I Love Paris In The Springtime: What to do in the City of Love and Lights

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit the Musée Rodin, around a 30 minute stroll from Warwick Paris across the Pont Alexandre III and through Esplanade des Invalides, or from Hôtel Westminster through Jardin des Tuileries and across the pedestrian Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor. The museum is surrounded by seven acres of lovely gardens, in keeping with Rodin’s tradition of displaying his sculptures outdoors. Highlights include The Thinker, the bronze Gates of Hell, tranquil fountains and a charming rose garden. Delights that await the visitor inside the 18th century building are the fittingly named sculptures L'Éternel Printemps, or Eternal Spring, and The Kiss. 

This time of year is synonymous with blossoms, and one of the most serene and impressive places to experience this is at Claude Monet’s final masterpiece- his Giverny gardens. Perfect for a day trip from your base in the city center, this year the gardens open on the 1st of April 2022. Floral highlights early in the season are flowering cherry and apple blossom trees and spring favorites clematis, hyacinths, narcissi and tulips. The hills surrounding the village are likewise bejeweled with wildflowers in spring, ideal for a countryside ramble. Alternatively, get a taste of Monet’s garden beauty at the Musée de l’Orangerie in the Jardin des Tuileries. Les Nymphéas, part of the famous water lilies series can be viewed in two specially-designed oval galleries. This year visitors can also enjoy Ange Leccia’s visual experience as a tribute to the artist and his work and an examination of its relationship to the gardens at Giverny. 

If the sun is out, visit the two petite, but very romantic islands in the Seine River that form the ancient heart of the city. Île de la Cité is perhaps better known as the location of Notre Dame, but also contains some hidden gems. The postcard-proportioned Square du Vert-Galant is on the western tip of the island, a tranquil space planted with chestnut, yew, plum and flowering apple trees which would make a truly romantic setting for a stroll, city center proposal, or simply a picnic. La Sainte-Chapelle within the medieval Palais de la Cité is a Gothic chapel featuring more than 6000 square feet of painstakingly restored jewel hued stained glass, much dating from the 13th century. The neighboring Île Saint-Louis is connected by Pont Saint-Louis and has a charming French village feel in the center of Paris. Recommended highlights include shopping at the many specialty boutiques and sampling luxury Berthillon ice cream. This family run store and salon de thé has the reputation of the best glacier in Paris, if not the world, and serves delicious sorbet and ice cream year round. 

A city break filled with so much beauty and culture deserves equally stylish luxury accommodation, and this can be found at the historic Hotel Westminster located on the renowned Rue De la Paix in the 2nd arrondissement. At the contemporary Warwick Paris in the 8th, discover seasonal dining at Restaurant “Le W” which opens its terrace on the 8th floor in the spring, offering a view of the iconic Eiffel Tower! Accommodation also features private terraces with garden or Champs-Élysées views. Get the most from your city break in Paris with the Warwick Staycation offer, featuring complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and the ultimate in flexibility with free cancellation. Read more and book your spring Paris getaway here.