Spring in the City: Where to Find Magnolia Trees in Paris

Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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I’ll say it before and no doubt I’ll say it again: there’s no better time to visit Paris than in the spring. When the crowds are fewer, the temperature is warmer, and the weather is (a little) better, that’s when you should head to the City of Light. And one of the best things to do once you’re finally in Paris? Search for spring blooms, of course! Here’s where to find the best magnolia trees in Paris…

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Magnolia flowers are named for the French botanist Pierre Magnol and the name covers some two-hundred-plus flowering plants, while the name ‘magnolia’ itself first appeared in a work of 1703. Today, if you’re looking for these pink flowers in Paris, then head to the city from any point of March through to the end of April.

Now, of course, varying weather patterns from year to year means that it’s pretty much impossible to predict the exact time when the magnolia flowers are in full bloom.

To get a good indication of when the magnolias might finally be out, be sure to keep on checking social media (such as the geotag on Instagram) to get a better idea of when the flowers will be at their best.

Best places to see magnolias in Paris

Jardin Anne Frank, 75003 Paris

Tucked away in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement, i.e. the Le Marais area of the city, Jardin Anne Frank is a peaceful oasis and calm escape from the hustle and bustle of daily city life.

The memorial garden features many benches, a secluded garden, and a children’s play area. In the spring months, there are also many magnolia trees in bloom.

Eiffel Tower, 75007 Paris

If you’ve ever searched for magnolias in Paris anywhere on the web, then no doubt you’ve come across images of magnolia to the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Best seen later in the day when the sun is shining behind the Eiffel Tower and gives your photo a lovely glow, Champ de Mars is the place to go to if you want to capture that iconic shot! Nearby, you’ll also find some of the prettiest cherry blossoms to be seen anywhere in the city.

Parc de Bagatelle, 75016 Paris

Paris’ botanical garden is a must-see for any garden enthusiast, or simply if you’re seeking some quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of busy city life for a few hours.

Located in the 16e arrondissement of the city, it was first created in 1775 and took just over sixty days from start to finish (following a royal wager involving Marie Antoinette and her brother in law). Today, it’s one of the best places to see magnolia trees in Paris!

Jardin du Palais Royal, 75001 Paris

In the heart of the city, not far from the Louvre, you’ll find the secluded and often forgotten garden of Jardin du Palais Royal. Flanked by elegant arcades lined with chic shops, it’s home to some of the very best coffee shops in the city.

Jardin du Palais Royal is also where you’ll find the Colonnes de Buren, a quirky and contemporary installation that’s become incredibly popular since the rise of Instagram! A little earlier on in the year, at some point between February and March, the Jardin du Palais Royal is one of the best places to see daffodils in the city!

Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris

Located just outside the Louvre, and adjacent to the River Seine, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most popular parks in Paris. And it’s easy to see why.

Filled with landscaped gardens (does anyone else do a well-manicured garden quite like the French?!), trickling fountains and home to the museum which houses Monet’s waterlilies, the Tuileries garden is well worth a wander around.

Head to the park in the springtime and you can also expect to see plenty of magnolia flowers in full bloom! Otherwise, art lovers will absolutely fall in love with the art museum that is the Orangerie. Home to a whole plethora of modern art, book your Paris Orangerie entrance tickets here in advance.

Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris

When the sun is shining and the Louvre is sparkling, there’s no better place to enjoy the magnolia trees in Paris than right outside Hôtel de Ville. Best visited earlier in the day so as to avoid the crowds and get the best lighting, you’ll want to take your camera along when enjoying these pops of purple and pink.

On the side facing the Seine, surrounding the statue of Etienne Marcel is where you’ll find the highest concentration of magnolias. Turn around and you’ll spy one of the best views of the River Seine and the ancient Île de la Cité that is to be found in the French Capital.

Square René-Viviani, 75005 Paris

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, i.e. the 5th arrondissement of the city, Square René-Viviani is a peaceful square that’s the perfect spot to sit down, relax, and watch the world go by. If you’re looking for something a little more entertaining, be sure to pick up a book from the nearby Abbey Bookshop and head to the garden for a quiet read.

Much like other Parisian landmarks such as the Fontaine des Innocents, Square René-Viviani hides a much more sinister history than its flower-filled borders and Parisian magnolia plants would suggest.

After all, many centuries ago, this French park was actually a cemetery. Other than the fantastic view of Notre Dame to be found here, the park is also home to the oldest tree in Paris.

Jardin des Plantes, 75005 Paris

One of the most beautiful parks in Paris which is worth a visit during any trip to the city is that of the Jardin des Plantes. Situated in the same area as Paris’ Natural History Museum, the park is free to visit (with the exception of some of the greenhouses). In the spring time, the park also happens to be a location in Paris where you can find plenty of beautiful magnolia trees.

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris

Situated between the Latin Quarter and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of the city, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a delightful garden which is popular among visitors and locals alike.

During the summer, people can rent toy boats to sail across the main fountain pond, while one of the main architectural features of the garden is that of the Medici Fountains.

Types of blossom in Paris and blooming schedule

There are actually a number of different flowering trees scattered across Paris. From wisteria to paulownia, there’s no shortage of beautiful blooms during the spring. Here’s a rough flowering schedule for the blossom in Paris:

Plum blossoms: End of February, beginning of March. Some of the best plum blossoms can be found on the Champ de Mars, around the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Magnolias: Beginning of March.

Cherry blossoms: End of March until mid April.

Wisteria: Mid April until early May. Check our guide for where to find the best wisteria in Paris.

Chestnut blossoms: These hot pink flowers tend to bloom on trees around the end of April.

Paulownias: These lilac trees are simply stunning and tend to bloom around the end of April. There are huge concentrations of these trees in the 13th arrondissement

Roses: May and June. There is a particularly beautiful rose garden in the Parc de Bagatelle in the 16th arrondissement.

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