{"id":17565,"date":"2017-06-07T15:00:06","date_gmt":"2017-06-07T19:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=17565"},"modified":"2019-01-16T13:27:02","modified_gmt":"2019-01-16T17:27:02","slug":"insider-tips-paris-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2017\/06\/07\/insider-tips-paris-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider Tips & Things to do in Paris during Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Eiffel Tower is an iconic sight in Paris<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and all of Paris is headed outdoors to revel in the lovely weather! Spring has sprung, and there isn\u2019t a more perfect time to plan a trip to Paris. After all, we all love Paris in the springtime! Can\u2019t you just picture yourself joining the local Parisians as they head outdoors to bask in spring\u2019s warm weather? The outdoor cafes are bustling<\/a> with friends meeting for a drink or the stereotypical writer lost in thought, lingering over a cup of coffee and observing Parisian life. The jardins<\/em> <\/strong>around Paris are in bloom and become the \u201cit\u201d spot for an impromptu picnic on the grass with a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some local delicacies.<\/p>\n

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It's spring in Paris and green is everywhere!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you can picture yourself among the cafe and croissant crowd, then it\u2019s time to start planning your Paris trip and finding the perfect apartment to call home. When you rent an apartment, you get the unique experience of living life as the locals do. After all, part of the allure of travel is escaping your everyday life and creating, even if for just a moment, a life your alter ego dreams of living.<\/p>\n

Besides being incredibly chic and having that French \u201cje ne sais quoi\u201d<\/em>, apartments are roomier and more economical than budget hotels if you plan to stay for a week or longer. They\u2019re also great for families, giving everyone privacy and letting the kids have room to play. You can also save a lot of money by cooking some meals at home \u2014 those elegant Parisian restaurants aren\u2019t cheap! And let\u2019s face it, we all know dining out ends in spilled drinks, one kid falling asleep at the table and the other having a meltdown. Doesn\u2019t that fully-equipped kitchen back at your rental apartment sound like heaven?<\/p>\n

What to see and do<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Haussmannian buildings are typically Parisian <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For an impressive view with an air of fantasy, a trip to the iconic Eiffel Tower<\/strong> is always a must-do. But to really soak up spring, get out and visit the lovely parks<\/a> and gardens around the city. At Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden)<\/strong>, you can take a peaceful stroll through acres of beautiful French and English flower gardens, admire the statues of former French queens and saints (the garden has over 100 statues, fountains, and monuments), and entertain the kids for hours. The garden features a puppet theater, playgrounds, a spot to sail model boats, and even a vintage carousel, so the kids will be thrilled! Check out our blog for more ideas on how to keep the kids entertained in Paris<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re visiting Paris with the family in tow, this 3-bedroom apartment in \u00cele Saint-Louis is spacious enough for the whole group<\/a> and it\u2019s situated on a little island oasis in the heart of Paris. Natural light from French windows flows into the living room, where you can gather around the decorative fireplace that’s crowned with a gilded mirror. The dining table seats six, so you can have family dinners at home if you choose. There\u2019s also a marble-topped breakfast nook in the kitchen for the kids to grab a quick bite. Two and a half bathrooms ensure that nobody will be waiting in line for the shower. The three bedrooms allow everyone to have privacy, while the two twin beds in the second bedroom allow the kids to share a room without having to share a bed. Rooms overlook the courtyard and the riverbank, providing a peaceful refuge.<\/p>\n

Speaking of riverbanks and canals, stroll along Canal Saint Martin<\/strong> and choose your perfect location for a picnic. This 19th-century canal with iron footbridges is about as picturesque as a picnic spot gets. After lunch, browse the little boutiques lining the area.<\/p>\n

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Stroll through parks and gardens this spring in Paris<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re looking for artistic inspiration, of course, there is the famous Louvre<\/strong>, and across the river on the left bank of the Seine is the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay<\/strong>, housed in the former Gare d’Orsay<\/strong>, a Beaux-Arts<\/strong> railway station. If you\u2019re in the mood for some inner reflection, check out the exhibit Beyond the Stars: The Mystical Landscape from Monet to Kandinsky<\/em>. Running from March thru June 2017, this exhibit examines the use of landscape to evoke contemplation and expression of inner feelings\u2014something to ponder as you take in the spring vistas. Too deep for you? You can always contemplate the landscape while biking through it instead. Just rent a V\u00e9lib<\/strong> (city bikes that are located all around Paris) and take a serene bike ride around Bois de Boulogne<\/strong> (it\u2019s two and a half times the size of Central Park)!<\/p>\n

