I'm always asked when is the best time to visit a destination. In fact I found this to be one of the trickiest yet common travel questions to answer. Do you think there's always a best time to see particular city? Well, this question is kind of like 'do you think this destination is worth visiting?'. It really depends on what type of travellers you are, and what sort of travel experiences you're after.
Ahhh - the best time to visit, I don't even give this too much thoughts during my travel planning. I believe seeing the same place in different seasons makes each trip unique and unforgettable, and you're bound to discover things that you overlooked during you past visits. When it comes to my favourite city Paris, I wholeheartedly think 'Paris is always a good idea', whether it's snows, rains or shines. Christmas in Paris was mind-blowingly magical with its fairytake like illumination around town. Just last month, I booked my spontaneous visit to Paris only two weeks before I flied out, well, just because I heard the cheese and macaroons calling. Then I found myself bathing in the glorious springtime sunshine that gives Paris its glowing floral crown. So if you asked me whether I like Christmas or springtime in Paris better, I'd have to say, 'Sorry dear - I simply can't choose because they're so totally unique yet equally captivating!'. There're of course different things to do or highlight of the city during each season, so here you have it my fellow travellettos - 15 wonderful things to do during springtime in Paris to truly vivre la vie - all wrapped for you (with a pretty little red bow) in my 4 -minute video. Now grab your French wine, cheese platter, sit back and happy watching!
1. Explore the beautiful parks & jardins
Tips:You don't have to go far to see Paris in blooms; Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries are two of my best-loved gardens located on the left bank and near the Louvre respectively.2. Stroll the Left Bank Latin Quarter & St Michel for a taste of bohemian Paris
Tips: These areas give you a glimpse into bohemian Paris at its heights! You certainly won't leave with an empty stomach with plenty of restaurants and bistros lining the cobblestone side streets3. Shop vintage @ Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Tips: Rejoice, vintage lovers! With Les 3 Marches de Catherine b, Les Parisiennes, Gabrielle Geppert and a number of other treasure troves of the Parisiennes' wardrobe, you might just need to ring your bank to up your credit card limit... Check out my Paris vintage Chanel shopping GPS part 1 and part 2!4. Shop @ Printemps
Tips: Do you know that the rooftop terrace at Printemps offers one of the most amazing spots for capturing a bird eye's view of this historical city?5. See Île de la Cité come into blooms
6. Rent & ride a Vélib' along The Seine
Tips: Pre-register and pay for your Vélib' bike for the day on their official website as some credit cards don't work on the roadside machines.7. Ride to Notre Dame
8. Watch Eiffel Tower light up at sunset
Tips: Check out my photos of Paris at the blue hours here.9. Explore Montmartre
Tips: Same as other major tourist spots in Paris, visit early on the day to avoid the crowd!10. Ride the Funicular to Sacré-Coeur
11. See locals come out to play on the many bridges over the Seine
12. Treat your tastebuds & wake up to a café au lait
Tips: Usually people think this is spelled "café olé!" because that's how it sounds, but it's actually just the French words for "espresso with milk." Fancy, huh?13. People watching at a local bistro
14. Follow the footsteps of locals
Tips: As Anthony Bourdain put it, the best way to ruin any trip is to plan too much. Be flexible with your itinerary and be spontaneous - follow your nose and your ears to spot the happenings among locals - this is by far the best way to find travel gems!15. Uber around the city
Tips: Apart from #UberKitten, another thing I like about Uber is that their drivers usually love a great chat and have a wealth of knowledge about the latest, hippest and most talked about local hangout spots!So tell me Lovers, have you seen the grand dame Paris in her spring floral crown? Which of the 15 things to do I listed have made it to your bucket list? What else would you add to your Paris itinerary? If you have any questions for me don't be shy, drop me a note in the comment and I'll try my best to answer any travel questions you have about Paris!
Until next time! Stay curious.