J'aime Paris au mois de mai [English translation]

I love Paris in May

when buds break into blossom again

and a novel youth

takes hold of the old city

which begins to glow

I love Paris in May

when the winter forsakes it

and the sun caresses

its still waking up old roofs

I love the feeling, in the squares

in the streets where I pass,

of this lily perfume that chases

the passing wind

I like to stroll around

through streets that weave

throughout the city

I love, I love Paris in May

I love Paris in May

when the day is dawning

the streets arouse from dreaming

after a very light sleep

beauties are getting their charms back

I love Paris in May

when suddenly everything comes to life

with an anonymous crowd

happy to see the sun shine

I love when the wind brings me

sounds of all kinds

and gossip that's peddled

from door to door

I like to stroll around

the streets that are teaming

all the while the girls are dallying

I love, I love Paris in May

I love Paris in May

with its book stalls1

and its watercolourists

(I love) that spring has returned

as it does every year, along the quaysides

I love Paris in May

the Seine that washes upon it

and loads of little things

I cannot possibly explain

I love it when the stark night

spreads peace over the land

and the city suddenly lights up

with millions of lights

I like to stroll around

taking in the shop windows

in the night that fascinates me

I love, I love Paris in May

1. Outdoor booksellers along the Seine and around Notre Dame