Springtime in Paris

Much has been written about Paris, also known as the “city of lights” (named for Paris’ reputation as a center of education, as well as for its early adoption of street-lighting). For some, it is a fashion-forward, young and daring place, while for others, it is elegant and old-world in its charms. Some travelers visit Paris for the exquisite food and wine, while others go for the city’s limitless reserve of culture and history.

No matter what draws you to Paris, you cannot help but indulge your senses – the sights, tastes, smells, and sounds – particularly in the spring!

HomeAway Paris homeowner, Jules Kragen, sums up springtime in the French capital saying:,” The trees are blossoming, the cafes are full, and life begins. Find yourself a park bench and watch Paris. It is a city like no other.”

In many ways, the City of Lights is at its height in the spring. Flowers are blooming, cafés are overflowing, and the warm lazy days of summer have not yet arrived (often prompting a mass exodus of Parisians during the month of August). Paris is abuzz with exciting new life and activity in the spring.

For first-time visitors, must-sees include the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Montmarte, and the Louvre. But also consider losing yourself in one of Paris’ many quarters, or neighborhoods, each of which has its own distinct personality.

An ideal way to explore a quarter is by foot. You can wander along the colorful streets for hours, easily losing track of the time. Stop to enjoy the smell of fresh croissants at a corner bakery, or sip an espresso at a sidewalk café.  Don’t forget Paris’ beautiful parks, squares, and green gardens. Stroll along the Champs-Elysees, and gaze across the River Seine.

A culinary tour of Paris could easily constitute a separate trip to the city. As a starting point, we provide a list of dining recommendations from our local Paris experts - HomeAway Paris homeowners –who offer tips in the section below.

Allow Paris to stimulate your senses, and embark on a voyage of discovery in France’s capital city. Live like a local in the City of Lights, and your trip will be unforgettable.

HomeAway Homeowners Share Local Paris Insights

Markets
Open Market – “One of our favorite places is the open market on the Boulevard De Grenelle every Wednesday. It is truly alive, full of vendors, all kinds of food from Chantrelles to cheese to an incredible variety of salads. Ready to go meals, roast chickens, fish, butchers, they are all there. Prices are reasonable and the quality is great. – Jules Kragen, property 152362

Scenic Spots
Square Viviani – Square Viviani is the little garden I recommend to everyone visiting the Latin Quarter of Paris. From any bench in the square you have magnificent views. You can sit and draw the St Julien le Pauvre church - one of the first churches built in Paris - or Notre Dame, on which construction began in the 12th Century. Maybe you'll hear a cellist playing near the Locust tree, planted in 1602. Rue Galande has many a story to tell as well, as it also dates back to the 12th Century. Here you are in the historic center of Paris. – Lynn Schwartz, property 41923

Marais Quarter
Rue Vieille du Temple - between Rue de Rivoli and Rue des Francs Bourgeous is a wonderful place to walk, or sit at an outside café and people watch. – Jose Ibarra, property 322775

Rue des Francs Bourgeous - (starting at Rue Vieille du Temple) has many shops, and on weekends and after work people love to walk and shop. – Jose Ibarra, property 322775

Montorgueil Quarter
Fashion Alert - In the Montorgueil quarter, you will find typical Parisian atmosphere, including cafés, French bakeries, fresh food markets, flower shops and brasseries. If you take a walk to the river Seine, you will reach Etienne Marcel with its fabulous fashion shops for the avant garde, including Kiliwatch, Reply, Et Vous, Agnes B (rue de Jour) and Les Halles. – Riyo Kishida, property 150301

Restaurants
Café de l’Epoque – “If you are in the vicinity of the Louvre, you must visit this little restaurant for lunch. Cafe de l'Epoque is right outside one of the famous old Passages Vero-Dodat on Rue de Petits Champs. They have great Croque Monsieurs made with the famous Poulin bread. Many of the government officials who work for the minister of art and culture frequent this place for lunch and/or dinner.” – Nancy Ruddick, property 117087

Café Marly – “In between your museum hopping, stop by the ultramodern Cafe Marly (located in the courtyard of the Louvre), for a kir (an aperitif of white wine or champagne), and drink up the architecture - old and new! As the sun sets, take a stroll in the Cours Napoleon, on its ancient cobblestones, and view IM Pei's famous pyramid, and from afar Gustaf's Eiffel Tower.” – Nancy Ruddick, property 117087

Chartier Restaurant – “Later when the sun goes down and you're getting hungry (again!), go back in time to the late 1800's, and visit the Chartier Restaurant for dinner. It is located at the bottom of rue de Montmartre. It was an old soup kitchen at the end of the 19th century, and not much has changed inside except of course the menu! Get there early since they don't take reservations. (There's a long line). The prices are from the 1960's. The salmon is wonderful, but forget the desserts! Bon appetit!” – Nancy Ruddick, property 117087

Breakfast and Brunch – “I have three suggestions to offer for breakfast, and one for Sunday brunch:
Luxembourg Gardens and the Chalet. Walk into the Luxembourg Gardens, and hidden amongst the trees you will spy a chalet that’s open year round and serves excellent coffee, cappuccino, omelets, and croissants.

Luxembourg Gardens and Dalloyau. Walk to the Luxembourg Gardens, go upstairs at Dalloyau (it’s right there at Place Ed. Rostand) and have pastries (try the croissant filled with chocolate and pistachio) and coffee at one of the best pastry shops in Paris. Napoleon used them. Why not you? Pick up a few things for later in the day on the way out…

Notre Dame Cathedral in its Morning Coat of Light. Walk down to the Pont des Archéveché on the Seine, and then across to the Ile de St. Louis. Right across the bridge you’ll see the Café Flore en l’Ile. Sitting in the café, or out on the sidewalk during good weather, you can enjoy the glory of medieval architecture quietly, before the hordes of tourists arrive.

Pavillon Montsouris. For Sunday Brunch (Lunch technically, since it starts at noon) I recommend Pavillon Montsouris, 20, rue Gazan, in the 14th arrondisement. Telephone for reservations at 01-45-88-38-52. This restaurant, where Mata Hari plied her trade, is located in the lovely Parc Montsouris, and has a nice terrace looking onto the gardens in the summer. To get there, you can take the RER from Luxembourg to Cité Universitaire. The RER stop is on the edge of the gardens and it’s about a four minute walk to the restaurant.” – George Hamilton, property 56601.

The following restaurant recommendations were submitted by Peter Brackem Properties 4212 and 1454 and 53913

Marc Giunta