7 Romantic Things to See and Do in Paris
Paris has been known as the City of Love for as long as anyone can remember. There are numerous theories behind the French capital’s romantic reputation; it was the birthplace of the Romantic art style, gaining it a reputation which has been solidified by its appearance in many a romantic Hollywood movie.
Whatever it is that gives Paris its reputation, the city today attracts millions of visitors a year, many of whom are couples looking for the ideal setting to enjoy each other’s company. If you are planning a trip to the City of Lights any time in the near future, we have put together this list of things to see and do that will help you kindle your love in an unforgettable way. Read on to find out more!
1. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Seine
One of the best ways to take in the sights and sounds of Paris is from the deck of a river cruiser. A river trip will give you the chance to enjoy the fantastic views of all of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf and Musée d’Orsay. Make sure to kiss your beau as you pass under Pont-Marie – a tradition followed by lovers in Paris for time immemorial.
2. Get Inspired at the Wall of Love
Created by artists Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000, Le Mur Des Je t’aime (The Wall of Love) is a monument to that most noble of human emotion – love! Take a trip down to the Jehan Rictus Garden Square in Montmartre and learn how to say “I love you” in over 250 different languages and dialects.
3. Visit the Palace of Versailles
If you have time, a trip to the Palace of Versailles just an hour outside the city limits is well worth the effort. Once home one of history’s most infamous women, Marie Antoinette, the palace and its incredibly ornate surrounding gardens is like taking a trip back in time to a bygone era when love was seen as the highest of all human virtues.
4. Take a Stroll Around the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens
The iconic Luxembourg Gardens are located between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Its lush tree-lined promenades provide the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll hand-in-hand with your nearest and dearest. If the sun is shining, make sure to bring a picnic to eat on the perfectly manicured lawns.
5. Get a Bird’s Eye View of the City from a Hot Air Balloon
If you have a head for heights and would like to catch a panoramic view of Paris, head down to Parc Andre-Citroen and sign up for a balloon ride. Here, you will find some of the biggest balloons in the world which will take you up almost as high as the top of the Eiffel Tower. If you have something special to say, this would be a great place to do it!
6. Attend a Cabaret
Cabaret shows have long been the quintessential Parisian experience. With a history that dates back well over a hundred years, performances remain as popular with tourists and residents as they always have been. The best place to catch a cabaret is at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, although there are plenty of other great options.
7. Proclaim Your Love at the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without scaling the heights of the Eiffel Tower. Undoubtedly the best time to go up with your other half is to watch the sunset over the city. As you watch the world turn and day become night, you will be able to appreciate each other’s presence in a new way as you think of the innumerable couples who have stood where you are standing feeling the same thing down the ages.
There is little point surprising your loved one with a romantic weekend getaway to the City of Love if you are going to fall out at the airport on arrival. And a sure way to get things off to a bad start is to overlook the new visa requirements that are set to come into place from the beginning of 2021. If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will now need to apply for the new ETIAS visa waiver scheme to gain entry to the EU on arrival. If you would like to know more about the scheme and whether you qualify, check out the brilliant ETIAS visa guide before you travel!
