Flower Therapy: 5 Must-Visit Florists in Paris

Spring is in the air, and the time has come to soak up those special ‘April in Paris’ moments. Trees are blossoming, flowers are blooming, and if not for lockdown, café terraces would be abuzz as Parisians head outdoors after a long dark winter to enjoy spring’s soft, warm days.

With the spring, we are reminded of the renaissance of nature and feeling our own revival. Blossoms are proof of this. Flower power takes hold and evokes positive vibes within us. Flowers boost our mood and help to lower stress through their colour, fragrance and beauty. 

Each flower has its own power or language – floriography (the language of flowers) – a popular Victorian phase in which specific meanings were attributed to different plants and flowers, such as sentiments like friendship, fidelity, elegance, and love. Others conveyed more negative connotations, like betrayal, contempt or indifference. 

Floriography is making a comeback, so I decided to visit a handful of trending florists in Paris to see what all the fuss is about (and learn the language of flowers).

1. Arom

Found on Boulevard Ledru Rollin in the 11th arrondissement is Arom, a floral and antique haven and an exceptional florist. It’s not your average florist shop – there are also unusual objects of nature and rare flowers. Grey roses, peonies that change colour, powdered poppies, bunches of mimosa and heavenly scented blooms fill the room with colour and fragrance, and one can't help but feel inspired and alive. Amongst the florals, you’ll find antique objects, sculptures and original paintings – a mix of baroque and French neo-classic decorated with exquisite flowers.

2. Au Bord de l'Eau

Au Bord de L'eau is found amongst the dozens of florist shops making up the historic 1800s ‘marché aux fleurs et aux oiseaux’ (flower and bird market) on Ile de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement. My favourite among them is Au Bord de L'eau, which offers vibrant flowers and interesting pieces of bric-a-brac thoughtfully handpicked by the owner and which are hidden amongst the vegetation. This is a treasure of a place where the smell of jasmine wafts through the air throughout the year – and where you’ll meet Marguerite, the dog mascot who happily watches over the plants and people. You can find him and his florist shop on Instagram @margeuriteintheflowers

3. Bergamotte 

This is an upscale florist shop that delivers flowers and plants throughout France, along with luxury gifts and accessories. Their eco-friendly and 100% natural collection is available on the website and will be delivered to your door within 2 hours (if you live in Paris) and the day after everywhere else in France.

Bergamotte also has its own collection of dried flowers, made naturally. This came about as an idea for them to upcycle their unsold flowers as well as drying flowers that you won’t find anywhere else. These bouquets are free from dyes, colourants or stabilisers – a Bohemian collection that is respectful of the environment. 

While they no longer have a physical store, their headquarters are located in the 2nd arrondissement in Paris. Bergamotte is the most-followed flower network on social media.

4. Muse

Muse has two florist shops in Paris, in Montmartre and the Marais. It’s well worth the climb to the heights of Montmartre to indulge in the compositions of Majid Mohammad, founder and flower magician of Muse. This is where flowers, from France, match in colourful palettes, that overflow in this flower shop that looks like a cabinet of curiosities. 

In the heart of the Marais, the Muse shop is a little more spacious but an extension of the sumptuous boutique of Montmartre. A florist’s craft touches on design, curation of botanical materials and beyond… Mohammad sources his florals from Rungis, the Parisian flower market for flowers and fresh produce. All flowers are grown locally in Ile de France or Provence regions.

If you are in either Montmartre or the Marais, Muse is a flower shop you can’t miss!

5. The Blond Cactus

Specialising in dried flowers, self-sustaining plants, recycled vintage items and locally produced vases and planters, the Blond Cactus is the leading French alternative florist with an eye for sustainability. Their CSR service is created to support independent producers and decor brands in their ecological transition with innovative, creative and responsible solutions, allowing them to be part of the circular and sustainable economy.

*The Blond Cactus is temporarily closed due to current covid restrictions.

By Melanie Christensen

Instagram @melanieartiste