With the arrival of spring comes cherry blossom season. We reveal the best spots for a stroll under the Sakuras (Japanese cherry trees) and enjoy Hanami (cherry blossom festival). Whether you want to take a photo or enjoy an enchanted stroll, here are our favorite places to admire cherry blossom in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.
The sunny days are back in Paris, and spring is bringing new colors to the capital. At this time of year, synonymous with renewal, cherry trees are in full bloom, as the Japanese do duringHanami. The blossoming trees brighten up the strolls of Parisians and Ile-de-France residents and transform the Paris region.
If you'd like to enjoy the springtime charm of blossoming trees in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, there's good news: we've put together a list of our favorite spots to admire cherry blossom in the capital and surrounding area. Don't miss the first blossoms in mid-March. Ideal for a romantic stroll, a family outing or a photo shoot with friends!
- Paris cherry blossom highlights:
If there's one spot in Paris not to be missed when looking for beautiful Japanese cherry trees, it's the Jardin des Plantes at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. Small in size, with exceptional blossoms, they're simply magnificent.
A must-see for photographers, the Champ de Mars is a must-see green space as soon as the first flowers appear.
Square Gabriel PiernéHere's the must-see square for romantics! A hidden square with a pretty fountain at its center and superb pink trees in bloom against the backdrop of the Institut de France, this is a photo spot you're going to love. You can also take advantage of the benches to enjoy a quiet book in the shade of the cherry trees. A great way to savour this Parisian spring!
The Nelson Mandela Garden at Châtelet
Opposite Les Halles, a lovely green landscaped park has been unveiled, offering a beautiful array of flowering trees, including some stunning cherry trees with pastel or pink blossoms. Here, you can take a stroll, enjoy the children's play areas and have a picnic when the weather's nice. The perfect spot for families before a shopping spree in Les Halles.
Located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, this 6.5-hectare park in the Batignolles district has something for everyone in search of trees and cherry blossom. It's undoubtedly one of the capital's top spots for flowering trees.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is decked out in flowers from the very first rays of spring. The first to bloom are the magnolias, closely followed by the cherry trees that dot the park. You won't find fields of them, but it's an opportunity to make some pretty discoveries.
Le Port de l'Arsenal
The Port de l'Arsenal, a stone's throw from Place de la Bastille, is also bursting with pretty cherry blossom. When the weather's fine, you can take advantage of the port's garden to relax, picnic and admire the sakura blossoms.
- Must-see spots for cherry blossom viewing in the Paris region:
Parc de Bécon, Courbevoie
The Parc de Bécon in Courbevoie is home to several Japanese cherry trees, particularly in the central part of the park, which overlooks the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.
Parc de Billancourt
At the start of the season, the Parc de Billancourt is decked out in the sublime blossoms of its many cherry trees. Among the first flowers of the season, a word of advice: go early enough to avoid having the blossoms at the end of their blooming period, as we did at the beginning of April for the photos.
Parc de Bagatelle, located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, is one of the four poles of the Jardin botanique de la Ville de Paris. The Parc de Bagatelle is a place to stroll and relax. In addition to gigantic trees and varied flora, small bridges, rocks, grottoes, water mirrors and artificial waterfalls add charm and romance to the place. Admission is free from October to the end of March, and charged at €2.50 (full price) and €1.50 (reduced price) from April 1 to September 30.
The Musée Albert Kahn garden dates back to the Belle Époque. It's a bucolic, well-preserved garden where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. Please note that admission is charged (€4 full price, €3 concessions) and that reservations are required at weekends.
Parc de Sceaux
This is undoubtedly the perfect place to celebrate the cherry blossom season. Numerous trees await you in special areas. Head for either side of the Plaine de Chatenay, the northern grove for pink sakura and the southern grove for white sakura.
The Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum awaits you in its remarkable 200-hectare park! Come and stroll, picnic or play sport in complete freedom amidst 10,000 trees of over 2,500 different varieties. This spring, don't miss the cherry and apple blossoms that populate the grounds.
- With fewer trees, but some lovely spots for flowery photos:
This English-style garden awaits you in the capital's 14th arrondissement. In this lively spot, you can come and admire a few trees in bloom while enjoying a nice break in the sun or shade!
A real favorite with Parisian families, the Parc Monceau is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. On the edge of the park is the Musée Cernuschi, dedicated to Asian art. A perfect outing for families, with play areas for the young ones!
Yes, even from the Champs-Elysées it's possible to go green. Starting from Place de la Concorde, head up the world's most beautiful avenue to discover the Fontaine de Vénus, also known as the Fontaine des Ambassadeurs, located in the northern part of the Champs-Elysées gardens. While you're there, take a stroll towards the Petit Palais, mentioned below.
A good excuse to take a poetic stroll while enjoying a cultural outing. The Petit Palais invites Parisians of all ages to discover its permanent collections, free of charge, and to take part in canon exhibitions throughout the year. It's also the perfect opportunity to take advantage of its hidden garden and terrace!
In short, there's plenty to discover while strolling among the trees and cherry blossom trees for sakura lovers.
Hanami: the cherry blossom festival at Parc de Sceaux, events this weekend
Hanami, the famous springtime cherry blossom festival, is being celebrated in the Parc de Sceaux from March 30 to April 28, 2024. To mark the occasion, the Domaine départemental de Sceaux is unveiling a rich program of events for the whole family, culminating in a festive weekend not to be missed on Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21, 2024. A great way to immerse yourself in this Japanese celebration. [Read more]
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
The Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris! This 23-hectare green space runs alongside the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, linking the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Classified as a historic monument in 1914, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. It features magnificent historical statues, accompanied by works of art. [Read more]
Bagatelle Park, its rose garden and sublime bucolic gardens
The Parc de Bagatelle awaits you on the Bois de Boulogne side to let you enjoy its enchanting setting. From the Château de Bagatelle to the beautiful rose garden and vegetable patch, this is a magical garden where life is good. [Read more]
The Albert Kahn Museum's superb Japanese garden and other gardens that take us on a journey
The Musée Albert Kahn, which has just reopened its doors, unveils sublime gardens that are a must-see. Conceived as a scenic garden, this 4-hectare space features a magnificent Japanese garden and village, an English garden, a French garden and forests and meadows. A complete change of scenery. [Read more]
Gabriel Pierné Square and its sublime cherry blossoms
In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Square Gabriel Pierné is the place to be in spring. In April, cherry blossom lights up this buccolic spot where you can relax. This little corner of paradise, hidden behind the Institut de France, becomes the scene of a fascinating ephemeral nature, a must-see. [Read more]
Hanami: the cherry blossom festival at Parc de Sceaux, events this weekend
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
Bagatelle Park, its rose garden and sublime bucolic gardens
The Albert Kahn Museum's superb Japanese garden and other gardens that take us on a journey
Gabriel Pierné Square and its sublime cherry blossoms
