The Ultimate Guide to Romantic Things to Do in Paris

Paris is known as the city of love and there are plenty of reasons why. From walking hand in hand along the banks of the Seine River to taking in the view from the Eiffel Tower or a romantic lunch at one of the most historic buildings in the city, Galeries Lafayette, couples will discover lots of romantic things to do in Paris. This article gives an insight into the best things for couples to do in Paris, whether you’re on your honeymoon or taking a romantic break together to celebrate a special event.

Classic Romantic Experiences in Paris

Let’s start with the popular romantic things to do in Paris that are top of the list for many couples.

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Possibly one of the most romantic places in Paris, a trip to the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower offers a panoramic view of the city. The perfect time to do this is at sunset or night for a truly special moment. Many people have got down on one knee and proposed at the top of the Eiffel Tower – is it your turn?

Good to know  📝

While you may wish to propose at the Eiffel Tower there are plenty of other unique spots where there will be fewer crowds. Why not ask for your partner’s hand in marriage in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, at the Place du Trocadéro with the tower in the background, or on the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, with its magnificent view?

Relax on a Seine River Cruise

Take a leisurely cruise along the River Seine where you’ll pass many of Paris’s famous landmarks while enjoying the city’s lights and charm from the water. A private cruise is even better and gives you time together to enjoy the sights of Paris.

Good to know  📝

Discover the sights of Paris on the Paris Batobus. A one or two-day pass gives you unlimited travel to all the city’s famous monuments.


See Montmartre

Wander through the cobblestone streets and take in the artistic history of this district before visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a romantic photograph.

Book a table at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Terrace

For breathtaking views of Paris visit the 360° panoramic terrace and stop for a drink and snack at the pop-up roof-top restaurant (open during the summer season only).

Walk to Pont Alexandre III

This historic bridge spans the River Seine and offers amazing views of the city and a great opportunity for the perfect couple’s selfie.

Good to know  📝

Paris is a busy city at any time of the year so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for any major attractions to ensure you’re not disappointed. This also prevents you from having to queue, which can waste valuable time. The Tourist Information and Ticket Office at Galeries Lafayette will be happy to give you advice on the best romantic things to do in Paris and book tickets for you.

Romantic Activities in Paris for Art Lovers

Embrace the paintings and sculptures of Paris and perhaps buy a souvenir to take home with you as a memory of your romantic break.

Louvre Museum

Stroll hand-in-hand through the world-famous Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art, including the iconic Mona Lisa.

Montmartre’s Artists’ Square

This is the place to mingle with local artists and buy a painting from the open-air market. Why not have your portrait painted as a romantic memento of your time in the city?

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Heritage Tour

Learn the story of this impressive building from the stunning stained glass Dome to its history and Haussmann architecture. The Heritage Tour takes place outside of the store’s opening hours, so you can fully appreciate the splendor of the building and take part in a unique experience.

Rodin Museum

This is the ideal location to escape the bustle of the city and wander through the museum’s tranquil gardens where iconic works such as ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’ sit alongside the lush greenery. Don´t forget to take plenty of romantic photos to remember your trip.

Musée d’Orsay

Housed in a former railway station, this grand museum showcases an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas. The stunning architecture and romantic atmosphere make it an ideal destination for art-loving couples.

Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life)

Visit the Dutch-French painter Ary Scheffer’s home which displays an enthralling exhibition of his artwork. The museum represents the romantic Parisian movement and was a place where Scheffer entertained visitors such as Charles Dickens and Fredrick Chopin.

Maison de Victor Hugo

Take a cultural visit to the former home of the famous French writer who wrote part of ‘Les Misérables’ here. You’ll get to see how he lived and parts of his collections of manuscripts, drawings and paintings that continue his legacy.

Enchanting Green Spaces for Couples who Love Paris

Paris isn´t all about museums and history. There are several parks where you can sit on the grass and enjoy a picnic with your favorite person.

