Springtime ‘Printemps’ in Paris is like spring everywhere. Life is renewed after the long winter. Birds sing and mate, flowers blossom, trees grow green leaves and life in general is regenerated.
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Above, enveloped by green and blossoming trees at Ranelagh Square, a statue honours Jean de la Fontaine. Born in 1621, he was a lawyer who rewrote several of Aesop’s fables in verse. “The Fox and the Crow” (“The Corbeau and The Renard”) is well-recognised in France, routinely memorised by children in primary levels, and instantly identifiable by the general public when transformed into an artistic representation.
Master Crow sat on a tree,
Holding a cheese in his beak.
Master Fox was attracted by the odour,
And tried to attract him thus.
“Mister Crow, good day to you.
You are a handsome and good looking bird!
In truth, if your song is as beautiful as your plumage,
You are the Phoenix of this forest.”
Hearing these words the Crow felt great joy,
And to demonstrate his beautiful voice,
He opened his mouth wide and let drop his prey.
The Fox seized it and said: “My good Sir,
Know that every flatterer,
Lives at the expense of those who take him seriously:
This is a lesson that is worth a cheese no doubt.”
The Crow, embarrassed and confused,
Swore, though somewhat later, that he would never be
tricked thus again.
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Above, La Fontaine looks at his feet at the crow and the fox, and the boys make it their adventure. In Paris, spring school break is 1 – 17 April. Children who remain in Paris for the holiday, are seen in action in this photo series at the museum and at the park. All of life, including the ponies and puppies, revel in more sun, the fragrances and the warmer temperatures.
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Girls stroll in the sun while…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Teens splash water in the fountain…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
An artist refreshes and mounts the carousel ponies for the children….
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
…and the ponies on the carousel circle round and round…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
The Museum welcomes visitors, and children eagerly engage in a lesson…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Below, little ones have chosen to ride the live donkeys and ponies…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Meanwhile, other children enjoy the playground equipment and the sand…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Adults and children find time to soak in the sun, to play and run freely in the park…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Doggies and men pass along the paths in which smells are more varied and paws and feet remain agreeably dry…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
Below, young springtime lovers will find a table just for two in the perfect intensity of the sun…
Springtime in Paris, 16ème arrondissement
21 March – Beginning of Spring
1 April – April’s Fool Day (le 1er avril)
March, April or May – Easter (Pâques)
April, May or June – Ascension Thursday (Jeudi de l’Ascension) May or June – Pentecost Sunday (Dimanche de Pentecôte)
8 May – Victory in Europe Day (Armistice 1945)
9 May – Europe Day (Journée de l’Europe)
Last Sunday of May – Mothers’ Day (Fête des Mères)
Third Sunday of June – Fathers’ Day (Fête des Pères)
20 June – Start of Summer
The gallery below shows additional spring scenes and activities.
*
