Hanami in Paris: the most beautiful places to admire it

Paris, with his green lungs, It is able to make every lover of nature that respects itself happy. Between March and May The protagonists of the blooms are the cherries, that with their nuances give us the tradition ofhanami, Japanese word now synonymous with ’admire the cherry blossom. If Japan is too far away and for many people inaccessible, thehanami can be fully celebrated in beautiful Paris, without the need to change the time zone.

Like all Parisians, I like to enjoy long walks in nature in the first sun, to get full of vitamin D and good mood. Too bad that in Paris the weather is so uncertain never to rely fully on spring. For scaramancy, I prefer not to sing victory too soon!

What are the five best places to enjoyhanami Paris?

5. Cité Universitaire

In addition to being an explosion of colors in spring, the Cité Universitaire is a unique place of its kind and one of my absolute favorites in Paris. Maybe because I spent the most extraordinary years of my life there, between 2014 and 2016. Perhaps because my closest friends in Paris were born right here, within the walls of this incredible residence steeped in history. And believe me, they're still lasting now!

Located in the 14th arrondissement, the Cité universiaire It is not just a university residence, but what I have always called the "cradle of integration in Paris". We owe its creation to André Honnorat, Minister of Education in 1920, who wanted to complete a great project of sharing, discovery and inclusion. After the inauguration in 1925 of the first residence, dedicated to the philanthropist Emile Deutsch de la Meurthe, the Cité universiaire has undergone incredible growth. Today it has over 40 residences, sports fields, libraries, gyms, a theater... and an immense park of at least 34 hectares.

Here you will have at your disposal great varieties of plants and flowers, buildings of rare beauty and obviously many cherries. Perfect place for picnics and walks, immersed in the tranquility and magic of a place that means tolerance, love and respect.

4. Parc Montsouris

Another perfect place for the hanami in Paris is in the same district as Cité Universitaire, right in front of the large university residence.

Amazing in every season, the Parc Montsouris gives the best of itself during spring, among white and pink cherries and siliquastri full of purple flowers. About 16 hectares may seem few compared to other Paris parks and gardens, but in terms of colors, biodiversity and suggestive views, the Parc Montsouris to other most famous and touristic Parisian sites.

In addition to photographic services to plants, flowers and majestic cherries, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a picnic relaxing by the pond. If you are lucky, you might also find yourself attending one of the many free concerts organized by the kiosk of the Montsouris, made even more suggestive by the very long and (finally!) sunny days that Paris gives us from March onwards.

3. Jardin des Tuileries

In third place we find the Jardin des Tuileries, small urban green lung located between place de la Concorde and Louvre Museum. Although in the heart of the French capital, this jewel of nature has a pinch of Italianness in itself, since its creation is due to Caterina de’ Medici. Today it is one of the favorite places of Parisians for walking, relaxation, sport and, in fact, l‘hanami.

On its 25 hectares, the Jardin des Tuileries of Paris has in fact several beautiful cherries, rich in flowers and snap-proof. But I advise you to go very soon, because the garden is already stormed in the first sun!

2. Parc de Sceaux

If Paris intra-muros It's really beautiful, its suburbs are certainly not less. Located about 15 km from Paris, it has an extension of 118 hectares and also boasts a castle of the same name, seat of the Museum of Ile-de-France.

As of March, it becomes a real must hanami in Paris, as well as a destination for photographers, enthusiasts, Influencers or aspirants such. Al Parc de Sceaux I never had much luck with cherry blossoming: every time it rained so much and I found the trees of sakura They're all pounding!

1. Jardin des Plantes

First in the standings, undisputed champions ofhanami in Paris is the Jardin de Plantes, 28 hectares wide and main botanical garden of France. Located in the heart of the capital, in 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is also a place of culture, as one of the seven departments of the Natural History Museum and seat, among other things, of the Museum of Mineralology and the Grande Galérie de l’Evolution.

What makes of Jardin des Plantes the favourite place for thehanami in Paris is the presence of his big Japanese cherry, the largest in all of Paris. High up to 8 meters and wide up to 12, the cherry of Jardin des Plantes boasts an exclusive position, which allows you to admire it in every angle.

If you, like me, love flowers and especially flowershanami, You are always in time to enjoy this spectacle of nature in Paris. Waiting, hopefully, for a next trip to Japan.