Romantic Paris is one of the best cities in the world for lovers and couples.
Increase!
The first port of call should be the Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular places for a marriage proposal. The views are wonderful; And you can add to the charm with a glass of champagne at the top-floor Champagne Bar. Of course, you can be surrounded by like-minded couples; the Eiffel Tower is the 3rd most visited place in France. Forget about the others on a visit at dusk with its hourly light show that illuminates the iconic site.
For more wonderful views, try the smaller Arc de Triomphe which gives you views of the Champs Elysees, where you can take your loved ones shopping.
Climb to the top of Notre-Dame for another breathtaking view. If you want to earn extra points, bring binoculars to look at the windows.
Outside!
The Sun King, Louis XIV was one of the most flamboyant kings of France, and he had 11 lovers throughout his reign. Take a trip to his sumptuous Palace of Versailles to see where he seduced his beautiful lovers. After wandering through the exaggerated gold decorated rooms, do some retail therapy at the Cours des Senteurs (the Courtyard of the Senses) where you can purchase wonderful Guerlain perfumes, Diptyque scented candles for a romantic evening and if you like You feel really quirky, gloves like the ones Nicole Kidman wore when she played Princess Grace in the movie Grace of Monaco .
Take a picnic with you and sit in the extensive gardens nibbling on charcuterie and cheese baguettes and sipping wine.
Get back on the train and continue to Chartres. The city is incredibly romantic, with winding cobbled streets and one of the most famous and impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Back in Paris, a trip to Montmartre is a must. The views from the white domes of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are spectacular. From here, walk to the place des Abbesses where you will find a wall with Je t’aime in 250 languages. The I Love You Wall is one of the surprises in this romantic city.
Live like royalty in romantic Paris!
Do you want to live like a king and queen? Book a stay at the world famous (and priced right) George V. Even if it’s out of your price range, visit the hotel lounge to soak up the atmosphere without emptying your joint savings account.
For a smaller boutique hotel, try the Hotel du Petit Moulin. Two 17th-century houses in the Marais have received Lacroix’s Christian flair in this hidden gem that’s also remarkably good value.
Get connected with nature and with each other!
Paris is full of beautiful gardens, and they all create an incredibly romantic setting. The Luxembourg Gardens, in particular, are a great place for couples and are located next to the impressive Luxembourg Castle.
In the Bois de Boulogne, the Shakespeare Garden is full of plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. If you are here in the summer, you must book for an outdoor theater performance.
Take to the river!
It may be a bit cliché, but cruising the Seine on a Bateaux Parisiens or Bateaux Mouches river cruise is one of the must-see Parisian pleasures. Do it at night on a dinner cruise and the city takes on an extra magical quality.
Make very French kisses in romantic Paris!
You’ve seen the scene in almost every romance set in Paris: A couple embraces for a deep kiss on a bridge overlooking the River Seine. There is a reason why filmmakers use this image. It’s wonderfully romantic, so take your girlfriend to the nearest bridge, walk downtown, and give her the kiss of your life.
Wine and dinner in romantic Paris!
There are few better places for a superior romantic meal than in Paris, accompanied by a delicious bottle of wine. If you’re really pushing the boat, head to the Tour d’Argent, one of the most famous restaurants in Paris, with views and prices to match. Or just walk down the street where your hotel is located and find a small, intimate bistro serving traditional dishes.
Stroll down the Champs Elysees until a sidewalk cafe catches your eye.
Walk arm in arm!
Venture to Ile Saint Louis (near Notre Dame) for a great neighborhood for walking. The small island in the Seine has cute boutique shops, good restaurants and clubs full of locals. Be sure to try Berthillon, a delicious ice cream that can only be found in this small neighborhood.
¡Jazz it up!
This is one of the best cities in the world to listen to jazz, whether in a smoky pit or a popular club. Go to any jazz club, snuggle up, drink wine and listen to the sounds of Gay Paris!
If you’re here in the summer, head to Saumois-sur-Seine for the annual Django Reinhardt jazz festival.
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
