What to Do in Paris for Couples
Welcome to Paris, the City of Love. The French capital is one of the best cities to enjoy a romantic trip with your partner, as there is no shortage of romantic things to do in Paris.
Looking for the best things to do in Paris for couples? Look no further; we’ll help you find the most romantic things to do in Paris. This list includes everything from trendy rooftop bars to cozy cafes and scenic tours, and it is ideal for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon in Paris. Find out how you can check off your Paris bucket list with your significant other.
Are you planning your Paris trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Paris romantic tours, hotels, and more!
Here’s the perfect itinerary for a romantic weekend in Paris
Top Romantic Experiences and Tours in Paris
Top Romantic Hotels in Paris
Hotel Particulier Montmartre (top suggestion), Hotel des Grandes Ecoles (mid-range), Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa (mid-range), Hotel Le Royal Monceau (luxury), best hotels with Eiffel Tower view
Best Romantic Things to Do in Paris
1. Get Lost in the Gardens of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles and its gardens are the perfect frame for a romantic day out of Paris. The stunning Versailles Gardens date back to the reign of King Louis XIV, who built them around the Palace for the pleasure of his eyes.
Explore its beautiful laneways – adorned with fountains, parterres, and classic sculptures – and grooves, which saw many court entertainments in the past. If you are in the mood, rent a rowboat in the Grand Canal (13€, minimum half an hour) and admire the Palace and Gardens also from the water.
If you visit Versailles (click here for our Versailles Travel Guide) from the end of March to November 1st, don’t miss the Fountain Shows in Versailles, a unique opportunity to stroll around the fountains and groves with their water features spouting to the rhythm of the music – Click here to buy your tickets to Versailles (with or without the shows)
2. Romantic Photo Ideas in Paris
Paris is one of the most photographed cities, and you’ll find plenty of great photo opportunities just strolling along the streets. If you are looking to capture your romantic holiday, here are a few of our favorite spots for a couples selfie or two:
LE COEUR DE PARIS: Paris’ heart is a beautiful sculpture by Joana Vasconcelos located in front of Porte de Clignancourt metro station (Paris 18). This huge turning heart is made of 3,800 shiny, hand-painted azulejos (tiles) (Portuguese little tiles), and it spreads love to this cosmopolitan neighborhood.
LE BOUQUET À FLEURS is a huge artwork by Jeff Koons. He offered this sculpture to the City of Paris after the terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016 to symbolize the Franco – American friendship. According to the author, it is a symbol of souvenir, optimism, and recovery to overcome the terrible terrorist attacks in Paris. The sculpture is located just behind the Petit Palais in Paris 8.
THE EIFFEL TOWER is probably the most photographed sight in Paris and also the most romantic: it is the second spot in Paris (and France) to propose!
There are many beautiful places with views of the Eiffel Tower, but the stairs of Trocadero (Paris 16) are always a favorite for romantic photo shoots.
Head to this article for more romantic photo shots in Paris for couples. If you are in Paris for a special occasion, consider hiring a professional photographer to make this trip memorable.
3. Rowboat Ride to the Temple of Love
If you are looking for a whole day of romantic fun far from the city’s hustle and bustle, then head to the beautiful Bois de Vincennes in Paris 12. Part of Baron Haussmann’s new designs of Paris, built in the mid-1800s, Bois de Vincennes is the east counterpart of the Bois de Boulogne.
You could start out by touring what’s left of the medieval Château de Vincennes – one of the most fascinating castles near Paris – followed by a romantic boat ride around Lac Daumesnil to gaze up (or walk up to) the Temple of Love on Ile de Reuilly.
Not far from the temple, also on the same island, there is the oh-so-romantic Châlet des Iles Daumesnil, and it is perfect for a pleasant and delicious meal by the water.
4. Lunch at the Most Romantic Restaurant
There are many beautiful historic brasseries in Paris, but the most beautiful one by far can be found on the first floor of Gare de Lyon.
Le Train Bleu is more than a stopover for travelers: the vast Belle Époque brasserie takes its guests back to the grand era of train travel, the kind of place where you don’t mind if your train is late or even canceled!
Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, Le Train Bleu’s decoration is stunning, made of frescoed walls and huge mirrors. The two main rooms, with paintings that represent the landscapes passed by the trains of the PLM network, are listed as historical monuments. There are also other smaller, cozy rooms with a more private atmosphere.
Some (famous) fans of Le Train Bleu were Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Jean Cocteau, and Jean Gabin. Luc Besson also made Le Train Bleu famous with his film Nikita.
Despite its age, the iconic Train Bleu is still as popular as ever! Don’t miss one of the most romantic restaurants in Paris, with 500 dinners every day under the baton of the Maison Rostang.
5. Refined Shopping at Galerie Vivienne
If you are looking for romantic places in Paris, you cannot miss the breathtaking Galerie Vivienne. Not only is this one of the oldest (1823) and most beautiful covered passages in Paris, also is incredibly romantic.
Located in Paris 2, not far from Palais Royal, Galerie Vivienne has a range of refined shops and places to eat. So you can first stroll in awe through this Parisian arcade and then continue with dinner at the Bistrot Vivienne, perhaps with a stop at Legrand’s wine bar to taste one of the wines of their precious collections.
6. Tango by the Seine River
One of the top romantic places of the 5th Arrondissement is the stretch along the Seine’s bank, mainly thanks to the gorgeous views of the south side of Ile Saint Louis and Notre Dame. Drift a little further east along the river, and you will come to an improvised dance floor with the rhythms of Argentinean tangos.
Spend an enjoyable evening dancing (or just watching) some passionate tangos by the Seine before a romantic meal somewhere in the Latin Quarter of Paris.
7. An Afternoon along the Seine River
With 2.3-kilometers of car-free walkways right along the Seine, from the Musée d’Orsay to the Pont de l’Alma, Les Berges de la Seine is one of the most romantic places in Paris. It is also one of the favorite evening locales, offering some of the best views of Paris.
The section close to the magnificent Pont Alexandre III, in particular, is bustling with outdoor terraces and barge bars, perfect for an after-work apéritif with friends or a romantic stroll for couples.
Alternatively, you can always bring your own bottle of wine or champagne and some snacks for a casual picnic on the Seine’s bank, dangling your feet over the water. Ideally, try to find a spot with views of one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, especially when it is lit at night.
8. A Romantic Louvre Tour
If you want to make your visit to the Louvre Museum a romantic moment, check Louvre’s themed trail ‘Ideal Beauty, The Human Body in Greek Sculpture’ (2 hours duration), admiring the best of the museum’s Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collection.
Or you can opt for a more personalized trail where “love” is the main subject, with artworks like La Baigneuse (Joseph Charles Marin), L’Amour (Antoine Chaudet), Zéphir et Psyché (Henri-Joseph Rutxhiel), or the famous Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (Antonio Canova).
Whatever you decide, book in advance to get skip-the-line tickets and don’t waste time standing in line (definitely not romantic).
9. Night at the Opera
Few places can match the magic of the Opera Garnier in Paris. Designed to be the center of the “new” Paris of the mid-19th century Second Empire, the glamorous building marvels from inside and out.
Attending a performance – with the right music program – is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris, watching the show under the amazing ceiling painted by Chagall (book your tickets well in advance).
However, you can also visit the interior on self-guided visits or with a tour with expert guides. Try to get a glimpse inside stall #5, permanently reserved to the Phantom of the Opera!
10. Cocktails with a View
When the weather in Paris is nice, and the sun starts to set down, there are few better ways to start a romantic weekend in Paris than from above, cocktail in hand, gazing across the lights and landmarks that define the city.
One of the absolutely best views of Paris is from the rooftop bar of Galeries Lafayette in Paris 9, where you can linger over a glass of champagne while admiring top sights like the Opera Garnier, or the Eiffel Tower.
Another of our favorite rooftop bars in Paris is part of the Restaurant-Bar of Terrass Hotel on the edge of Montmartre. Open also to non-guests, this Art Déco era hotel has a soaring view over the city all the way from the east end to western La Défense with, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Happy romancing in Paris! You can also join our private Facebook Group and ask Paris’ frequent travelers to share their favorite romantic spots, as well as some good dining addresses for a date in Paris.
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