Jardin du Luxembourg

With its picturesque flowerbeds and tree-lined paths, this is a place for a romantic walk. You can also rent a boat and get your other half to row you across the water – the perfect romantic scenario!

Tuileries Garden

Between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde this is a beautiful setting for a romantic rendezvous and the perfect place to say “Je t’aime”.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

A large park in the northeastern part of Paris with dramatic cliffs, a lake, and a temple perched on a rocky outcrop. You can explore winding pathways and hidden grottos, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Bois de Vincennes

As the largest public park in Paris, Bois de Vincennes is ideal to wander along wooded trails hand-in-hand and visit the Temple of Love in a row boat. You’ll see other Paris couples here, enjoying precious moments together.

Parc de la Villette

Another large park in the city offering a refreshing green space for couples to unwind. Highlights include the Canal de l’Ourcq, themed gardens, and outdoor art. Music lovers will enjoy the many festivals and events hosted here, where you can sing and dance with your other half.

Square du Vert-Galant

What better way to spend time alone when visiting France than under a weeping willow tree surrounded by nature? Located on the western tip of the Île de la Cité, this square offers a peaceful retreat along the Seine River.

Good to know  📝

Want to find out more about the best places to visit in Paris? Visit the Tourist
Information Office
on the ground floor of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussman to ensure you make the most of your trip. Our helpful staff will advise you on attractions, passes and the best ways to travel around Paris.

Unforgettable Parisian Dining Experiences

France is renowned for its delicious food, whether you’re indulging in a hot chocolate and croissant for breakfast at a sidewalk cafe or a Michelin-star-cooked dinner at a high-class restaurant.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann restaurants

For some of the best restaurants in Paris and a taste of international cuisine visit the Galeries Lafayette dining area. Whether you want to enjoy drinks and pastries at EL&N London, with its romantic pink theme, or prefer fine dining with a view at Créatures (open during the summer only), you’ll find a restaurant to suit every taste. If you and your partner enjoy wholesome dining visit DS Café and treat yourselves to a romantic healthy brunch – perfect after a visit to the Wellness Galerie together.

Dinner cruise on the Seine

Another reason to take an evening Seine River cruise is to dine with your partner while watching the Paris lights twinkle and enjoying the live music some cruises offer.

Café Culture

Experience Parisian café culture by enjoying a leisurely lunch or a cup of coffee at one of the city’s charming cafes while people-watching and enjoying the ambiance.

Dine at Jules Verne

This Michelin-starred restaurant is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and offers spectacular views of the city. This makes a wonderful setting for any romantic trip, especially if you plan to propose at the Eiffel Tower.

Good to know  📝

If you plan to propose to your loved one while in Paris you’ll find a vast selection of dazzling diamonds and jewelry on the 3 rd floor of Galeries Lafayette.

Morning coffee at Café Coutume

When visiting the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann building, this is an excellent place to sample some of the best coffee in Paris, accompanied by a warm French pastry of course! With an incredible view of the Galeries Lafayette Dome and the many designer-brand stores, this is an ideal way to start your day. Why not make a booking for the Glasswalk while you’re here? Offering a unique take on this architectural icon, you’ll feel like you’re suspended in mid-air.

Get lost in the French capital

One of the best ways to find a romantic eatery is to lose yourself and head away from the tourists. Walking through the maze of Paris streets you’re sure to come across a place where the locals dine, and you can enjoy the delicious French cuisine.

Take a wine-tasting tour

Why not take a private wine-tasting tour complemented with a food experience? Sample a selection of fine wines from across France while learning about wine production and tasting techniques accompanied by delicious gourmet food. Not enough time to do everything? The perfect alternative to a wine tour is dinner or lunch and wine pairing at The Wine Gate at Galeries Lafayette Haussman. Here you can sample some of France’s most exquisite wines and champagnes and enjoy a private visit via video or an interactive tour of the estates.

Romantic Experiences for Couples in Paris

There are so many unique activities you can do together as a couple in Paris. Take a look at the ideas below and create memories of your perfect romantic getaway.

