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Spring is a wonderful season to travel to Paris. It’s an especially opportune time to visit some of the beautiful parks and gardens that dot the city. Trees and flowers alike bloom in bright colors. The iconic Parisian garden chairs and benches suddenly become even more irresistible. Read on to discover French Side Travel’s list of the essential Parisian parks and gardens to see during the spring.

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Spring in Paris: Beautiful Parks and Gardens to Visit

Jardin des Tuileries

No matter what time of year, the Jardin des Tuileries is a lively place to be. Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, you’ll usually find a steady stream of people enjoying a quiet moment. During springtime, the Tuileries are especially beautiful with pink magnolia and Judas trees that bloom from late February through April. The flower beds are also unique in the Jardin des Tuileries. Each season the gardeners take their inspiration from an upcoming exhibit at the Musée du Louvre. Visitors can enjoy several restaurants and cafés, a lively carrousel for children, and museums like the Jeu de Paume and Musée de l’Orangerie. The Musée de l’Orangerie houses Monet’s large-scale water lilies.

Where to Stay in Paris

Hôtel Brighton

Built-in the 19th century by Lord Egerton, this 4-star hotel was one of the first hotels in Paris. The hotel is located in the heart of Paris and offers a sublime view of the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. French Side Travel’s favorite rooms are those with a view of Paris.

The individually decorated rooms come with antique furniture and exude an elegant and refined Parisian charm.

The traditional marble columns in the bar make it an ideal setting to enjoy a cocktail. Every day, guests will enjoy a hot and cold buffet with the very best French products in the breakfast room. Upon request, the hotel also serves a continental breakfast to the room.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is beloved by Parisians and visitors alike. This haven of green is nestled in the Left Bank on the border of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. It was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. Highlights include the recently cleaned and renovated Medici fountain, the pond in the center where people rent miniature wooden sailboats, and numerous areas for games including chess and pétanque. Perhaps the most popular thing to do in the Jardin du Luxembourg is to grab a green Luxembourg chair and find a place in the shade or the sun to enjoy the surroundings.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes began in 1640 as a place for the King of France’s doctor to grow medicinal herbs. Today the garden contains numerous sections worth visiting. Places that families won’t want to miss include the National Museum of Natural History and the Ménagerie, inaugurated in 1794 and among the oldest zoos in the world. There are fabulous French gardens with beautiful trees, including a 315-year-old pistachio tree and lovely cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring. Garden fanatics and romantics alike will want to stroll through the rose garden with over 170 types of European roses.

Jardin du Palais-Royal

Many visitors skip the Jardin du Palais-Royal, simply because they don’t know about it. Just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, Palais Royal was the home of royal families until Versailles was built. Although small, the garden is a lovely picturesque spot to stop in Paris. The hot pink magnolia trees are among the first to bloom at the end of February, making it an essential stop on the list of beautiful gardens to visit during spring in Paris. Great shops, restaurants, and cafés line the arcades around the garden, including Le Véfour, one of our favorite classic retaurants in Paris.

Parc Monceau

Another lesser-known garden gem is Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement. This elegant park is surrounded by stately wrought iron gates and some of the most prestigious private mansions in Paris. One of these historic homes is Musée du Nissim-Camondo, an impressive decorative arts museum. The lush green park is a favorite escape of Parisians and is recognizable by the lovely bridge and Renaissance archway.

Buttes-Chaumont

For being one of the largest parks in Paris, Buttes-Chaumont is still relatively unknown to visitors. Built on former quarries, there are numerous hills and changes in elevation that aren’t typical in Paris. Buttes-Chaumont is picturesque throughout with a lake, waterfalls, and a suspended bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The best views are from the Temple de la Sybille at the very top where you can see Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur. Buttes-Chaumont is a romantic and unexpected beautiful park to visit during spring in Paris.

