Our ideas for a romantic evening in Paris
As a couple, Paris reveals a different side of itself. Whether for a wedding anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or simply to enjoy a moment together, the capital provides the perfect setting for a romantic escape. With its unique atmosphere, romantic neighbourhoods, and sweeping views over the city, Paris invites couples to enjoy a truly special experience. (Re)discover the City of Light through our romantic evening ideas!
1. Strolling through the streets of Paris
To begin the day gently, treat yourselves to a romantic walk through Paris, following the soft rhythm of cobbled streets and charming little squares. Montmartre, with its atmosphere that is both peaceful and lively, is the perfect place for a getaway for two.
Start your stroll with a stop at Coeur Coffee Roasters, located at 6 Rue Ravignan. Here, Erwan Alonso, the 2023 French Coffee Roasting Champion, serves exceptional coffee, perfect for enjoying a calm and indulgent moment.
As you make your way up towards the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, let yourself be surprised by the “I Love You Wall”, a work where love is expressed in more than 300 languages. Not far from there, the famous La Maison Rose and the artists exhibiting their work at Place du Tertre add an extra touch of charm to your walk. Exploring Montmartre on foot is the perfect opportunity to slow down, savour each moment, and create unique and unforgettable memories as a couple.
2. Set off on a bike ride along the banks of the Seine
First romantic outing: the banks of the Seine. From here, the façades of Paris’s most beautiful landmarks are reflected in the river’s flowing waters. Begin your route near the Sully Morland metro station. Hop on your bikes and set off for a romantic ride along the quays.
On your left, the private mansions and ochre-toned buildings of Île Saint Louis accompany your journey as you cycle by. Continue your romantic escape and, little by little, the silhouette of Notre Dame Cathedral rises above the rooftops. Further along, the medieval towers of the Conciergerie reflect in the river. You are both immersed in a truly romantic setting.
Take a break as you approach the Pont des Arts. This wooden footbridge is a favourite meeting spot for couples. Spanning the Seine between the Louvre and the Collège des Quatre Nations, it feels as though it embraces the whole of Paris. As you stroll together, you can admire the tip of Île de la Cité on one side and the upper levels of the Eiffel Tower on the other, while the long façade of the Louvre frames the right bank.
If you are lucky enough to enjoy this romantic outing in Paris early in the morning, you may witness the sunrise over the bridge. At this time of day, a light mist often drapes Île de la Cité, while the sky fills with soft, glowing colours. What could be more romantic than exploring Paris’s most beautiful neighbourhoods by bike while the streets are still quiet?
3. Enjoy a lunch at 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 that chooses the next stop. Perhaps a crispy chicken ballotine with black rice and parmesan sauce from Café Delmas? Or a 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.
4. Strolling through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Further north of the city, head to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the perfect location for a date. Take a long and leisurely walk through this green haven in the heart of Paris. With a cave, waterfall, lake, suspended footbridge and hilltop pavilion, the setting invites you into a truly romantic atmosphere. And did you know that there are around forty species of birds living here?
Take a leaf out of their book and pause like a pair of lovebirds on one of the benches overlooking the hill. Marvel as Paris stretches out before you as far as the eye can see. To your right, Montmartre Hill rises above the skyline, hinting at the rest of the evening to come. Tonight, it’s time to celebrate and enjoy the night!
5. Enjoy a romantic meal at the Moulin Rouge
It is time to celebrate love in style. Step inside the Moulin Rouge and enjoy a magical dinner and show experience. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed with personalised attention. At your table, the lights already glow as a glass of champagne is served, followed by a succession of festive dishes. Tonight, the Chef has truly outdone himself. Your romantic evening begins in style, and the show is only just getting started.
After dinner, time seems to stand still. The lights dim. Silence settles over the Moulin Rouge, broken only by the sound of your own heartbeat. You exchange a glance : you know the show is about to begin. The curtain rises, revealing the Moulin Rouge performers in dazzling costumes. In a burst of energy and joy, the dancers bring their talent to life on stage in the Féerie revue. One thing is certain: you will leave with stars in your eyes.
This celebration takes place every evening at the Moulin Rouge, and especially on Valentine’s Day. On that occasion, the Chef creates a special menu for couples. And to end the night on a high note, a surprise awaits, making your romantic evening in Paris truly unforgettable.
6. 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 for 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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