Take a cookery course

Whether you want to learn macaron making or bake French pastries like a professional you’ll find a class to polish your skills at Galeries Lafayette.

Learn to cook like a French chef

Take the Chef’s Secrets cooking course at Galeries Lafayette and enjoy time together preparing delicious cuisine.

Charter a private boat cruise

Enjoy a romantic cruise along the River Seine while sipping champagne – the perfect setting to view the attractions of Paris, either during the day or in the evening.

Spend the day at the Wellness Galerie

Located in the Galerie’s Lafayette Haussmann store, you can share an infrared sauna, have a relaxing massage or book a joint training session at the gym. Tired after your journey to Europe? A Jet Lag Remodelling session will rejuvenate you both and prepare you for whatever’s next on the agenda.

Enjoy a sauna

Book a treatment at one of the many saunas in Paris and pamper yourselves with a jacuzzi or in a hammam (Turkish bath). This is the way to recharge your batteries before hitting the streets of Paris and continuing your romantic tour.

Take a vintage Citroën 2CV tour

Explore the city in style in a vintage Citroën 2CV car with a private chauffeur. Cruise past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and Montmartre while enjoying a personalized tour of Paris’s most romantic spots.

Rent a bike

Discover Paris on two wheels at a leisurely pace. You’ll find places to rent bikes in Paris all over the city, with convenient pick-up and drop-off systems. You can stop wherever you wish and enjoy the freedom of the breeze in your hair whilst getting fit at the same time.

Sample some of France’s finest wines

At Le Bar de La Cave in Galeries Lafayette. This is the time to treat yourselves to a vintage wine or champagne and be looked after by the knowledgeable wine waiters. If you’ve never tried caviar this is the place to sample this exquisite delicacy.

Take an art class together

Unleash your creativity and bond over a shared passion for art. Many studios in Paris offer painting, drawing and sculpture classes providing a unique experience for couples.

Lose yourselves in books

If you’re both bookworms a visit to the Galeries Lafayette book store to the perfect place to find all kinds of literary works, from books on Paris to cookbooks and fashion books.

Book a private walking tour

Discover the secrets of Paris with your own personal guide. From quiet streets to the Saint-Martin canal, this is a way to see the hidden gems of the city together.

Visit the Wall of Love

Located in Montmartre, this wall expresses the words ‘I love you’ in hundreds of different languages. This is the place to declare your love and commitment to your partner and get a photograph of the two of you.

Evening Activities for Couples in Paris

The city comes alive in the evening and there are plenty of romantic things to do in Paris for couples. Attend an evening performance at the Opéra Garnier The ornate opera house known for its grandeur and architectural beauty puts on a range of theatrical performances including operatic, musical and ballet.

Have an evening picnic at the Eiffel Tower

Enjoy a romantic dinner picnic at the Champ de Mars park with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Watch the tower light up as toast your love with traditional French champagne.

Watch a cabaret show

Experience the glitz and glamour of traditional Parisian entertainment at the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris. The dazzling performances, extravagant costumes and music will whisk you away to another world where showtime rules!

Off-the-Beaten-Track Romantic Spots in Paris

Discover the lesser-known places of Paris where you can enjoy intimate moments away from the crowds.

Square René-Viviani

Located near Notre-Dame Cathedral, this small park offers an perfect location away from the tourists. You can sit beneath the shade of ancient trees, admire the historic fountain, and spend time together as a couple.

Cité des fleurs

This charming residential street in the 17th arrondissement is lined with picturesque houses and lush gardens. This is the perfect place to wander hand-in-hand along the cobblestone lanes, surrounded by colorful flowers and plants, and dream of what it would be like to live in Paris.

Belleville

This pretty neighborhood feels like a village on the outskirts of Paris. This makes an ideal romantic retreat if you want to admire the greenery and picturesque houses at your own pace. The street market is where you can buy souvenirs of your trip and delicious provisions for a picnic.