Bois de Boulogne

The Bois de Boulogne on the west side of Paris is the largest park in Paris. In fact, it’s made up of several different parks and gardens including the Parc de Bagatelle, the Pré-Catelan, and Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil. There is something for everyone including biking and walking trails, small paddle boats to rent, and a theme park within the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The Fondation Louis Vuitton is also located in the Bois de Boulogne with wonderful temporary exhibits and interesting perspectives on Paris from the Frank Gehry-designed building. The Bois de Boulogne is a popular destination for families, especially on the weekends.

Where to Stay in Paris

Saint James Paris

A few steps from the Bois de Boulogne and Champs-Élysées, this 5-star hotel is set in a 100-year old château and surrounded by a large private garden, offering a unique experience of grandeur and intimacy.

The property dazzles with perfectly appointed rooms and suites decorated by famed interior designer Laura Gonzalez. The gourmet restaurant Bellefeuille features foods of diverse and intense flavors with a focus on nature and seafood. The newly designed gardens include a lovely pergola for outdoor dining. The Guerlain spa offers single and double treatment rooms, a fitness and a well-being area with swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room.

Staying at the Saint James Paris is a rare opportunity to experience château life in the heart of the French capital.

Bois de Vincennes

After the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes on the east side of Paris is the second largest park in the French capital. Families love visiting the Parc Zoologique de Paris, known as the Vincennes Zoo. The medieval Château de Vincennes is also a highlight for visitors and is open daily. There is something for everyone to enjoy including boating, trails for biking, walking, and running, a horse racecourse and more.

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We hope this list the most beautiful parks and gardens will help inspire a spring trip to Paris. We would love to help you plan a dream trip to France in the coming year with a custom itinerary. Some of our favorite destinations in France include Bordeaux, the South of France, Normandy, and Paris. Get in touch with a travel designer today to start the planning process!

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There is certainly no shortage of hotels in Paris, so picking the perfect place to stay can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. French Side Travel has put together a list of our favorite hotels in Paris. All of these hotels have been visited and tested by our team of locally-based travel experts. Be sure to book with French Side Travel to receive special perks, amenities, and upgrades among other benefits.

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Our Favorite Hotels in Paris

La Réserve

This palace hotel is housed in a mansion that dates from 1854.

Behind its ruby red doors, the hotel offers guests a world of Haussmann charm and rooms with stunning views of Paris’s finest landmarks. The elegant and stylish decorations illustrate the mansion’s Belle Époque history.

The hotel has 26 suites and 14 rooms that seamlessly combine tradition with modern technology and all provide exceptional comfort for the prestigious clientele. It is also worth noting that it is the first palace hotel to offer a personal butler service for every room. This special attention makes guests feel as though they are staying in a private home.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the world’s most beautiful avenue, this discrete and spacious hotel also has a private library and a smoking room. Other exclusive amenities for guest include a gym with a personal trainer, a steam room & spa with Nescens-Swiss products, and an indoor pool.

Pavillon de la Reine

This hotel is an incredibly romantic hideaway in the heart of Le Marais. Built in 1612 by King Henry IV of France, this 17th century residence was converted into a 5-star hotel. The property is tucked away from the galleries and shops in the surrounding area.

Set just behind the Place des Vosges, often referred to as the most beautiful square in the world, this hotel is a true haven. Privately owned and family-run, it offers the understated sophistication of a private home with all the service, charm and elegance of a grand palace.

The historical setting can be felt throughout design, with a brilliant mix of rich, contemporary interiors and original antique furnishings including oil paintings. The distinctive façade and a private courtyard garden, awash with greenery, enhance hotel’s 56 bedrooms and suites.

The fine dining menu from the Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates seasonal ingredients from carefully selected producers. The lounges have the feeling of a private library, with intimate seating, antique furniture and open fireplaces. Boasting a brilliant mix of chic interiors, they are a cozy hideaway where guests can relax and unwind.

