Matouk Olivia bedding. A map of Paris hung behind the bed is a chic nod to one of the world’s most romantic cities.

clockwise from top left: Shakespeare & Company bookstore via Girls’ Guide to Paris, Chez Prune restaurant, The Jardin du Luxembourg via Parisien Salon, Ze Kitchen Galerie restaurant, Lunch on the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore via French Essence.
“I love Paris in the springtime,” wrote Cole Porter, in a 1953 song made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and other crooners in the ensuing years. And what’s not to love about the ultra-romantic City of Light, blossoming with flowers and enjoying the kind of sunshine made for walking along the Seine, exploring the Tuileries, and sharing a bottle of wine at one of the city’s countless outdoor cafés?
For tips on visiting Paris during this picture perfect season, we turned to a few of our favorite Paris-based bloggers and asked them for their top picks. For more inspiration and insider ideas, be sure to check out their blogs via the links below.
There’s nothing better than wandering around the Marais or window shopping on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.” — Vicki Archer, French Essence.
“Founded over 60 years ago by American George Whitman and now run by his daughter, Shakespeare & Company might just be the most eclectic, kitschy-cool bookstore left on the planet. They still, to this day, let writers stay there overnight, so be sure to go upstairs and notice the small beds squished in here and there. I love the quote they have posted at the top of the stairs: ‘Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise.’” — Doni Belau, Girls’ Guide to Paris.
Come printemps [springtime], the Jardin du Luxembourg bursts back into life in full technicolor. All kinds of flowers are in bloom, young children frolic around the fountain while sailing their wooden boats, and the grownups recline in green iron chairs, snacking on baguettes, reading their books, or engaging in deep conversation. This is Paris life at its most vibrant. — Linda Donahue, Parisien Salon.
“Jeanne B is a new dining spot that's all about roasted meats and seasonal produce. They have a lovely 19-euro lunch that includes a starter (such as a whole artichoke with vinaigrette) and a main dish (such as a veal shank with roasted vegetables). The main dining room faces south and gets a ton of light, and if you can score one of the handful of sidewalk tables, you can enjoy a really gorgeous, sunny meal out on Rue Lepic.” — Clotilde Dusoulier, Chocolate & Zucchini.
“Les Arènes de Lutèce, tucked on a small street in the 5th arrondissement, are the ruins of a Roman arena that was constructed in Paris during the 1st century AD. The amphitheater had been built over, was rediscovered in the 1860s, and opened to the public at the end of that century. What is wonderful is that the large space has not become commercialized. It remains a place for old men to play pétanque, young kids to play soccer, and everyone else to have a quiet lunch or read a book.” — Laurie Pike, TheParisBlog.com.
“A favorite spot in Paris to visit in the springtime is an outside table at Chez Prune on the canal St. Martin. They make a fantastic brunch, and it is the best place to people-watch on a sunny afternoon.”—Genevieve Sandifer, The HIP Paris Blog.
“Spring for me is eating lunch at Ze Kitchen Galerie. Everything is market-fresh-tasting and your plate looks like a newly painted avant-garde canvas—a total surprise for the eyes and the taste buds. The food is delicate and leger [light].” — Carol Gillott,Paris Breakfast.
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