Passage Brady

Known as little India, this covered arcade is home to vibrant shops, exotic spices, and authentic Indian cuisine. Couples can sample street food, and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of India whilst in the heart of Paris. If you and your partner love Indian food book a table at The Crossing for a romantic meal for two. You’ll be taken on a journey of delicious Indian cuisine, exploring the flavors and textures that have been expertly prepared by our Indian chef.

Musée de la chasse et de la nature

This quirky museum in the Marais district celebrates hunting and the beauty of nature. Couples can discover a fascinating collection of taxidermy, artwork and antique firearms in a unique and atmospheric setting.

Romantic Getaways Near Paris, France

For a memorable lovers’ experience take a day trip from Paris, where palaces, gardens and amazing scenery await you.

Versailles

Just a short train ride from Paris, here you can explore the elegant Château de Versailles and stroll through the manicured gardens. Created for intimacy, you can also visit the Trianon estate, built for royalty to escape the formality of the palace.

Fontainebleau

Known for its majestic château and vast forest, Fontainebleau is a picturesque retreat south of Paris. Couples can tour the historic castle and hike or bike through the forest trails to work up an appetite before enjoying a romantic meal in a charming restaurant.

Giverny

A quaint village where the artist Claude Monet lived and painted his famous water lilies. This is a romantic destination where you can visit Monet’s house and gardens, stroll around the pretty flower beds and ponds, and explore the charming streets lined with galleries and cafes.

Château de Chantilly

Situated north of Paris, Château de Chantilly is a stunning Renaissance palace surrounded by expansive gardens and a picturesque lake. Celebrate your love with a stroll through the landscaped grounds and a boat ride on the lake.

Champagne Region

This area offers you the chance to explore charming towns like Reims and Epernay, visit prestigious champagne houses for tastings, and enjoy scenic drives through vineyards and the countryside. What better way to spend a romantic day visiting the outskirts of Paris the one you love?

Good to know  📝

Several train stations connect the city with its surrounding areas. These include:
● Gare Saint-Lazare – located on the right bank of the Seine
● Gare de Lyon – Situated in the southeastern part of Paris
● Gare Montparnasse – located on the left bank of the Seine.
● Gare du Nord – serves international destinations as well as regional trains to the north of Paris.
● Gare d’Austerlitz -situated on the left bank of the Seine
● Gare de l’Est – serves destinations to the east of Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris for the Ultimate Romantic Trip

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a surprise visit to Paris for your lover, a special anniversary or to ask for your lover’s hand in marriage, where you choose to stay adds to the romantic ambiance. From 5-star hotels to comfortable boutique hotels, Paris has a wide selection of accommodation for all tastes.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This historic neighborhood on the Left Bank exudes romance with its cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and literary history. Steal a kiss as you amble along the Seine River, and explore art galleries and boutiques before enjoying an intimate dinner in a cozy bistro.

Le Marais

Known for its medieval architecture and vibrant nightlife, Le Marais offers a mix of old-world charm and contemporary style. Linger in the hidden courtyards and visit historic landmarks such as the Place des Vosges.

Montmartre

Famous for its artistic heritage, sweeping views of the city, and bohemian atmosphere. For a magical end to the day visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at sunset and swear your love for each other.

Île Saint-Louis

Connected to the Île de la Cité by a bridge, this is a serene Paris retreat in the heart of the city. Share an ice cream or mouth-watering dessert at the famous Berthillon before a visit to the nearby Nôtre Dame cathedral.

Latin Quarter

With its lively atmosphere the Latin Quarter is a romantic place to stay with a special person. You can visit the Sorbonne University and cherish special moments in charming cafes and brasseries.

Champs-Élysées

This iconic avenue offers a romantic setting with its grand boulevards and historic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe. If you love to shop why not buy your partner a special gift as a memento of your trip from Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées?

We hope we’ve inspired you to find some of the most romantic things to do in Paris for couples. Enjoy your time in the city of love and make plans and memories for the future together on an unforgettable trip to Paris, France.

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