Experience the Magic of Cherry Blossoms in Paris: A Springtime Guide

Springtime in Paris is a dream come true for many, and the cherry blossoms are undoubtedly the stars of the show. The iconic pink blossoms enchant the city of love, transforming it into a picture-perfect fairy tale. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best spots to witness the magic of cherry blossoms in Paris, along with insider tips to help you make the most of your springtime adventure.

Discover the most enchanting spots to witness cherry blossoms in Paris. From the Eiffel Tower to the best parks, stroll amidst these pink beauties and create unforgettable memories.

Covers all the Instagram hot spots for Cherry Blossom in Paris.

About the guide: Discover the most enchanting spots to witness cherry blossoms in Paris 2023. From the Eiffel Tower to the best parks, stroll amidst these pink beauties and create unforgettable memories. In this guide I share guide to Cherry Blossom, Paris 2023, which includes a cherry blossom forecast, the best cherry blossom locations in Paris (with a map), and top photography tips for making the most out of your trip.

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When are Cherry blossoms in Paris?

When do cherry blossoms bloom in Paris? The cherry blossom season in Paris is short! The best time to see cherry blossom Paris  Paris Sakura  is from late March to mid-April.

Paris cherry blossoms can be spied all over the place. Wander down any Parisian road and you’ll likely see a cherry blossom tree (or two!) Please note that the word for cherry blossom in French is cerisier.

Spring in Paris is a brief spectacle that lasts a few weeks. Because their lifespan is very limited and subject to the weather’s vagaries, it is better to know which direction to go to not miss them!

Types of blossom in Paris and blooming schedule

There are actually a number of different flowering trees scattered across Paris. From wisteria to paulownia, there’s no shortage of beautiful blooms during the spring. Here’s a rough flowering schedule for the blossom in Paris:

  • Plum blossoms: End of February, beginning of March. Some of the best plum blossoms can be found on the Champ de Mars, around the base of the Eiffel Tower.
  • MagnoliasBeginning of March. Check our guide for where to find the best magnolias in Paris.
  • Cherry blossoms: End of March until mid April.
  • Wisteria: Mid April until early May. Check our guide for where to find the best wisteria in Paris.
  • Chestnut blossomsEnd of April.
  • Paulownias: These lilac trees are simply stunning and tend to bloom around the end of April. There are huge concentrations of these trees in the 13th arrondissement
  • RosesMay and June. There is a particularly beautiful rose garden in the Parc de Bagatelle in the 16th arrondissement.

1. Champ de Mars: Cherry Blossoms and Eiffel Tower View

Nestled at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars is a must-visit destination for cherry blossom enthusiasts. This vast park, adorned with Sakura trees, provides a stunning backdrop for photos with the iconic Eiffel Tower.

In Champ de Mars, there are magnolia trees too, and they make the perfect framing for the Eiffel Tower earlier in March. If you are visiting Paris in March or April, you cannot miss this spot!

Champ de Mars is a beautiful garden that blends nature with architecture. The cherry trees are scattered in this vast garden, so you will have to look for them!

When the weather is good, Champ de Mars is a popular spot for a picnic in Paris, from which you can enjoy one of the best Eiffel Tower views.

Best time to visit: is during the early morning, when the park is less crowded and the soft sunlight makes the pink blossoms shimmer.

Champ de Mars is one of the best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower, surrounded by beautiful blossoms.

When: Early to Mid April

Location: Trocadero Gardens

2. Jardin des Plantes: A Botanical Paradise in Paris

The Jardin des Plantes is Paris’s oldest botanical garden, home to a variety of cherry blossom species. Wander through the lush greenery and marvel at the delicate petals that blanket the ground. Be sure to visit the Japanese garden within the park, where you’ll find a serene pond surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom.

There are beautiful flowers everywhere in this garden, but you want to head towards the Gallerie de l’Evolution to see the HUGE cherry tree, probably the largest in the city. This magnificent cherry tree, whose branches reach almost to the ground.

There’s also a white cherry tree in the Jardin des Plantes, and it is stunning!

Best time to visit: Early in the morning by 8am, as it gets very crowded. Blooms by mid-April, and it is a wonder.

When: Early to Mid April

Location: Jardine des Plantes

3. Parc de Sceaux: The Ultimate Cherry Blossom Experience

Located just outside of Paris, the Parc de Sceaux is a cherry blossom haven. With over 150 cherry trees lining the park’s grand canal, it’s the ideal spot for a leisurely picnic or a romantic walk beneath the pink canopy. Time your visit during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April, where you can join the celebrations and appreciate the rich Japanese culture.

For the very best cherry blossoms, head to Parc de Sceaux, located on the outskirts of Paris. Here, you will find an entire orchard of pink cherry trees blooming from mid to late April.

