Springtime Strolls in Paris: Charming Parks, Notre Dame & More
The weather here in Paris has been lovely: sunny and quite warm. It’s been too nice to stay indoors, so I’ve been out soaking up as much as I can, and capturing some photos to share with you. I’ll have a detailed style report (with some new shop finds) in an upcoming post, but today Paris herself is the star….
Springtime in Paris…
Thursday was May Day, a national holiday. Most shops and businesses were closed, though some cafes and restaurants were open. So off to the parks I went…
But first, muguets. It’s a tradition to carry/give a small bouquet of lilies of the valley on this day.
Though it was warm enough for me to stick to shade, plenty of Parisians were enjoying a blast of sunshine. Jardin du Luxembourg wasn’t too crowded early in the morning, though was filling up by the time I left. Unfortunately they seemed to be in-between seasonal plantings, so not much in the way of flowers.
After grabbing a quick lunch, I crossed the river to join the throngs already enjoying the Jardin de Tuileries. I couldn’t find a single empty green chair anywhere!
Sometimes it’s the little unexpected details that make Paris such a delight.
Notre Dame, restored
Yesterday morning I was up early, so decided to try to see the newly re-opened Notre Dame cathedral ahead of the crowds. But it was busy even at 8am, so I can’t imagine how much more packed it gets by mid-day. (Tip: go early!!!)
There is still work being done on the outside, but it was heartening to see the spire back in place. The last time we visited was a few years before the fire, and I remember the interior feeling very dark. Now…
Absolutely magnificent!!
Travel outfit
I haven’t been able to get daily outfit shots in Paris as my hotel room is too small (and has an awkward mirror placement). But I did manage a couple “in the wild.”
Annie gave me this red striped shirt, as she wasn’t wearing it, and the light cotton poplin fabric has been perfect for the weather. It’s from an Italian brand which I’ll be visiting while in Milan next week, more to follow. I’m wearing with my lighter wash jeans and the same sneakers as below.
Yesterday I managed to find myself in a mostly empty store with a large mirror, so took advantage. Yes, the bag is new, purchased at Me + Em in London. It’s a new favorite, and excellent for travel! (Unfortunately, it’s marked up quite a bit in the US.)
I’ve been very pleased with how my travel capsule wardrobe is working out so far! Relying on a streamlined, cohesive palette makes putting outfits together so easy, but still provides plenty of variety.
If you’re interested in a Personal Color Analysis and will be in Los Angeles over the Memorial Day weekend, we still have some spots available for the Red Leopard Color Event! Last year’s event was a blast! If you’re interested in attending, please email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you a link to book your spot. It’s a fabulous investment in yourself and your wardrobe, so don’t miss out!
Today I’m off to do more exploring on the Rive Droit (Right Bank) and style spotting. Have you visited Notre Dame in Paris since it’s been re-opened?
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Glad you are enjoying Paris, the weather looks so nice. Have visited Notre Dame several times, the first in 1978, but am looking forward to seeing it again in September. Am interested in learning what brand the red and white stripe shirt – it looks great on you.
Beautiful photos. You look very Parisian.
Thanks very much, Jan!
Thanks for the photos of the Notre Dame. I skipped it in March and this gives me an idea.
The bag is lovely and unusual. You have a thing for bags don’t you? Your red and white gifted shirt is charming.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje! I do have a thing for bags, but have been getting pickier and pickier about styles & features. This one just ticks all of the boxes, which is rare for me these days!
Probably only useful for British readers, but the BBC did a wonderful programme recently about the restoration of Norte Dame, fronted by Lucy Worsley, and available on their IPlayer. Absolutely fabulous, to coin a phrase!
Thank you for the stunning pictures of Notre Dame. Can’t wait to visit it again.
Its been a long time since my travels to France or Italy. The weather does look lovely. Enjoy each moment. I use to so love my Eurooran travel, but all were before that horrible fire. Thank you for sharing these memorable photos. You do look very Chic!
Thanks for sharing, I know you are a Francophile
Travel is so beneficial, for me anyway. I just took myself on a visit to my fav southern city, Savannah, to decompress from some stressors (issues with daughter’s group home mgmt) and it did wonders. I’ve yet to visit Italy! More interested in the northern region.
Enjoy yourself!
Thank you, Susan, fjor taking me on your trip!! The pictures are terrific!
I haven’t been yet but, I have a friend visiting in early June. Do you still need to get an advanced ticket? Or should I tell her to arrive very early? I especially love the photo of the painted poles!
You can make a reservation, but I just went early and didn’t have to wait to get in. It may be more crowded come June, though. so they may want to reserve.
Thanks, I’ll let her know. Have a great rest of your trip.
Returned from Paris two weeks ago and the weather was cooler. Saw many mature and younger French women wearing short jackets and they looked sensational. The younger women wore them with short shorts or very short skirts.
Did you visit the archeological site underneath the plaza of Notre Dame, which uncovers the Roman city built on the nearby Seine? I found it fascinating. The entrance is at the far end of the plaza facing the front of the Cathedral.
Love the photos of Paris. I am enjoying reading your comments.
