Spring does always arrive early in Paris, it seems. It disapears for a while in May or June, but usually in March or April in Paris we get a a burst of sun and brightness and all the trees go, “aaaaaaahhh!” and the Parisians flock to the café terraces and Paris’ gardens where cherry blossoms beckon us to take off our scarves and turn our faces to the warm light that bathes the city in a blissful glow. Yeah, the first signs of Spring in Paris make you feel giddy and poetic, and life is full of possibility.

I couldn’t resist a stroll through the Square des Batignolles on one of those precious days… In my 9th month pf pregnancy, waiting for Bébé Chéri to arrive, I was filled with a sense of absolute perfection.

They have recently done a little brush-up on the park’s carousel, and I am eager to be able to bring Bébé Chéri here to give him a taste of that love I have of anything carnival, circus and carousel. (Not that his circus inspired baby nursery isn’t swathed in it!). And then there is the crêpe stand full of things to entice the little children (and adults) that come flocking here on the weekends and when the weather is beautiful.

The paths are lined with benches that offer a place to sit and soak up some sunshine, or just to rest and watch the ducks preen and play around the little stream.

The men of the neighborhood can often be found at the pétanque playing area, in serious stances judging the distance between their toes and the last guys toss.

This park has everything you could want from a friendly neighborhood in a charming town, only it’s in the city of Paris! And full of pretty blossoming trees at the start of Spring. Perfect for a romantic Paris stroll (sans tourists) with your chéri, or a happy meander with your camera and a smile on your face.

Vive le printemps!!!!