The Paris Edit - April

A new monthly series. What to do in Paris this April.

April is one of my favorite months for a few reasons. It is my birthday month, and I love seeing the world wake up from its winter slumber. Flowers bloom from the ground (tulips and daffodils) to the trees, exploding with magnolias and cherry blossoms on every corner.

Around Paris, café terraces fill up, and there is a shift of energy in the air. The first warm day of spring always brings hope and excitement for what the season will bring. Everything feels new and fresh again.

This April Edit combines things on my radar for the month if you are headed to Paris or planning to be home this month but want a Francophile-inspired spring.

An April Book to Read:

I have been listening to The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles this month. It officially comes out in May, and I was lucky enough to have an advanced copy. The book is part of a three-part series I hope you will enjoy as much as I have. Start with The Paris Library, followed by Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade (The Librarians of Rue de Picardie). You will be ready to dive into The Parisian Chapter.

Comment below with something you are looking forward to in April, and one lucky Substack reader will get a signed copy of The Librarians of Rue de Picardie. (the UK version) Janet Skeslien Charles has become a friend and a book mentor over the last few months. We met in December, and I bought this book from The Red Wheelbarrow in Paris.

*I will choose a winner on April 10th, 2025.

My only warning is that you might suffer from a book hangover. I am already slowing down The Parisian Chapter because I don’t want it to end. You may want to reread her first two books in preparation for the third and final book in the series. The characters will pop up again, and you may wish to refresh.

Paris Terrace to Visit

Rosé season begins with the warm weather and pink blossoms. Grab a seat at La Palette on the Left Bank just before Square Gabriel-Pierné.

See more favorite people-watching cafés in this blog post.

A Favorite Square to Discover on the Left Bank:

Square Gabriel-Pierné is located between Rue de Seine and Rue Mazarine. It is small, but in April, it explodes with large cherry blossom trees. If you are looking for Paris in Bloom, this is the spot. A few benches can be found underneath the trees. It does get busy at peak times. Arrive early for a quiet morning with a coffee and croissant under the blossoms.

Seasonal Foods to Discover this April:

Strawberries are in season, and while visiting in March, I had some that I could not stop thinking about. Make sure to look for the chalkboard sign on the menu that will identify the origin of the produce.

For cheeses to add to your Parisian picnic, go for a chevre (goat cheese).

Asparagus Quiche Recipe

Asparagus is a vegetable you will find often at the markets this time of year.

Pardon Your French has this Asparagus Goat Cheese Quiche to give a try at home.

*Photo credit Pardon Your French

A Paris Museum to Visit:

The Centre Pompidou will close in September for renovations. If you are in Paris this spring, you may want to add it to your list.

Robert Doisneau photographed the streets of Paris in beautiful black-and-white and color images. I would love to see his exhibition at Musée Maillol on Rue de Grenelle from April 17th to October 12th.

Transport Yourself to Paris with this Classic Movie:

One of my absolute favorite movies is Sabrina. There is the older version with Audrey Hepburn, but I always preferred the newer version with Julia Ormond. Sabrina is a photographer in Paris, and it just hits home more. The opening scene is something I could watch over and over again.

Update your Scarf of the Season:

A scarf is a must-have accessory for Paris in any season. You will want something a little lighter once the weather transitions from winter to spring. Add a pop of color, or go classic black and white. Tie a scarf around your neck for a layered accessory to keep warm. I also love using a scarf in my hair or tied to my favorite bag.

If you can’t make it to Paris this April, transport yourself through my suggestions from The Paris Edit. Get cozy on the couch on a rainy afternoon and watch a favorite TV show or movie that reminds you of your time in Paris.

Paris April Playlist

I love spending time in the kitchen on the weekends listening to a good playlist. Enjoy this Spotify April Playlist with a coffee and croissant.

Paris Every Day

Also, if you liked this post, you will enjoy my first book, Paris Every Day, which is out this October.

From winter’s quiet slumber to the first pop of pink spring blossoms, from the vibrant energy of summer in the city to la rentrée and the golden hues of autumn, Paris Every Day is a Paris coffee table book that captures the magic of Paris through every season.

*Photos of me by Katie Donnelly Photography and Yulia Sribna