Paris is reputed as the city for lovers par excellence, and for good reason. There seems to be built-in romance everywhere you turn, from poetic parks and gardens to breathtaking panoramas and world-class restaurants. Coming to Paris on or around Valentine's Day can be truly idyllic, but no matter when you come for a jaunt in the city of light, making a special time of it is easy. With so many romantic things to do in Paris, your only problem will be deciding where to start.
1. Evening Walk Around the City
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- Stroll with your chéri/e around the Louvre and the Tuileries garden for a classic romantic walk.
- Try ambling around the narrow streets of the Marais neighborhood, especially Place des Vosges or Rue de Turenne, for a quaint romantic stroll.
- Exploring the charming nooks of Montmartre will inspire arty romance that any 19th-century poet would approve of.
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2. Dinner for Two
Paris is filled with top-rate restaurants, many with a uniquely romantic ambiance. Assuming that you reserve ahead and avoid overly-noisy or crowded restaurants, dinner for two is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.Cream of the Crop (reserve well ahead):
Middle-range traditional French:
Exotic or Unusual:
- Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine
- L'homme bleu (aromatic North African food)
- Dans le Noir (dine in complete darkness-- Valentines Day specials available)
3. Panoramic Views of Paris
Imagine overlooking the entire city of light with someone you love. Paris affords several great spots for romantic panoramic views. Some of them are even free.- Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views. You can also have a romantic dinner at one of the tower's restaurants.
- Wonderful views can be had from the Sacre-Coeur viewpoint area in Montmartre. Take the funicular up for a unique experience.
- The Centre Georges Pompidou has a rooftop terrace and restaurant, Chez Georges, that affords gorgeous views of Paris' main landmarks. Access is free with a museum ticket.
4. Opera, Theater, and Shows
Renowned for its excellent performing arts, Paris is the place for a romantic night of music or theater. If you're both learning French, what could be more stimulating than seeing a play in French and then decrypting it together afterward? For non-French speakers, not to worry-- many shows require only a love for the arts.Opera:
- Opera Garnier (classic)
- Opera Bastille (contemporary)
Theater:
- La Comédie Française (for period-costumed classics like Molière)
- Theatre du Chatelet (varied program)
- More on Paris theater
Cabaret Shows and Concerts:
- Moulin Rouge
- Lido
- Elysees Montmartre (concerts)
- More on Paris shows
5. Paris Boat Tours
What could be more idyllic than floating down the Seine, hand in hand with someone special? Paris boat tours are a fantastic way to see the city in a relaxed, picturesque light, and a great pretext for cozying up. For something more unusual, try taking a tour of Paris canals and underground waterways.
6. See an Old Movie Together
For lovers who share a passion for great movies, Paris is a great place to spend an evening at an old movie. The city of light is a cinephile's dream and has lots of fantastic places for celluloid, so try one of Paris' best movie theaters before or after dinner. Something about these charming theaters evokes a kind of old-school romance that's hard to come by these days.
In the summer, open-air screenings of classic and contemporary films at the Parc de la Villette can be a great excuse for cuddling up on a blanket under the stars.
7. Paris Parks and Gardens
Paris is packed with elegant parks and gardens, where lazy ambling and cuddling is always romantic. Match these fabulous green spots to your desired ambiance:Classical and formal:
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Chateau de Versailles (40 minutes outside of Paris)
Romantic-style:
- Buttes-Chaumont
- Parc Montsouris
- Parc de Vincennes (Paris outskirts-- summer jazz shows)
- Bois de Boulogne (Paris outskirts)
Modern:
- Parc Andre Citroen
- Parc de la Villette
- Promenade Plantee (gardens built above ground on defunct railway)
Educational:
- Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden and zoo)