Where to eat and shop<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dining al fresco is one of spring\u2019s pleasures<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For unique shopping and dining options, head north to Montmartre<\/strong>, the highest point in the city. After successfully climbing the famous stairs and twisty cobblestoned streets of this quaint neighborhood, you will be rewarded for your efforts with streets lined with local artists. Catch your breath on the steps of the Sacr\u00e9-Coeur<\/strong>, then stop for some steak frites<\/strong><\/em> at Caf\u00e9 Le Saint Jean<\/strong>, a classic French bistro with outdoor seating that is perfect for a lovely spring day!<\/p>\n

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Even the macarons are in spring colors at Ladur\u00e9e <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something sweet and spring-colored, head to Ladur\u00e9e<\/strong>! Their spring edition macarons<\/strong> are great for a personal treat or an excellent choice for a lovely gift! But that’s not the only option, as there are plenty of patisseries to entice you<\/a> as you make your way through the city. Just consider it cultural research. And while you\u2019re at it, savor a coffee at one of these top coffee shops<\/a> to go with your sweet treat.<\/p>\n

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A terrace is a must-have in spring!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

After a day of \u201cresearching\u201d all the best pastries Paris has to offer, you\u2019ll appreciate having a peaceful spot of your own to unwind. The perfect apartment for spring in Paris is one like this 1-bedroom in Grenelle that has a tranquil planted terrace<\/a> so that you can enjoy the open air right from your rental. Grab a copy of the French newspaper Le Monde<\/strong><\/em> and sip your coffee at the cafe table on the terrace before heading out for the day. Natural sunlight illuminates the relaxing living room area just through the sliding doors. Its modern eat-in kitchen includes many stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar area where you can prepare meals at home after a day of shopping the local markets for fresh spring produce. In-unit laundry adds convenience for getting everyday errands done from the comfort of home. The bedroom is painted in a cheery spring pastel peach color with windows looking onto greenery and trees. The room is accented with a beautiful black-and-white print of the views over the Seine<\/strong> and the Eiffel Tower aglow in the distance to remind you that you are in one of the most romantic cities in the world<\/a> as you drift off to sleep.<\/p>\n

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Rent a furnished apartment for your spring trip to Paris<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re staying in an apartment with cooking facilities, you can take full advantage of the great range of produce in Parisian markets and supermarkets<\/a>. Some supermarket chains to look out for include Monoprix, Franprix, Carrefour <\/strong>and March\u00e9 U<\/strong>. This 1-bedroom apartment in Gambetta P\u00e8re Lachaise<\/a> has a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, gas range, microwave, and conventional oven, allowing you to test your French culinary skills right at home (and save a lot on restaurant bills). Located in a classic Haussmannian<\/strong> building and decorated in spring chartreuse tones, this apartment will surely put you in a \u201cspring in Paris\u201d state of mind. It wouldn\u2019t be spring without a gentle rain \u2014 from the rainfall shower head in this spa-like bathroom! A mirrored wall in the bedroom reflects the morning sunlight illuminating the space to awaken you with a warm springtime glow.<\/p>\n

Things only local Parisians know about<\/strong><\/p>\n

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There are plenty of museums in Paris; find out when they\u2019re free to enter<\/div>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re out and about, here are a few final tips from those in the know to make the most of your trip:<\/p>\n

The first Sunday of each month, many museums are free to visit, including the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay, Mus\u00e9e du Quai Branly, Pompidou Centre, <\/strong>and Picasso Museum<\/strong>. If you\u2019re a museum lover<\/a>, the Museum Pass<\/strong> gives free entry to 50 museums and monuments, including those listed above. It only costs \u20ac48 for two days, \u20ac62 for 4 days, or \u20ac74 for six days, so you can museum hop until you drop!<\/p>\n

One of the best but lesser-known viewpoints for an unparalleled nighttime vista is from the Montparnasse Tower<\/strong>. It gives you a prime view of the Eiffel Tower, instead of the other way around. Skip the throngs of tourists and head to this local recommendation instead.<\/p>\n

And last but not least, as we hurl towards summer, get ready to soak up the soleil<\/strong> <\/em>on the beaches of France, which officially opened this past May! No matter what the season, we have Paris apartment options that will suit it perfectly, so be sure to check out our website and find an apartment to match your vision<\/a> of your perfect “home” in Paris!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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