While Paris is a traveller’s paradise teeming with monuments, museums, cafés, shopping districts and cultural attractions that make it one of the most visited cities in the world, it is also the city of lovers. To many, the thought of spending Valentine’s Day here might appear hackneyed, but there are many offbeat, romantic experiences to be enjoyed in every nook and corner of Paris. Here is our list of some romantic things to do in Paris, off the beaten path.
Popping the question: This is something you’ll hopefully experience only once in your lifetime, and doing it in Paris will make it unforgettable. While the city has countless charming spots where you can declare your love, it’ll be extraordinary to propose marriage to the love of your life at your favourite monument. If that’s not enough, you could arrange fireworks or even a plane tracing a heart in the Parisian sky for your special someone.
Room with a view: If you’re spending a few days in the picturesque French capital, make sure you get a room with a view that will take your breath away. Hotel Balzac, a chic address just off Champs Elysees, offers some of the most panoramic rooms in Paris. The suites on the upper floors of the heritage building offer sweeping views of Parisian rooftops with the Eiffel Tower towering over them. This is also a great vantage point to experience the magical hourly “twinkling” of the Tower every evening.
Paris in a vintage car: While the public transport system in Paris lends itself perfectly to curious travellers, there’s another culturally significant way of seeing the city. The Citroen 2CV is one of France’s most iconic cars. Today, thanks to 2 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie, you can meander through the charming boulevards of Paris in a vintage Citroen 2CV as your chauffeur shows you around. You can choose itineraries—Paris by night, art tour, shopping, secrets of Paris, etc.
A table for two: A table at Le Jules Verne restaurant is extremely sought-after for its exquisite food and location. The restaurant is on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. The spot is a favourite among
couples because of the unparalleled views.
Dinner in the dark: Candlelit dinners may just be for the fainthearted. This restaurant is for the adventurous. Dans Le Noir is a hugely popular Parisian “experience” where couples are invited to enjoy a surprise dinner—blindfolded. You are asked about your dietary preferences and then a meal is customised for you, and the staff guides you through the sensory experience. An unusual experience indeed.
Say I love you: One of the lesser known attractions in Paris is the Mur Je T’aime (the I Love You Wall). An enamelled lava wall, it has ‘I love you’ written on it in 300 languages. This art installation is at the Places des Abesses in the Montmartre district and makes for a great photo-op.
Picture perfect: Every corner in Paris, it is said, is a photo-op. A couple’s photo shoot on the streets of Paris is a fabulous idea. Ever Photo Shoot offers a two-hour guided tour of Paris, accompanied by a photographer who will suggest the best photo-ops and click away as you take in the sights and sounds of the city.
The je t’aime walks: To experience the romantic side of Paris, steer clear of the main tourist areas and discover the charming and relatively unknown districts. The tiny alleys of Le Marais are brimming with boutiques and cafés, while the hipster Canal Saint Martin area has great restaurants. The Ile Saint Louis is also a lovely neighbourhood for a stroll.