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THE ARLINGTONGRAND
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The JournalSeasonal story · 20 Apr 2026 · 4 min

Spring on the avenue

The chestnut trees flower, the terrace opens and the bees wake up on the roof.

Words by The Journal
Spring on the avenue

The chestnuts along the avenue Gabriel flower in the second week of April, almost to the day. The gardeners on the roof tell the time by them: when the candles are fully white, the hives can be opened.

The rooftop terrace, evening
The rooftop terrace, evening

Our four hives produce around sixty kilograms of honey a year. It is served at breakfast in the winter garden, and it tastes faintly of lime blossom from the Tuileries.

The bees have the best view in Paris, and they know it.

The rooftop terrace opens on the first of May, weather permitting. Weather usually permits.

The Journal
THE ARLINGTONGRAND