Private Seine River Cruise with Champagne

The experience offers you a unique, tailor-made private cruise down the most beautiful waterway in the world, Paris’ Seine River. Sit comfortably on a leather-covered banquette in the private salon, with tinted windows to respect your privacy. The cruise includes one bottle of champagne.

During this cruise, you will discover the historical center of Paris including Notre Dame, the Musée du Louvre, the Tour Eiffel and more. This is sure to be an amazing and unforgettable moment on any Paris trip!

Château Voltaire

This 5-star hotel centrally located in the first arrondissement is a design lover’s dream. The hotel is a tribute to the Parisian art de vivre and is a combination of three buildings that date back from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The 32 rooms are the epitome of elegance and comfort. Each room contains bespoke headboards, handcrafted details, solid oak wall lights, fringed velvet, and manor-style woodwork. Each element adds to the setting, evoking an almost Gothic, angular and poetic Paris.

Discover a reinterpreted French cuisine at the restaurant. The chef combines local produce with modern culinary skills to create intricate delicacies. Here, the dining experience permeates the art de vivre through even the smallest details.

The spa features a sauna as well as a heated pool where guests can relax on a heated day-bed.

Hôtel San Régis

Tucked away in a charming and secluded street at the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Paris, this 5-star hotel is ideally located to enjoy the lively Champs-Elysées district, Avenue Montaigne and the Grand Palais. This hotel was built in the 19th century and has been owned by the same family since 1923. Today, two sisters own and run the family property.

Each of the 30 bedrooms and twelve suites has its own distinctive style, furnished with sumptuous fabrics from the finest houses that complement the antique and period furniture. The rooms in the hotel are spacious and offer large closets. They are all equipped with modern facilities: large beds, a LED television with multimedia services, high speed WiFi, mini bar, and courtesy tray.

The restaurant, under a glass roof, serves continental cuisine as well as à la carte options. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the bar.

Hôtel Bel Ami

This boutique 5-star hotel is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River. When you stay here you’ll be right in the heart of Paris’s famed Saint-Germain-de-Prés and neighboring Latin Quarter.

The hotel’s atmosphere is modern and warm. Onsite you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or weekend brunches. A spa, sauna, and fitness center are provided for your comfort. The onsite bar serves creative cocktails and is a great place to unwind with a snack and a drink. For travelers arriving in the morning, a relaxation room is at your disposal. Take a shower or change your clothes before beginning to discover the city.

This property is perfect for anyone interested in the food, culture, and art offerings abundant in Paris’s sixth arrondissement. Steps away you’ll discover the two most famous cafés in the city: Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain

Joining our list of favorite hotels in Paris is this newly renovated 5-star hotel. It was formerly a favorite haunt of artists in the 20th century. You’ll feel the strong history of the location but enjoy modern comforts. The hotel is a perfect base for discovering the City of Light.

The rooms are elegantly designed in harmony with modernity. They are spacious, luxurious and perfectly equipped. Indulge in absolute relaxation and unwind in the lounge bar, or cozy up by the beautiful stone fireplace. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious brasserie dishes made from fresh and seasonal produce. A chance to savor a plethora of culinary delights! Experience the ultimate in well-being with the wide range of spa services offered at the hotel.

Hôtel Brighton

Built-in the 19th century by Lord Egerton, this 4-star hotel was one of the first hotels in Paris. Offering a sublime view of the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, the hotel is in an ideal location.

The individually decorated rooms come with antique furniture and exude an elegant and refined Parisian charm. The hotel offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, a TV, a minibar, hairdryer, safe, telephone, bathrobe, and slippers. Decorated with fabrics by top brands and antique furniture, the rooms also comes with a Nespresso machine, a welcome tray, and a welcome kit from the Sothys brand. Half of the rooms offer remarkable views over Paris, from the Louvre on your left, through the Tuileries gardens to the Eiffel Tower on your right.

