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Things to do in Paris for couples
Plan a truly romantic Paris break
Paris is often believed to be the most romantic city on earth. More romantic than that bit in ‘Say Anything’ with John Cusack and the boombox. More romantic, even, than Mr Darcy lying on a bed of roses that spell out ‘I’m really romantic’.
Paris is so romantic, in fact, that people often mistakenly refer to it as the ‘city of love’ over its actual nickname, ‘the city of lights’. So, where better to take a romantic city break, right? We’re here to make sure you’ve got everything you need to make your next trip to the French capital a romantic one. Get started with our guide.
Where to stay for your romantic trip to Paris
When plotting your romantic Paris break, it makes sense to start with finding the perfect love nest. If you’re looking to make a splash and a statement at the same time, go for the Shangri-La Hotel. Overlooking the Jardins du Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower, this gorgeous hotel is the former home of Roland Napoléon Bonaparte.
With its red lanterns and red glass awning, Le Royal Monceau Raffles hotel practically screams ‘romantic’, while Maison Athenée will whisk loved-up guests back to the Second Empire with opulent, dramatic bedrooms.
If you want something a little less expensive, but no less alluring, then kitsch-y Alba Opéra could fit the bill. Or how about bold boutique hotel Grand Amour? The clue is in the name…
Top romantic things to do in Paris
Think of Paris and you instantly picture lovers strolling the streets and sheltering from the rain in quaint cafés or making grand proposals under the glistening lights of the Eiffel Tower. A city break here is the epitome of a romantic couples’ getaway.
We’ve curated our top romantic things to do in Paris, although it’s tough to narrow it down in such a romance-focused city. Whether you’re here on a spontaneous weekend break or you’ve come to make a grand gesture, these are the best things to do in Paris for couples.
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Ascending Paris’ most iconic landmark – either to the second floor for a pretty spectacular view, or right to the top for a vertiginous but wonderful panorama – is one of the top romantic things to do in Paris. You can book to eat in the tower, with something for every budget, but the Michelin-starred Jules Verne (at 410 ft) or the champagne bar are ideal for big occasions. Head back in the evening to see it illuminated in all its glory.
Entry price: Adults €26.80 to visit the top.
Best time: Any time of year, nighttime is special.
Stroll around Luxembourg Palace and Gardens
Looking for things to do in Paris for couples that are free? Look no further than the delightfully manicured Luxembourg Palace Gardens. They’re glorious year-round: for a hand-in-hand stroll in spring when the flowers are in full bloom and the tulips and roses are triumphant, or as the trees turn resplendent in the autumn, and especially in summer when the park is awash with picnicking and posturing lovers.
Entry price: Free.
Best time: Spring and summer.
Lose yourselves in Montmartre
Montmartre is possibly the most romantic district in Paris, with winding cobbled streets, tumbling ivy, and corner cafés with tables for two under pretty awnings. Art galleries, museums and cute shops speckle every side street and you’ll also find the Wall of Love, inscribed with ‘I love you’ in numerous languages. Place du Tertre is an atmospheric square to stop for a bite, while Square Louise Michel is a romantic park with fabulous views of the iconic Sacré-Cœur and even a nostalgic carousel.
Entry price: Sacré-Cœur Ba.silica is free.
Best time: Sunset/evening.
Be artsy at Le Louxor Palais du Cinéma
French film buffs will squeal in excitement at the chance to visit Le Louxor Palais du Cinéma. It was built in the golden era of cinema, the 1920s, paying homage to the hit film Cleopatra and is probably the oldest movie palace in the city – now lovingly restored. It’s a perfect date for art film lovers or adorers of the French language, and a ticket will get you access to the secret rooftop bar – très romantique.
Entry price: ~€10 for adult tickets.
Best time: Evening/night for the best experience at the rooftop bar.
Experience a cabaret
Cabaret shows have been a staple of Paris life for almost as long as it’s been a city. The most famous, of course, is the Moulin Rouge, and the opulently bejewelled interior of the red windmill club is perhaps the most unique thing to do in Paris for couples. It’s a visual smorgasbord with outrageous costumes, vibrant décor and a truly creative performance. A date here transports you back to a hedonistic era.
Entry price: Dinner and show €205pp.
Best time: Various shows play throughout the year, check the programme.
