Flowers Galore

I know, I know.  This blog is usually about food, sometimes about exploring Paris/France and rarely about flowers.  However, my last post and this one are both flower-themed.  Why?  Well, because springtime in Paris means beds and beds of beautiful manicured flower gardens.  And I just can't help but take 1,000 photos of them and marvel at their beauty.  Today I want to share a small piece of my Parisian flower safari with you.  If you close your eyes (after looking at the pics, thank you), you can almost smell the fresh flowery scent.

Gardening Oasis in the City

It's easy to get caught up in the historic architecture that lines every street in Paris.  One can easily spend an entire trip staring and marveling at buildings.  If that is your aim while in the City of Light, go for it.  However, if you want a quick oasis filled with flowers and plants without spending time loitering in one of Paris's many parks, you can head to Ile de la Cité (the larger of the two islands in the Seine) for the daily flower market.  Spend your time popping in and out of all the gardening shops that line the small side street to nowhere.  It's fun and definitely a change of pace to stroll through these shops, taking in all the plants, flowers and accessories that are offered.  On Sunday at this location is a bird market, which is admittedly a bit odd and was certainly frightening during the Bird Flu breakout.  However, it is nothing if not a spectacle so you might want to check it out all the same.

Sandwiched between large and imposing buildings lies the marché aux fleurs.

In addition to the plant life, you can also pick up a few souvenirs without having to brave the tacky and often times overwhelming tourist traps throughout Paris.

Make sure to walk on the inner sidewalk where it's almost like walking through an exotic jungle.

The flowers, especially in spring time, are just gorgeous.

And the shops quaint.

You might just find ourself getting lost while exploring the various displays. 

And when you emerge from your flower-induced daze, you will find yourself smack-dab in the middle of the island with plenty more beautiful buildings to behold.

Marché aux Fleurs et Oiseaux

Place Louis Lépine

Ile de la Cité

4th Arrondisement

Paris