Visiting Paris this spring… and stuck for ideas?

Spring is transforming Paris. The days are getting longer, shop windows are decked out with flowers, and the outdoor cafés are bringing out their chairs again. But between walks and meetings, what can you do to really make the most of the season? Here’s a selection of ideas, all within a few minutes’ walk, to help you savour Paris at your own pace and without the stress.

Three exhibitions to discover this spring

Art Deco in France – Musée des Arts Décoratifs

📍107 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement

Furniture, jewellery, glassware, advertising posters… This exhibition traces the structured elegance of the 1920s through everyday objects that have become works of art. The museum’s galleries offer a peaceful and light-filled setting, perfect for strolling at your own pace. We recommend it for its perfect balance of aesthetic refinement and historical discovery, just a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme.

Fashion at the Turn of the Century – Fragonard Perfume Museum

📍9 Rue Scribe, 9th arrondissement

An intimate exhibition at the heart of a discreet museum: vintage dresses, fans, accessories and period perfume bottles are displayed in a cosy setting. Each piece tells the story of an era when clothing was a form of expression, in a Paris undergoing profound artistic change. We recommend it for its intimate atmosphere, ideal for a short, elegant visit near the Opéra.

Les Modernes – Private Art Gallery, Madeleine

📍28 Place de la Madeleine, 8th arrondissement

In a understated and quiet space, this collection brings together works by Bonnard, Vuillard and the Nabis. Soft colours, interior scenes, subdued lighting. The venue lends itself to a quiet, almost meditative visit. We recommend it for an artistic interlude off the beaten track, just a few minutes’ walk away.

Gardens and walks on a human scale

Tuileries Gardens

📍Entrance on Rue de Castiglione, 1st arrondissement

Classic yet timeless: ponds, sculptures, blossoming trees and green chairs that you can move around as you please. Come early in the morning or at sunset, when the light is soft and the atmosphere peaceful. We recommend it for its simple beauty and its easy access from La Madeleine.

Square Louis XVI

📍Rue Pasquier, 8th arrondissement

A secluded garden, rarely visited by tourists. Lined with shrubs, with a small chapel in the centre and benches in the shade. Perfect for a moment of tranquillity, away from the main thoroughfares. We recommend it for its seclusion and its close proximity.

Printemps Rooftop Garden

📍7th floor of Printemps Mode, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement

Freely accessible by lift, this terrace offers unobstructed views over the rooftops of Paris. Plants, unobtrusive tables and self-service coffee. An ideal spot to take a break after a stroll or a spot of shopping. We recommend it for its tranquillity, its light and its unexpected setting.

Elegant gourmet spots

Café Verlet

📍256 Rue Saint-Honoré, 1st arrondissement

Established in 1880, this café specialises in rare coffees and rich chocolates. The calm, wood-panelled interior evokes a bygone era. The service is unobtrusive, and the products impeccable. We recommend it for its understated authenticity, perfect for a late-morning break.

Nina’s Marie-Antoinette

📍29 Rue Danielle Casanova, 1st arrondissement

An all-pink tea room, scented with Versailles roses. The pastries are served on floral tableware, and the teas are sweet and fruity. The venue is peaceful, original and quintessentially Parisian in spirit. We recommend it for a poetic afternoon tea just a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme.

A. Lacroix Pâtissier

📍11 Rue de Castiglione, 1st arrondissement

Minimalist pastries, perfect textures, distinct flavours. The millefeuille is crisp, the lemon tart gleaming. Two small tables allow you to enjoy your treats on the premises, in the sunshine. We recommend it for its high standards of patisserie and its discreet location.

If you’re travelling with children

Le Jardin des Champs-Elysées (Concorde entrance, 8th arrondissement) features a vintage carousel, wide paths ideal for scooters and a bandstand. A simple yet charming spot to treat the little ones to a fun break. Perfect for relaxing before or after a cultural visit.

If you’re travelling as a couple

An evening at the Opéra Garnier, just a five-minute walk away, offers a programme combining classical ballets and modern productions. The beauty of the venue and the quality of the performances guarantee a sophisticated and memorable evening. A quick check of the programme during your stay is all it takes to choose the event that will appeal to you.

To explore the neighbourhood: the must-sees

If you’d like to round off your exploration of the neighbourhood, several iconic venues are right on your doorstep:

• Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps will charm you with their elegant shopping experience.
• The Galerie Vivienne offers a historic stroll beneath its glass roof.
• The Opéra Garnier is an architectural masterpiece not to be missed.
• The Église de la Madeleine and the Théâtre de la Madeleine each bring their own distinct cultural flair.
• Finally, the Place de la Concorde and the Luxor Obelisk bring this urban stroll to a close with style and understated elegance.

Make the most of Paris this spring with this elegant and understated selection, designed for discerning travellers.