Spring Flowers and Colors in Paris

As we stroll through Paris, we find spring blossoms everywhere,  The trees and flowers along the streets and in the parks are in full bloom, enjoying the weather and delighting those of us passing by.  On our initial walk through Paris, we first pass through Jardin des Champs Élysées, the small gardens next to Place de la Concorde and across from the Élysée Palace (the French President's office and residence) and the US Embassy.

Jardin des Champs Élysées

Across Place de la Concorde, we stroll into the Jardin des Tuileries, a public garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde (and across the Seine from Musée d'Orsay) created by Catherine de' Medici in 1564 and opened to the public in 1667.  Covering an area of 25.5 hectares (63 acres) it is one of the most legendary parks in Paris.

  

Jardin des Tuileries

The grand buildings and museums along the Champs Élysées are also decorated with flower beds and beautiful plantings.

Along the Champs Élysées

Our initial stroll through Paris has brought us through many small and large gardens and beautiful floral displays to celebrate spring in the city.

Arriving in Paris

We arrive in Paris just before Easter and the first thing we notice (after the beautiful spring flowers everywhere) is the Easter chocolate displayed in the shops and department stores.

We're on a journey with a brief stop in Paris, on to Nice and Monaco, then to Sanremo and Cinque Terre in Italy, ultimately returning to Paris to catch our flight home (and have one last day in this fabulous city).  But, first, we wander through Paris.

We start with chocolate admiring.

Chocolate everywhere

The department stores are full of spring fashions and decorations.

Galleries Lafayette

Outside, the weather is delightful and we stroll, taking in our favorite locations.

Jardin des Tuileries

Place de la Concorde

Looking down the Champs Élysées

Glimpses of La Tour Eiffel

Houseboats moored on the Seine

Musée d'Orsay

Le Musée du Louvre

We stop near Place Saint-Michel for lunch at a gyro shop, followed by gelato admiration across the street.

Gyro

Gelato

We stroll back along the Seine toward the Champs Élysées, passing more great sights.

Along the Seine

Revitalized La Samaritaine

Rear of the Louvre

Palais Bourbon (French National Assembly)

Place de la Concorde (from Palais Bourbon across the river)

Grand Palais

Petit Palais across the street

More views of the Eiffel Tower

Back on the Champs Élysées

We've started our visit to Paris with a large circular tour from the Champs Élysées up to the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann (and the Opera), then over to the the Seine (near Notre Dame), and along the Seine back to the Champs Élysées.  We've filled an afternoon with great views, memories, and new experiences and now return to our hotel to plan the rest of our visit (and find dinner).