As you know,April is the peak season for cherry blossoms. It’s a wonderful time to photograph these delicate flowers from every angle, stroll in the shade of the trees, or even meditate. While the Domaine de Sceaux is particularly popular during this period, there are other absolutely magnificent places that are just as worthy of consideration. Among the most remarkable, the Arboretum of Versailles is a perfect example. Located very close to the palace, it is home to more than 2,000 rare tree species, including Japanese cherry trees that were very rarely seen until then.
Close to Paris, these very rare Japanese cherry trees can be admired in April
cherry trees in bloom near Paris
This year for hanami, forget the Domaine de Sceaux (where reservations will be snapped up in seconds…). Much less well known but just as beautiful, the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum is a magnificent 200-hectare park that is well worth a visit. In this huge green space divided into three main areas, you will discover different plants and tree species, some of which are very rare. It is a veritable open-air plant library.
Cherry blossoms near Paris
And it is in the “geographical zone,” which groups together different trees by continent over more than 120 hectares, that you will discover the cherry trees in bloom. For much of April, this sublime meadow will give you the impression of being in the Land of the Rising Sun… without having left France. A spectacular hanami, where you can admire a magnificent collection of Japanese cherry trees ranging from bright pink to white. Some of them have astonishing natural shapes: spherical, spreading or drooping like a weeping willow… A real feast for the eyes! Although guided tours can be booked in advance, you don’t need to reserve a slot to explore
Location: 30 Rte de Saint-Germain, 78150 Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt
Price: from €8 per person