This beautiful park featuring an octagonal lake and canal was designed by André Le Notre, the principal gardener of King Louis XIV of France. He is also the author of the parks and gardens around the most beautiful castles near Paris, such as Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Vaux-le-Vicomte, and the Versailles Gardens.

Best time to visit: The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It is located 12 km south of Paris, but it’s worth the 30-minute train ride (RER B). During the Parc de Sceaux cherry blossom season, the park starts getting busy after 9 am. To avoid the biggest crowds, try to visit the park from Tuesday to Thursday rather than on weekends.

When: Mid to Late April

Location: Parc de Sceaux

4. Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Touch of Pink Amidst Gothic Splendor

The quaint square behind the Notre-Dame Cathedral, known as Square Jean-XXIII, is a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing. The delicate pink blossoms contrast beautifully with the cathedral’s gothic architecture, making it a unique spot for photographs. Visit just after sunrise to capture the stunning scene without the bustling crowds.

And while you’re around, take a look at Shakespeare & Co. (37 Rue de la Bûcherie, Paris 5).

Since the tragic fire at Notre Dame in April 2019, the Cathedral and its adjacent garden have been closed until further notice. As of April 2023, I can confirm that the blossoms have indeed survived the fire and should be able to be enjoyed once more once the renovation works are complete.

Location: Square Jean-XXIII

5. Shakespeare and Co. bookstore

The famed English language bookstore only 5 mins walk from Notre Dame, on the other side of the river. There are two beautiful sakura trees right in front of the bookstore.

For those wishing to find one of the very best Anglophone bookshops in Paris, Shakespeare and Co. is your go-to place. Head to the left bank of the Seine, and there you’ll spot two independent bookstores side by side.

One offers rare and vintage works, while the other has more mainstream offers on sale. In front of the stores’ green façades, there are a few cherry blossom trees that are in full bloom come late March!

Best time to visit: Get here as early as possible as the bookstore sees a massive queue.

When: Early to Mid-April

Location: Shakespeare and Company

6. Parc Monceau: A Glimpse of Elegance and Romance

Parc Monceau, a favorite among Parisians, is an elegant park filled with statues, a picturesque rotunda, and lovely cherry trees. The romantic atmosphere makes it the perfect setting for a springtime stroll or a picnic beneath the blossoms. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the park’s charming footbridges framed by pink petals.

This trendy Parisian district is also home to Parc Monceau, one of the hidden gems when it comes to the parks of Paris. Head to the park and you’ll find plenty of interesting sculptures, rare plants, a carousel and all of the sakura trees you could ever ask for!

Location: Parc Monceau

7. Square Gabriel Pierné Cherry Blossom

Square Gabriel Pierné is a quiet and peaceful little square in the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located just behind the Institut de France. This is a perfect spot for reading a book or having a quick eat during your wanderings around Paris. The statue of a little girl (she is Carolina) is ideal for some beautiful photo compositions.

Located in the 6e arrondissement of the city, not far from the River Seine and the iconic collège des Quatre-Nations, you’ll find a green oasis in the heart of the city. While many people say that Paris lacks in the green spaces that are found abundantly in other European capitals such as London, I would argue that this is most definitely not the case.

Instead, you simply have to search harder to find little parks. Square Gabriel Pierné can be easily combined with other Seine sightseeing and is a great little hidden gem for cherry blossoms in Paris! 

Best time to visit: Anytime before 11am as it starts getting crowded slowly.

When: Early April

Location: Square Gabriel Pierné

8. Metro Saint Paul

Situated along rue de Rivoli, Metro Saint Paul can be found in the very heart of the Latin Quarter and is a thriving hub of activity. Steps away from the Saint Paul Village (a large array of antique and brocante shops), during the springtime this is easily one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris.

When: Early April

Location: Metro Saint Paul

9. Montmartre, Various Places in the 18e arrondissement of Paris

Just as there is more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower, there is most definitely more to Montmartre than just the Sacre-Coeur. After all, with all of its little-cobbled streets and cafes that feel like you’re stepping back in time, straight into the 1920s, it’s not hard to see why artists and writers alike flocked here in the past for inspiration.

Quaint and pretty as a postcard, you’re never too far from a cherry blossom tree when you head to Montmartre! Head to the arrondissement in late March or early April to find some of the very best spring blooms! Elsewhere in the 18th district, you’ll find gems such as the Musée de Montmartre and Place Dalida.

Location: Montmartre, 18e arrondissement

10. Petit Palais

While visiting this beautiful museum (entrance is free), make sure to check out the lovely pink cherry blossom tree at the entrance and inside at the courtyard.

Afterwards, have a coffee and croissant at the museum cafe in the courtyard.

When: Late March to Early April

Location: Petit Palais

Conclusion

Paris in the spring is a magical experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The cherry blossoms add an ethereal touch to the already enchanting city, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Plan your visit during peak blooming season to fully appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms in Paris, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Let me know in the comments if I should add any other details.

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