designed in the English garden style, the Batignolles has winding paths, gentle hills, and a small pond framed by willows.

In spring, you can stroll under magnolias and what seem like unnaturally red cherry blossoms. It’s a dream spot for a photo op, that’s for sure.

wisteria pergola in Jardin Catherine-Labouré
Jardin Catherine-Labouré

Jardin Catherine-Labouré

The Jardin Catherine-Labouré is a delightful hidden gem in Paris and a great spot to enjoy spring blooms. Tucked away in the 7th arrondissement, this peaceful garden is less touristy and perfect for a quiet escape.

It was a former convent’s vegetable garden. (So, for heaven’s sake, be on your best behavior!)

Today, there are no vegetables. Instead, you’ll be stunned by a veritable orchard of cherry, pear, and apple trees.

Flowerbeds are filled with tulips, daffodils, irises, and other seasonal blooms. Lovely pergolas are covered in budding vines and wisteria in spring.

It’s the perfect place to have luncheon in the grass with a red gingham picnic blanket.

Place Dauphin
Place Dauphin

Paris Squares

Some of the most beautiful squares in Paris are filled with spring blooms and you’ll be dazzled on a walk through.

Place Dauphin, for example, has blooming chestnuts.

The creamy white and pastel blooms are tall, upright spikes called catkins, which can grow 6 to 12 inches long. They basically look like elegant, fluffy towers sprouting from the branches.

Square Rene-Viviani near Notre Dame has plums, magnolias, and reputedly the oldest tree in Paris. A magnificent rose archway surrounds the fountain of St Julien Le Pauvre.

Square Jean XXIII
Square Jean-XXIII

Square Jean XXIII is right across from Notre Dame on the Left Bank. It thrills with mid-to-late March magnolias blossoms. In early-to-mid April, you’ll find Kwanzan cherry blossoms, white cherry blossoms, and lilacs.

Square Gabriel-Pierné in the 6th arrondissement is a charming little square.

It’s decidedly one of the most romantic spots to see cherry blossoms in spring in Paris. The delicate pink canopy creates a beguiling contrast against the statues and the elegant dome of the Institut de France.

roses blooming in gardens of the Rodin Museum
Rodin Museum

Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum is one of my favorite spots in Paris. The museum is amazing. It’s set in the historic 18th century Hotel Biron, the very place where Rodin created many of his masterpieces.

But it’s the gardens that will blow you away. Covering about three hectares, the gardens are divided into different sections, each offering something unique.

They’re planted with vibrant roses, fragrant lavender, and other seasonal flowers. There’s also a reflecting pool and plenty of shaded spots to sit and enjoy the show.

Plus, as you wander, you’ll see some of Rodin’s most famous works, like The ThinkerThe Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais.

The sculptures were carefully placed among manicured hedges, flowerbeds, and winding paths by Rodin himself! It’s simply a perfect blend of art and nature.

>>> Click here to pre-book a ticket

frescoed arcades of the Petit Palais garden
frescoed arcades of the Petit Palais garden

Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is a wonderful small museum in Paris. It houses French paintings, sculpture, and artifacts from antiquity to the early 20th century.

The collection is quite good. But it’s the interior garden that’s a dreamy spot for spring blooms, or any time of the year really.

Set within the museum, the garden is surrounded by elegant curved colonnades.

The garden has a mix of manicured greenery and colorful flowerbeds that change with the seasons. In spring, you’ll often find blooming magnolias, irises, and roses adding vibrant bursts of color.

wisteria in Grand Mosque
wisteria in Grand Mosque

Grande Mosque de Paris

The Grande Mosque de Paris is an excellent place to take in the magic of Paris in spring, especially if you like wisteria.

The mosque itself is gorgeous. It’s decorated, Alhambra-style, with mosaics, tiles, and marbles. The grand patio features woodwork, mosaics, and a beautiful fountain. 

But the cascading clusters of purple flowers draping over pergolas and trellises are what will win you over.

After getting your sniffs in, stay for a mint tea or a serene steam bath at the hammam.

Jardin des Plants with natural history museum
Jardin des Plants

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is a great spot in the Latin Quarter if you want to take advantage of Paris in spring. It’s one of the very best places to see cherry blossoms.

It’s a peaceful escape with plenty to explore and enjoy. Originally, it was set up in 1635 as Louis XIII’s royal medicinal garden.

But it got a big upgrade in 1739 thanks to Georges Buffon. The gardens were given a fresh look and reopened to the public in 2010, so they’re looking as beautiful as ever.

You’ll find three lovely tree-lined avenues, greenhouses packed with exotic plants, a small zoo (which is actually a historic monument), a bronze gazebo, and even an 18th-century labyrinth.

roses in the Jardin des Plantes
roses in Jardin des Plantes

The flowerbeds are filled with colorful blooms, including roses, tulips, cherry trees, magnolias, crab apples, and lilacs.

If you love roses, you’ll be wowed by the Rose Garden. There are close to 400 different species of rose bushes, some hailing from before 1867, and thousands of rose bushes.

In addition, two enormous trees, among the largest in Paris, steal the scene. A magnificent Mt. Fuji cherry blooms in late March and early April. And a pink Kwanzaa cherry shows off in early-to-mid April.

magnolia blooming in the Tuileries
Tuileries Garden

Jardin des Tuileries

If you’re craving more spring blooms, head to the Tuileries Gardens.