What lovely photos! The red stripe blouse is perfect with your lip color! We will be in Paris in early June—we have been several times since the fire, so it will be wonderful to see the repaired cathedral. It sounds like we should expect warm weather.
What size did you get in your Madewell Slouchy pants—I am 5’ 3 1/2” and the reviews are saying to size down…
Really looks like a fabulous trip, Susan. I’m glad you’re having a good time and that the weather is so good!! Thanks for all the photos! I do love that shirt that Annie gave you. XO
I visited Notre Dame in late March. A Parisian friend was able to get us reservations (check early in morning as sometimes reserve slots open up) so we entered with no wait, but the long line for those without reservations seemed to move fairly quickly. Entry is free with or w/o reservations. Everyone enters the same door. I agree that going early is best. We went in at 10:15 (I’d come over on the early Eurostar from London). It was very crowded even by then. As you say, so much lighter inside than it used to be and now there are even more works of art (not necessarily religious). A real tribute to the artisans who worked on the restoration. On the outside, if you walk along the left side of ND towards the rear (a somewhat narrow walkway), you will see just how much more work is still required on the back exterior. There are panels along the way that block the work area from view at ground level, but many of them have photos or drawings of the work in progress and descriptions of what remains to be accomplished. Extraordinary visit. So glad I went, even with the crowds.
I’m flying to Paris later today (arrive Sunday morning) as long as Newark Airport cooperates! I have a couple of days in Paris then on to Provence. I booked a time on Monday to see Notre Dame.
I am keen to return to view Notre Dame since the last time was literally the day before the devastating fire in 2019, once in Lyon and seeing it on the tv.
I am returning in late September, and will also enjoy slipping inside Saint Chapelle to see those amazing windows. Afterwards a lunch on the terrace across the street. Sometimes, one can return , and enjoy an earlier experience differently as a new solo. I was across the river from Notre Dame last April, as the last work was being done prior to the Olympic Games , choosing a painting from a bouquiniste , to add to one purchased near the Gare D’Orsay in 2019. You might smile when I tell you that the beautiful bag is a whopping $1050 CAD! Take about $850 off and that’s my upper limit for a good handbag. Have a beauty from a visit to Venice , and I can sometimes find a good Fossil bag in consignment shops. Always enjoy your travel photos, Susan. Have a wonderful stay in Paris.
Great Paris photos! I just got into the city this afternoon.
It’s always wonderful to see you in Paris! I want to thank you again – I found this blog years ago when I was looking for comfortable, stylish shoes, and I’ve gone back to your advice again and again for travel packing.
The red and white striped shirt is great, and I’ll look forward to more info. I’ll be in Milan next week myself – any shopping tips?
Thank you for the lovely Paris photos!
So happy to see the Notre Dame restored and reopened! We were in Paris shortly after the fire.
Looks like a lovely trip Susan
We are in Milan right now through first part of June. it’s been warm as in high 80s. But seems some rain coming next week so check the weather.
Having a great time so far. Maybe I will bump into you:)
Your travel photos are always so, so good! Are you still using your iphone for pix? Do you adjust any settings?
Really enjoyed today’s pix. Looking forward to more.
Have a wonderful trip.
Greetings from Australia Susan, Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos it looks wonderful. Enjoy your time away.
Loved seeing Paris through your eyes Susan!
Your pictures of Paris are a pure delight. I was wondering if you had any pre fire pictures of the inside of Notre Dame Cathedral from an older travel post. It would be interesting to see the difference between now and then. I have to say that your photos of the new interior are beautiful. I can’t wait to see the photos from the rest of your trip. Happy travels!
This post and your descriptions make me long for Paris! When I read your comment about the crowds at Notre Dame my first thought was that I would likely pass seeing it again on my next visit….but seeing your interior photos completely changed my mind, as my prior visits and impressions were very dark and now I definitely want to see the interior. As with the Olympics and opening/closing ceremonies, I’m so impressed with how Paris excelled with the Notre Dame repairs/renovation.
Could you please post the brand of the red striped shirt? I’m in Italy for the next ten days and will be in Milan soon. I would love to do some shopping for work appropriate pieces but have little knowledge of Italian brands.
The shop/brand is TOOSH.
Susan,
Thank you, thank you for the photos of Notre Dame. The last time I saw it was also before the fire and I gasped when I saw your photos–I hardly recognized it! It is even more beautiful than before and the restorers have done a magnificent job. Thanks so much for being our “eyes on the scene” until the rest of us can get back there. 🙂 P.S. Love you in the red striped shirt–it looks fantastic on you!
I so enjoy your trips to Paris! You’re having beautiful weather—you lucky canard!
Your photo of the wide jeans and the white laced blouse made me happy because I found the same combo a few weeks ago during a trip to DC to see dear old friends. Your photo confirms I wasn’t crazy for buying those pieces. Maybe some of your style is finally (after nearly a decade of reading your blog) rubbing off on me.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and those of us who aren’t mothers but who continue to appreciate our own mothers and what they willed to us via nature and nurture. Seriously, every day I thank my mother for growing this body of mine which has turned out to be a lot stronger and long-lasting than I realized when I was younger.