Delve into the Musée de la Vie Romantique
What else would you suggest for romantic things to do in Paris than a visit to the Museum of Romantic Life? This curated exhibition of 17th and 18th-century artworks and more modern romantic pieces will tick the box for art lovers, while the exterior is a treat too – a petite, cream-coloured building with green shutters. A tea in the charming courtyard garden is the cherry on top of your visit.
Entry price: Permanent exhibition is free.
Best time: Any time – good rainy day activity.
Feel like a flâneur in Le Marais
The historical district of Le Marais is a romantic mishmash of fun bars, mysterious antiques dealers and sleepy streets. Stop for a picnic at the royal gardens, Place des Vosges, or the English-style garden at Rue du Temple, or head for a bite at Paris’ oldest market hall, a bustling foodie favourite. Swing by the unmissable Centre Pompidou to be wowed by the National Museum of Modern Art.
Entry price: Centre Pompidou €15, 2-day Paris museum pass €52.
Best time: Centre Pompidou: anytime, Le Marais: autumn.
Sample all the sweets on a pastry tour
From millefeuille to macaroons, eclairs to madeleines – the French know their sweet stuff. You can book a pastry tour of Paris for the sweetest of afternoons with your partner, or create your own. Don’t miss the elegant Angelina tea room, À la Mère de Famille for chocolatey delights or Du Pain et des Idées, a truly traditional bakery. Try Aki Boulangerie for Japanese-French fusion and Berthillon on Ile Saint-Louis for reputedly the best ice-cream in Paris.
Entry price: Pre-booked tours range from €60–€80pp.
Best time: It’s always a good time for a croissant!
Indulge your romantic side in Monet’s garden
The intricate oil paintings of Claude Monet ooze romance. Le jardin de Claude Monet à Giverny really brings Impressionism to life, revealing the inspiration behind the great painter’s works. Wander around the fragrant beds overflowing with brilliant blooms, under rose bowers and past a water lily-topped lake is enough to put anyone in the mood for romance. Cap it all with a foray into the colourful interior of the artist’s home, and you’ll be swooning.
Entry price: Adults €11.
Best time: Mid or late spring.
Enjoy a date on the water
A cruise along the Seine is possibly one of the most romantic activities in the city, and it’s a chance to explore Paris from a new angle. There’s something for every budget, from champagne cruises and candle-lit dinners to hop-on/hop-off river tours that take in the Eiffel Tower and full-day excursions to Versailles. If you’ve been on the Seine before and are looking for something different, why not take a boat up Canal Saint-Martin?
Entry price: Hop-on/off ~€15, evening cruise + dinner ~€90pp.
Best time: Evening/nighttime, summer.
Go off the beaten track to Temple de la Sybille
This Roman-style temple atop a dramatic rocky crag looks like it’s been plucked out of the Alps. This lesser-known spot in Paris offers an epic view and a truly romantic feel too, hidden in the centre of a lush park in the 19th arrondissement. It’s a dreamy spot for a picnic on a hot summer’s day and is just a few streets from Le Bassin de la Villette, the capital’s open-air lido.
Entry price: Park and temple free, Le Bassin de la Villette free.
Best time: Hot summer days.
Where to find the most romantic restaurants
But why have dinner with a view when you could be in the view? Head to one of the most romantic restaurants in Paris: the Jules Verne. It’s iconic. It’s popular. It’s expensive. But it is in the Eiffel tower. What’s more romantic than that? If you like your swanky dinner dates (are there any other types?) with a view, then there’s no better place for gazing out onto the Champs-Elysees than the Michelin-starred Le George.
With its labyrinthian, candlelit layout, Le Coupe Chou in the 5th arrondissement will have you swooning, and the trendy, tropical Le Comptoir Général is the perfect place for an after-dinner aphrodisiac.
There are few foods more romantic than fondue – gazing into each other’s eyes as you dip bread, meat or potatoes into gooey cheese. There are myriad places serving delicious fondue in the capital, but some of the most famous include intimate Pain Vin Fromages in Le Marais, Le Chalet Savoyard in Bastille, serving around 10 different types of raclette, or Les Fondus de la Raclette – a chalet-style restaurant near the Jardin du Luxembourg.
For a meal that doesn’t break the bank, book a table at hip, Napoleonic-styled brasserie Le Murat. Alternatively, head to the impossibly pretty Place des Vosges, pick up something from the many eateries that surround it, and have an impromptu picnic in the park itself.
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