Designed by the famous landscaper Le Nôtre, these gardens sit between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. The chestnut-lined paths make it a relaxing spot to stroll or take a break from sightseeing.

As you wander, you’ll spot 20 bronze sculptures by French artist Aristide Maillol, which add a sweet artistic touch to the setting.

The gardens are also alive with color from seasonal flowers like tulips and roses in spring. In mid April, you’ll find the purple-flowers spear so the Judas tree framing the Louvre in the distance.

There are plenty of magnolia trees in the Jardin des Tuileries. But my favorites are near the Louvre Museum. Stand in the gardens and face the Louvre to see them.

magnolia blooming in Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is a fantastic spot to visit in spring, especially if you’re looking for a mix of beautiful blooms and Parisian charm.

This elegant park is in the glamorous 8th arrondissement.

You’ll find vibrant tulips, cheerful daffodils, fragrant lilacs, and delicate cherry blossoms scattered throughout the park.

The early cherry blossoms bloom as soon as late January/early February. Later, the magnolias come on the scene.

cherry blossom season at  Parc de Sceaux
cherry blossom season at Parc de Sceaux

Parc de Sceaux

If you’re up for a little adventure, Parc de Sceaux is just a 30 minute train ride from Paris on the RER. In cherry blossom season, it’s absolutely worth the trip. You’ll find a pink wonderland of Kwanzan blossoms.

The blooms usually peak between early and late April. If you’ve seen the blossoms at Notre-Dame or Jardin des Plantes in the city, you’ll know things are in bloom here too.

While you’re there, don’t miss Sceaux Castle, a pretty petit chateau. The gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre (the genius behind Versailles), are beautifully landscaped and free to explore.

Sceaux is the perfect spring escape just outside Paris!

wisteria blooming at Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Paris Cafes

Nothing says Paris quite like its cafe culture. For centuries, cozy cafes have lined everything from narrow cobblestone streets to wide, bustling boulevards.

Some cafes are elegant, others a bit offbeat. But they all seem to stand out for their incredibly eye-catching flower displays.

Vibrant blooms spill from window boxes, climb trellises, and decorate doorways, adding charm to already picturesque spots.

Of all your choices, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole may be the prettiest one. It’s extremely photogenic and will make you stop in your tracks. 

Cafe Le Paradis
Cafe Le Paradis

The cafe is smack in the middle of Paris on the Île de la Cité.

Wisteria drapes the entrance in the spring and summer. And there are colorful purple cafe chairs outside.

In fact, the Paris mayor has given the cafe permission to just let the massive wisteria plant keep growing.

To amp up the spring theme, some of these well-decorated cafes even offer floral themed drinks and snacks. You may find sugar blossom confections and petal-infused teas.

flower shop in Paris

Flower Boutiques

All along the grand boulevard in Paris, you’ll find the most charming floral ateliers. Stop, go inside, and revel in the display.

You’ll find stylish and artful assemblages that spill out into the sidewalk in rows of coordinated containers and stone urns. Garlands drape across doorways.

Props add a dash of whimsy — old books, a garden statue, and (of course) the floral decorated bicycle.

The interiors are dramatic too. Many have painted murals, antique dressers, vintage mirrors, and hand blown glass.

Perhaps the most elegant of them all is Éric Chauvin’s flower boutique. It’s located at 22 Rue Jean Nicot in Paris’s 7th arrondissement.

small flower shop in Paris

It’s a stylish shop where you can find beautifully arranged bouquets and fresh, seasonal flowers.

The focus is on quality and attention to detail. It’s a favorite for special occasions or just to brighten up your Paris pied-a-terre or hotel.

The shop is a short walk from Rue Cler, another great spot for gourmet shops and floral boutiques with rainbow hued displays.

Marche aux Fleures
Marche aux Fleures

Flower Markets

Finally, Paris is known for its vibrant flower markets, where you’ll find everything from seasonal blooms to lush greenery. Strolling through one is a feast for the senses, with colorful displays and the scent of fresh flowers all around. 

One great spot to visit is the charming Marche aux Fleures on Place Louis Lepine on the Île de la Cité. It’s a plant lover’s paradise that’s been around since the 1800s.

Open daily, it’s a lively spot full of colorful flowers, plants, shrubs, and gardening goodies.

You’ll see everything from seasonal flowers to exotic plants, and even small trees. Keep an eye out for blooms like orchids, hydrangeas, camellias, jasmine, and bamboo.

Sundays bring a fun twist when the market becomes the Marche aux Oiseaux, or bird market. Vendors offer birds, cages, fish, and other small pets, along with accessories to go with them.

flowers on display at a market in Paris

Not far away, the Quai de la Megisseries is known for its floral outlets. And if you stroll along the Seine, you can’t miss the tables loaded with various flowers.

There are also twice a week markets, such as Marche Bastille, Marche President Wilson, and Marche Maubert.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Paris in bloom in Spring. You may find these other Paris travel guides useful:

Pin it for later.

Pinterest pin graphic for Paris in spring
Pinterest pin graphic for blossoms in Paris in spring
Pinterest pin graphic for spring flower guide to Paris