The traditional marble columns of the bar make it an ideal setting to enjoy a cocktail made by the mixologist. Enjoy a hot and cold buffet with the very best French products every day in the breakfast room. Upon request, the hotel also serves a continental breakfast to the room.

Paris Shopping Experience

Private Guided Visit and Shopping Experience at La Samaritaine

Over the past 150 years, Samaritaine has sparked fond memories for many Parisians – from climbing the theatrical steps that lead you to its renowned glass roof to shopping for unexpected gifts in the company of loved ones.

Graced with state-of-the-art architecture and exquisite historical features, the gloriously reimagined landmark fuses original Art Nouveau and Art Deco details with contemporary newness. Located in the beating heart of the city close to many of our favorite hotels in Paris, this iconic landmark will become a must-visit destination for locals and travelers to indulge in what is quintessentially the Parisian experience.

In this tour, your guide will tell you all about the history of La Samaritaine, its architecture, the recent renovations, and also what’s in store for La Samaritaine in the near future. You will also have a chance to visit the VIP shopping apartment where you can work with a stylist.

Hôtel de Sers

This five-star property is housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion. You’ll love the historical charm of the building, the fine architectural details, and the luxury amenities. The location is perfect, just a short walk from the Champs-Elysées. Many of the suites include balconies with fantastic views of the surrounding city and the Eiffel Tower.

Spa treatments are available for your comfort. The contemporary bar features inviting décor including wood paneling, jazz, cocktails, and snacks. The restaurant serves fine cuisine on the shaded patio or in the dining room.

Pets are also welcome at the Hôtel de Sers.

Hotel Nolinski

The 5-star Hotel Nolinski is a recent entrant into The City of Light’s burgeoning hotel scene. It is located just a stone’s throw away from the Louvre Museum and the Opéra Garnier.

The hotel, with unique character, blends contemporary aesthetics and classical prestige. Hues of blue and emerald green, precious materials and custom-made furniture and furnishings intertwine to orchestrate harmonious ensemble. The usage of noble materials, iconic pieces, moldings, and ceramics give the rooms the look and feel of private apartments. Some of the rooms and suites have step-out balconies overlooking the city.

The restaurant with its warm-toned environment and a touch of the seventies style serves an array of gastronomical French cuisine with a modern twist. The spa features an indoor pool, a hammam, and a sauna, with a full menu of luxurious body treatments, massages, and facials. It invites its guests to experience a moment of serenity in an intimate setting.

Hôtel des Saints-Pères

The hotel’s classical façade was built in 1658 by Daniel Gittard, the chief architect of Louis XIV.

Fabrics from the best designers adorn each of the differently decorated rooms, along with period furniture and paintings. Most rooms offer a view over the patio, offering the guests a oasis of tranquility in the middle of the buzzling quarter of Saint Germain des Prés.

Breakfast is the chance to share a touch of the French lifestyle that is so important to French people. Every morning, in the breakfast room decorated with antique moulding, you will find a hot and cold buffet with a selection of the very best French products.

Hotel Vernet

This five-star hotel is located in one of Paris’s favorite neighborhoods. You’ll be just off of the Champs-Elysées and close to the Arc de Triomphe.

The rooms, recently renovated and refurbished, will make you feel like in an oasis of tranquility after a day well spent wandering around the city. The noble materials used, such as the wood, mixed with touches of colors and modern furniture create a perfect bubble for you and your loved ones.

The restaurant is a must, featuring fine cuisine and a surprising glass dome ceiling by Gustave Eiffel. Spa treatments and fitness equipment are available for your comfort. Enjoy private onsite parking with a valet service and a 24-hour reception.

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We hope this list of our favorite hotels in Paris helps inspire a future trip. If you’d like to give the gift of France this holiday season, don’t hesitate to contact French Side Travel to create a custom itinerary to surprise your loved ones. Some of our favorite destinations include Paris, Bordeaux, Normandy, and Southern France.