Experience the magic of the City of Lights as a couple with these 5 great ideas for a romantic day out in Paris
October 28, 2021
For couples, Paris has a whole other side to it. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding anniversary, Valentine’s Day or just for the sake of love, what could be more romantic than a day out in the Capital of Love with your loved one beside you. From the banks of the Seine to the night time illuminations, (re)discover the City of Lights with these 5 unforgettable date ideas.
A bicycle ride along the banks of the Seine.
Begin your day of romance at Les Berges de la Seine. A great spot to see the façades of some of Paris’ most beautiful landmarks rippling in the reflections of the river. Start your excursion near to Sully-Morland metro station. On your bikes! And you’re off on a romantic ride along the river bank! Look to your left and see the mansions and ochre buildings of the Île Saint-Louis gazing as you pass before them. As you continue your romantic jaunt, the silhouette of Notre-Dame cathedral slowly rises above the rooftops. Further ahead, the river reflects the medieval towers of the Conciergerie. You are surrounded by the most romantic scenery imaginable.
Take a breather at the Pont des Arts. This wooden bridge is a famous meeting point for couples. Poised over the Seine between the Louvre and the Collège des Quatre-Nations, the bridge appears to wrap all of Paris in its embrace. As you and your loved one head off again, notice the tip of the Île de la Cité on one side and the top tiers of the Eiffel Tower on the other, while the long façade of the Louvre languishes along the right bank of the river. If you are able to time this part of your date to coincide with the early hours, watching the sunrise from the bridge is a sight to behold. At that time of day, the Île de la Cité is shrouded in a gentle mist, whilst the sky is mottled with shimmering colours. What could be more romantic on your couple’s escape?
Enjoy lunch in the Place de la Contrescarpe
After dropping off your bicycles, stroll hand in hand through the winding streets of the Latin Quarter until you reach the Place de la Contrescarpe. This fully-paved square was renovated in 2017 to be more accommodating for pedestrians. In the centre, a fountain gurgles and laps rhythmically, like an echo to the tinkling of cutlery emanating from the cafés and restaurants dotted around the square.
Now it’s your stomach’s turn to choose the next stop. Perhaps a crispy chicken ballotine with black rice and parmesan sauce from Café Delmas? Or a delicious pizza from the Bistro Italien might be more your taste! Take your time and enjoy your meal; your romantic day out in Paris isn’t over yet. When that course is done, wander together down Rue Mouffetard – home to some of the city’s most excellent ice cream parlours – to round off your meal.
Stroll through the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Further north of the city, head to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Take a long and leisurely amble through this green haven in the heart of the city. With a cave, waterfall, lake, suspended footbridge and pavilion at the top of the hill, the stage is set for total immersion in a world of romance. And did you know that there are around forty species of bird living here?
Take a leaf out of their book, and perch for a moment like a pair of lovebirds on one of the benches dotted around the hill. Marvel as Paris stretches out before you as far as the eye can see. To your right, Montmartre Hill shears through the skyline, turning thoughts towards the rest of the evening to come. Tonight, it’s time to party!
Enjoy a romantic meal at the Moulin Rouge.
It’s time to celebrate love in true style. Push open the doors of the Moulin Rouge and enjoy a magical dinner-show. You’ll arrive to a warm and friendly welcome. The lights twinkle as you take your seats and are served a glass of champagne, followed by an array of dazzling dishes. Tonight, the Chef has surpassed himself! What a start! And the show’s not over yet.
After your meal, time pauses for a moment. The lights dim. The only thing you can hear is your own heartbeat, pumping through the silence of the Moulin Rouge. Your eyes meet. The show is about to begin! The curtain goes up and there are the artists of the Moulin Rouge! Dazzling as they dance in their sparkling costumes; a whirlwind of joy and amazement. If one thing’s for sure: you’ll be leaving with stars in your eyes tonight.
These celebrations happen every night at the Moulin Rouge, especially around Valentine’s Day. On this special day, the Chef concocts a divine dinner for couples to enjoy. And at the end of the night, there’s a special surprise in store to round off your romantic evening in Paris.
Admire the lights of Paris after dark
So what more could Paris possibly offer after a show like that? The City of Lights still has plenty of romantic tricks up its sleeve. Why not take advantage of the after hours to admire the city lights after dark? On the Place Blanche, the Moulin Rouge twinkles against the night sky. Head down the Rue Blanche by bicycle or scooter to reach the Opéra Garnier. The gilding, sculptures and domes of this opulent Parisian building light up the night. And now take the Avenue de l’Opéra to stroll around Place Colette a while. The lights from the streetlamps ooze romantic ambiance onto the façades of the Palais-Royal and the Comédie-Française. Just a stone’s throw from there, cross the Rue de Rivoli and under the Louvre’s archways for another dazzling discovery: the glass pyramid of the Louvre gleaming in the centre of the Cour Napoléon.
Not ready to end your romantic weekend in Paris yet? Take a riverboat trip and dive headfirst into the magic of the Parisian night. Left, right, straight ahead – you won’t know which way to turn as Paris’ landmarks glitter all around you against the night sky. The most unique and magical end to your romantic weekend. You can already see the wonder in your loved one’s eyes.
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