APRIL IN PARIS
As we struggle through the icy hostility of winter and anticipate the
dog days of summer, we often dream of experiencing April in Paris.
Paris anytime -- but particularly at the height of spring -- is always a good idea.
A 1952 Doris Day movie boosted that idea while Frank Sinatra & Ella
Fitzgerald crooned a quintessentially romantic ballad of the same title.
No wonder April in Paris is the paragon of all armchair traveler's fantasies.
Strangely enough, this Paris fanatic managed to shy away from that mighty month, forever spooked about April showers and unreasonable meteorological conditions.
It was time to face reality; with climate change botching our 20/20 vision,
the now useless crystal ball of weather forecasting no longer exists.
After careful thought, I decided to throw caution to the wind
and look on the bright side -- packing foul weather gear just in case....
We visit Paris for many reasons -- its famous cuisine, architecture,
historical relevance, art and culture justifiably leading the pack.
But a seasonal visit during the month of April offers a different
side to Paris and a new reason to rejoice.
The city blooms in every possible way, it's beauty on steroids so powerful
it would sweep the competition in the Tour de France.
The myths are true. April in Paris is solid gold.
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
Anthony J. D'Angelo, American Writer
As we struggle through the icy hostility of winter and anticipate the
dog days of summer, we often dream of experiencing April in Paris.
Paris anytime -- but particularly at the height of spring -- is always a good idea.
A 1952 Doris Day movie boosted that idea while Frank Sinatra & Ella
Fitzgerald crooned a quintessentially romantic ballad of the same title.
No wonder April in Paris is the paragon of all armchair traveler's fantasies.
Strangely enough, this Paris fanatic managed to shy away from that mighty month, forever spooked about April showers and unreasonable meteorological conditions.
It was time to face reality; with climate change botching our 20/20 vision,
the now useless crystal ball of weather forecasting no longer exists.
After careful thought, I decided to throw caution to the wind
and look on the bright side -- packing foul weather gear just in case....
We visit Paris for many reasons -- its famous cuisine, architecture,
historical relevance, art and culture justifiably leading the pack.
But a seasonal visit during the month of April offers a different
side to Paris and a new reason to rejoice.
The city blooms in every possible way, it's beauty on steroids so powerful
it would sweep the competition in the Tour de France.
The myths are true. April in Paris is solid gold.
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
Anthony J. D'Angelo, American Writer
The Bois de Boulogne is a busy place but acres & acres of green space give you plenty of room to roam.
Rue des Thermopyles (b)looms large in springtime Paris.
"Spring is nature's way of saying 'Let's party!'"
Robin Williams, American actor & comedian
Paris has long been celebrated for its brilliant café scene.
And in April, many of the city favorites overdeliver.
It seems as if every café terrace is filled with smiling people high-fiving
each other with born again energy and springtime jubilation.
Young stalks of asparagus and rhubarb appear on plat-du-jour menus
and rosé makes its first appearance as wine lovers
swap out their heavier pours of the winter.
Open-air markets trigger each separate sense of the body, a reminder
that the rites of spring burn as brightly as the freshly gathered produce
so artfully displayed by the vendors.
You can see outright physical exhilaration in every pedestrian's stride.
The elegant streets of Paris transform into a virtual garden of Eden; those of us
lucky enough to be here for the "show" take enormous pleasure in every step.
And when we pause to admire a blooming chestnut tree or the circus of color in our neighbor's window box, we owe Mother Nature our sincere thanks for April in Paris.
Robin Williams, American actor & comedian
Paris has long been celebrated for its brilliant café scene.
And in April, many of the city favorites overdeliver.
It seems as if every café terrace is filled with smiling people high-fiving
each other with born again energy and springtime jubilation.
Young stalks of asparagus and rhubarb appear on plat-du-jour menus
and rosé makes its first appearance as wine lovers
swap out their heavier pours of the winter.
Open-air markets trigger each separate sense of the body, a reminder
that the rites of spring burn as brightly as the freshly gathered produce
so artfully displayed by the vendors.
You can see outright physical exhilaration in every pedestrian's stride.
The elegant streets of Paris transform into a virtual garden of Eden; those of us
lucky enough to be here for the "show" take enormous pleasure in every step.
And when we pause to admire a blooming chestnut tree or the circus of color in our neighbor's window box, we owe Mother Nature our sincere thanks for April in Paris.
Passion and peonies bloom on the Square du Vert-Galant.
Parc Monceau looks gorgeous in every light but particularly in April.
Although it's a private street, you get a good dose of spring at the entrance to rue Frochot.
First steps on the lawn of Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect way to "spring forward" in Paris.
Cabin fever now just a sour memory, Parisians turn their attention to picnicking
in the park and gathering on roof-top bars and in riverside restaurants.
The Seine becomes the place to see and be seen, especially when
endorsing the highly respected Parisian tradition of kicking back.
Dining alfresco offers a sense of well-being that even Michelin stars
can't cook up behind ornate doors and blue ribbon menus.
Tapas and charcuterie adorn many a plate, replacing
the heavier fare designed to please old man winter.
April in Paris delivers a physical and psychological lift that money just can't buy.
"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created spring."
Bernard Williams, English Philosopher
in the park and gathering on roof-top bars and in riverside restaurants.
The Seine becomes the place to see and be seen, especially when
endorsing the highly respected Parisian tradition of kicking back.
Dining alfresco offers a sense of well-being that even Michelin stars
can't cook up behind ornate doors and blue ribbon menus.
Tapas and charcuterie adorn many a plate, replacing
the heavier fare designed to please old man winter.
April in Paris delivers a physical and psychological lift that money just can't buy.
