Paris, Paris, Paris… Some may say that this city is so obvious, so crowded, so pompous and so bloated. Some may say that Rome is more romantic. Or Venice. Or Verona. Although it’s hard to deny that this city is very popular among tourists, you have to admit it looks like actually designed for lovers. What makes the French capital so charming? Check these romantic things to do in Paris!
THE MOST ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN PARIS
These picturesque streets that invite you to get lost. Impressive houses, which remember crazy times of the French bohemia. Sleek gardens, inspiring museums, but also Pigalle Square, where you can find any kind of forbidden pleasures. It’s a lively cosmopolitan city, where every minute you come across a cozy café, perfect for a rendez-vous … Excellent champagne, which you can buy even in the smallest corner shop (yes!). Do you need anything more to get into love-mood? Try our romantic things to do in Paris to make your trip even better!
P.S. And before you keep on reading, turn on some Serge Gainsbourg’s song in the background and feel the atmosphere of the city of love (but, please not Bonnie & Clyde, Brigitte Bardot is a much better actress than singer ;-).
1. GET LOST IN MONTMARTRE
Start your day with the morning walk through the winding, cobbled streets of Montmartre. This historic district, full of old, monumental townhouses, has inspired artists for ages. In the XIX century, it was the center of artistic, colorful bohemia. Here you had an opportunity to meet Chopin, Van Gogh or Picasso. Currently it’s easier to come across artists in Montparnasse area, however, Montmartre still retained its intimate character. Maybe you won’t find it among the crowds gathering around the impressive Sacré-Cœur Basilica, but when you walk away just a few streets, you will understand our delight. By chance, you can come across a great market full of books, flea market with antiques and the infamous Moulin Rouge!
2. TAKE A PIC OF LOVERS’ LOCKS
Pont des Arts (The Bridge of Fine Arts), is full of fabulously colorful padlocks, which were hung by lovers wishing to make their love last forever. Thousands of keys lie in the depths of the Seine underneath… That’s true, it’s cliche. If you decide to take this step, we hope that your love will be more durable than your lock. For several years, the Parisian authorities have been struggling with “hangers” and consequently destroy and throw away tons of padlocks. Why? In 2014 thousands of hanging locks made part of the bridge railing collapse… So instead of hanging padlocks, we encourage you to simply take a picture 😉 Definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Paris!
3. PAMPER YOURSELF WITH PERSONALIZED PERFUMES
At the Champs Elysées no 68, you will find the super luxurious store of French perfume giant – Guerlain. In addition to the standard offer, which you can find in drugstores around the world, there are also special surprises waiting for you. You can get here your favorite Guerlain perfume in unusual, jewelry bottles, reminding of oriental splendor. You can also try an exclusive fragrance Mon Exclusif, which is sold only in this boutique. The fanciest thing is that you’ll get this scent in a bottle with your name engraved on it! How cool is that! Gentlemen, I think you’ve just got perfect idea for Valentine’s gift 🙂
4. PICNIC UNDER THE EIFFEL TOWER
Because what could be better than a cheese platter, a bottle of good wine, your loved one plus such an amazing view? Just spread your blanket among Parisians and enjoy the moment! Although the surroundings are very popular among other picnic lovers too, if you go to the back a little, you’ll find something more secluded. There are also some companies in Paris that will help you organize your perfect picnic, e.g. as an engagement surprise. For us, it was definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Paris!
5. CRUISE THE SEINE RIVER
Explore Paris from a different perspective and choose a cruise on the Seine River. Sailing under the bridges of Paris, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the view of picturesque landmarks – Museum d’Orsay, Notre Dame or the Louvre Museum. If you want to make this trip really special, pick the evening cruise. You will be able to enjoy a night panorama of Paris and delicious dinner for two, accompanied by live music.
6. DRINK CHAMPAGNE AT THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER
Eiffel Tower is simply overwhelming. Both when it comes to technology and the crowds of tourists visiting this place – I strongly advise you to buy tickets online! At the top, you can take a sip of champagne to celebrate your visit to this symbol of Paris (yes, there is a small bar serving it!).
7. ADMIRE SUNSET AT THE TOP OF ARC DE TRIOMPHE
It’s often skipped by tourists who limit their visit to taking a selfie with Arc de Triomphe in the background (thankfully!). We went there initially not very convinced – the day was very, very cold. However, the view from the Arc de Triomphe was the greatest discovery of our trip. You can see perfectly all these concentrically arranged streets, intersected by roads leading to every side of the world. Paradoxically, the Eiffel Tower seen from this perspective makes the biggest impression. And this view of the La Defense financial district with the burning sky background when the sun sets… In the distance, you can see La Grande Arche, which is a contemporary version of the nineteenth-century Arc de Triomphe. What a perfect architectural idea!
P.S. What’s next? Why not go beyond Paris and explore Normandy, Loire Valley and Avignon?
2 Comments
Alina from Reverie Chaser
February 11, 2017 at 16:54Thank you for the ideas! I will probably go to Paris in April with my husband, so this is very useful 🙂
Magda
February 11, 2017 at 19:34This is a stunning city, you gonna love it! 🙂