Do you have certain places in your city that you visit each season? I do! I live in Paris, and though I love the city as a whole, I have a few favorite spots for specific times of the year. Most of these stay worthwhile no matter when you visit, but there's just something about them that comforts me every time I check them out in specific seasons. For example, I go to Place Vendôme more frequently every winter to do my holiday shopping and indulge in Angelina's famous hot chocolate. I also spend most of my summer in Parc de la Villette, swimming in the Paris Plage and watching movies at the famous Cinéma en Plein Air.
As beautiful as Paris is throughout the year, certain places become more enchanting in certain seasons. I have my favorites, and if you go there at around the same time as I do, you’ll know why they stand out in a city full of amazing hotspots!
Spring
Musée Rodin
I've always considered Musée Rodin as my favorite museum in Paris. Part of it is because I love Rodin and I regard him as one of the best artists in history. Another reason is that the estate itself is as beautiful as the artworks inside. I usually spend most of my time here strolling through its lush gardens, reveling in its vibrant greenery and regal atmosphere. You should see Musée Rodin in springtime, when the grass is much greener, the flowers have bloomed, and there's romance in the air. The entire place looks and feels so cinematic!Palaces of Versailles
Spring is arguably the best season to visit the Palaces of Versailles. It's usually too hot to go there in summer, too “orange” to see it in autumn, and too cold to visit in winter. Spring is just right, complete with moderate climates, and the gardens are more lush than ever! I'm sure Marie Antoinette herself preferred to take her garden strolls in the springtime, especially when visiting the Queen's Hamlet. This little slice of the French countryside bursts with provincial charm, and looks even more enchanting when spring arrives to let the flowers bloom.Summer
Parc de la Villette
Well, it's summer in Paris, so you know what that means—it's time to go outside! From the most famous to the more underrated parks in Paris, the city's green spaces are perfect for some fun under the sun. My favorite is Parc de la Villette, which is always a good time every summer. I usually go here to watch movies at Cinema en Plein Air, Paris's premier outdoor cinema. I usually play or enjoy picnics during the day, and come nightfall, I'm ready to watch movies with my fellow cinephiles under the stars.Montmartre Hill
I live along the edge of the 18th arrondissement, so Montmartre Hill is not too far from my place. I'm surprised that not many people hang out here every summer, as I do. I've always found it a great place to just sit back, eat snacks with friends, and enjoy the summer breezes that brush up against my face in the afternoon. With stunning views of the city in front of me and the grand Sacré-Cœur behind me, I couldn't have asked for a lovelier scene for my summer afternoons in Paris!Autumn
Canal St Martin
“Scenic” doesn't even begin to describe Canal St Martin in autumn! When that orange glow paints over this serene canal and leaves gently fall and makes ripples in the water, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a Monet painting. And I have to admit: I love that it's rarely crowded here! Canal St Martin is tucked away in the quiet 10th arrondissement and tends to be overlooked for the more famous Seine River. Most locals and tourists alike would rather hang out in the latter and thank God for it every year!Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Yes, it might sound weird to hang out in a cemetery for leisure, no matter what time of the year it is. But you'll think differently once you see Père-Lachaise Cemetery in autumn! Firstly, it's the most famous cemetery in Paris, so much so that it's becoming just as popular a park (yes, it's technically a park!) as the Tuileries Garden. You'd be surprised at how many people hang out here just for the fun of it! Secondly, the fall foliage against this concrete metropolis of intricate gravestones, stone angels, and stately mausoleums paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of Paris, one that you won't see anywhere else in the city!Winter
Place Vendôme
Place Vendôme is always my go-to spot in Paris during the holidays, right around wintertime. Dressed in twinkling fairy lights and sparkling Christmas trees at the center, you can feel the festive spirit at every corner. It's a great place to do some holiday shopping, treat yourself to dinner in the five-star Ritz Paris Hotel, and just revel in the glamour of the 1st arrondissement. My favorite thing to do is to warm up with a cup of thick hot chocolate at the iconic Angelina Paris cafe. It's no wonder Coco Chanel loved it here, too!Galerie Vivienne
Well, it's winter in Paris, so you know what that means—it's time to head inside! The city is still gorgeous when the snow falls and turns the French capital into a winter wonderland, but I don't want to freeze for the sake of sightseeing. Fortunately, many of Paris's most famous places are just as beautiful inside as they are out, especially its many historic shopping passages! Galerie Vivienne is my favorite since it has maintained its Belle Epoque design, all while featuring a treasure trove of high-end boutiques, charming cafes, and more. It's a lovely look into how the elites shopped at the turn of the 20th century.As beautiful as Paris is throughout the year, certain places become more enchanting in certain seasons. I have my favorites, and if you go there at around the same time as I do, you’ll know why they stand out in a city full of amazing hotspots!