"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created spring."
Bernard Williams, English Philosopher
Time and again, many of the world's most celebrated artists
created masterworks inspired by springtime in Paris.
Edouard Manet's "Spring" and Camille Pissarro's "Boulevard Montmartre" are
just two examples of artists under the influence, practically punch-drunk
on the adrenaline rush of springtime in the City of Light.
Their intense pleasure transferred to canvas, these gifted
magicians created a timeless ode to the beauty of April in Paris.
Each spring, wherever I am, I'm always amazed, the miraculous
re-birth of nature somehow surprising me year after year.
Without question, April is a masterpiece of a month.
Magnified tenfold in Paris, the depth of its beauty is astonishing.
The miracle of spring renewal is the best part of the year --
even better if you happen to be in Paris.
created masterworks inspired by springtime in Paris.
Edouard Manet's "Spring" and Camille Pissarro's "Boulevard Montmartre" are
just two examples of artists under the influence, practically punch-drunk
on the adrenaline rush of springtime in the City of Light.
Their intense pleasure transferred to canvas, these gifted
magicians created a timeless ode to the beauty of April in Paris.
Each spring, wherever I am, I'm always amazed, the miraculous
re-birth of nature somehow surprising me year after year.
Without question, April is a masterpiece of a month.
Magnified tenfold in Paris, the depth of its beauty is astonishing.
The miracle of spring renewal is the best part of the year --
even better if you happen to be in Paris.
Edouard Manet's "Music in the Tuileries" -- where the locals continue to meet on beautiful spring days.
Edouard Manet's vision of "Spring" is a portrait of actress Jeanne Demarsy in 1882.
Restaurant terraces are the place to be on gorgeous April days in Paris.
Even the always dignified Tuileries Garden lets down her hair in spring -- a riot of color and freeform blooms.
Spring weather is chaotic, for sure, but well worth the occasional
flipflopping temperatures that come your way.
April in Paris presents a few additional challenges -- transportation strikes
sometimes occur -- not fun! -- and the need to pack more clothes
to manage the varying temperatures.
But the perils are offset by the enchantments.
Blossoming paulownia trees, cherry trees, and magnolias show off as if
they're practicing their strut for the spring collection in the House of Chanel.
Nature in her glory is where we're reminded that
"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads."*
*Henry David Thoreau
There aren't too many things in life that feel as good as a fresh start -- so when
you get the chance to see Paris in April, you'll be reminded
of all the good things springtime offers.
Flowers and trees in bloom, spring menus, spring designer collections,
spring break, spring training and a spring in our step all come to mind.
What are some of your favorite springtime events?
"Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment."
Ellis Peters / Edith Pargeter, British author
flipflopping temperatures that come your way.
April in Paris presents a few additional challenges -- transportation strikes
sometimes occur -- not fun! -- and the need to pack more clothes
to manage the varying temperatures.
But the perils are offset by the enchantments.
Blossoming paulownia trees, cherry trees, and magnolias show off as if
they're practicing their strut for the spring collection in the House of Chanel.
Nature in her glory is where we're reminded that
"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads."*
*Henry David Thoreau
There aren't too many things in life that feel as good as a fresh start -- so when
you get the chance to see Paris in April, you'll be reminded
of all the good things springtime offers.
Flowers and trees in bloom, spring menus, spring designer collections,
spring break, spring training and a spring in our step all come to mind.
What are some of your favorite springtime events?
"Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment."
Ellis Peters / Edith Pargeter, British author
Corny and -- quelle horreur, mostly shot in Burbank -- but ooh la la, it's Doris Day in Paris!
Hmmm, even these ladies can't turn their backs on the springtime blooms in the Tuileries Garden...
People watching and sunshine go together like milk and cookies.
Tout le monde (everyone) wants to be outside.
Paris seems softer and more generous with its lush green gardens.
It's an injection of vitamin D when we need it the most.
Springtime won't keep you from visiting the Louvre or any of the city's best
art museums but it will keep you en plein air (literally, in the open air),
much like the nature loving landscape artists you've just admired.
Experiencing April in Paris feels a bit like that wondrous feeling
the first time we sat outside under the stars, feeling both
inspired by and at one with the world.
We realized we were just one small cog in the universe,
yet felt perfectly at peace.
Freedom, curiosity, romance and, perhaps most importantly,
RENEWAL are in the air this special time of the year.
Tout le monde (everyone) wants to be outside.
Paris seems softer and more generous with its lush green gardens.
It's an injection of vitamin D when we need it the most.
Springtime won't keep you from visiting the Louvre or any of the city's best
art museums but it will keep you en plein air (literally, in the open air),
much like the nature loving landscape artists you've just admired.
Experiencing April in Paris feels a bit like that wondrous feeling
the first time we sat outside under the stars, feeling both
inspired by and at one with the world.
We realized we were just one small cog in the universe,
yet felt perfectly at peace.
Freedom, curiosity, romance and, perhaps most importantly,
RENEWAL are in the air this special time of the year.
"April in Paris"
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg & Vernon Duke
"I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
That no one can ever reprise
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris
Whom can I run to
What have you done to my heart"
Convinced?
Time to get out the calendar and make a plan to write your own sweet melody.
April in Paris will make your heart sing and give your feet wings.
If only we could make it last twelve months a year!
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg & Vernon Duke
"I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
That no one can ever reprise
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris
Whom can I run to
What have you done to my heart"
Convinced?
Time to get out the calendar and make a plan to write your own sweet melody.
April in Paris will make your heart sing and give your feet wings.
If only we could make it last twelve months a year!
Jardin Samuel de Champlain is one of my new favorites in Paris - stunning!
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