Snapshots of Paris on a Spring Afternoon on a Slow Saunter Through Palais Royal

There’s nothing like Paris on a spring afternoon! We thought we’d share some snapshots with you that were taken in Paris during our recent stay. Spring has hit Paris with a blast of welcome sunshine after the gloomy winter season and every Parisian seems to be out in the parks and gardens basking in the gorgeous weather.

The Parisians we’ve been meeting during our two weeks in the French capital have all been saying this was one of the longest winter seasons they can remember in a very long time – which is why yesterday the whole of Paris seemed to be out on the streets, embracing the balmy weather, and welcoming the warmer months to come.

Snapshots of Paris on a Spring Afternoon on a Slow Saunter Through Palais Royal

As spring in Paris begins, there’s a sense of rebirth and renewal in the city. The young leaves on the trees shimmer in the clear light, and in the precarious nests perched high in the canopies, mama birds feed newborns with worms. It’s no wonder the inside seats at bistros are no longer as desirable as the outdoor tables in the sunshine.

Everyone wants to go to the markets to buy fresh spring vegetables – peas, courgettes, white asparagus! – and bouquets of brilliant flowers for their dining tables. As much as we would have liked to stay in our delightful little Montmartre apartment and write (not!), we couldn’t resist joining the Parisians outside enjoying the sunshine!

One of the best things about Paris on a spring afternoon is all the entertainment that’s around on the streets – and it’s all for free. All you need to do to be amused in Paris on a day like this is to just take a stroll. It’s as simple as that. So head out of your charming Paris short stay rental and immerse yourself in the action outdoors for a true taste of life as a local in Paris.

You could stop for a coffee, a cold beer or a chilled glass of wine with the locals. Parisians tend to linger at cafes and bars as long as they possibly can, but we suggest you only indulge in a drink or two, so you can enjoy more of the sun. Because one never knows how long it will last.

These snapshots of Paris were taken as we slowly sauntered the lovely gardens of the Palais Royal with the locals, watched some go-for-broke inline skating and a group of friends playing boules, and spent some time listening to an excellent young orchestra having more fun playing in the sunshine than they would in a stuffy concert hall.

Spring is the best time to be in Paris as far as we’re concerned. And we haven’t mentioned the fact that there’s still great oysters in the cafes and the fresh asparagus is starting to hit the local markets… sigh…

Have you visited Paris in the springtime?