Although its official nickname is the City of Lights, the French capital could just as easily be called the City of Romance, with countless romantic things to do in Paris. With charming neighborhoods and chic cafés, picturesque scenes, and iconic landmarks providing an ideal setting for being swept off your feet, not to mention the intimate dining experiences with sparkling Champagne, a trip to Paris is the ultimate romantic getaway.

We’re here to help you plan a fairytale trip to make that happen. It all starts by exploring the most romantic things to do in Paris.

Say Je T’Aime in Front of The Wall of Love

If you are in the mood for amour and are looking for a great place to say je t’aime (“I love you”), there’s no better place than Le Mur des Je T’aime (“The Wall of Love”) in Montmartre. This 40-square-foot wall displays over 311 ways to express your feelings in 250 languages. You might notice red splashes – they represent the pieces of a broken heart and can be assembled to form a complete, whole heart. Le Mur des Je T’aime stands as a testament to the timeless language of love, inviting you to celebrate the beauty of affection in a place where emotions are expressed in every tongue. Admiring this wall is certainly one of the most romantic things to do in Paris!

Explore the City on a Walking Tour

The most romantic spots in Paris are those that are steeped in history, grandeur, and beauty. In your free time, we recommend a guided or self-guided walking tour of the city to explore some of what this incredible European jewel has to offer. It’s also possible to create your own perfect itinerary by considering our absolute favorite areas for experiencing the romance of Paris.

Stroll Hand-in-Hand along the Champs-Elysées

One of the most famous streets in Paris, the Champs-Elysées is a bustling boulevard in the heart of Paris, lined with iconic restaurants and high-end fashion brands. One of the top things to do in Paris for first-time visitors is to stroll along the boulevard up to the Arc de Triomphe, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Of course, doing it hand-in-hand adds romance to the experience.

Discover the Delights of Le Marais Together

Locals know that if you want some of the best shopping and dining, there is no better place than the Marais. This charming, intimate neighborhood is filled with narrow streets that twist and turn, leading to some incredible surprises. From chic perfumeries to bakeries and world-famous falafel restaurants, exploring this neighborhood is one of our favorite romantic things to do in Paris. While here, fashion lovers should pay a visit to the hidden Azzedine Alaïa Foundation to browse the stunning creations of the late great designer.

Or, pop over to the Centre Pompidou to view world-class contemporary art exhibitions, featuring the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe, Cy Twombly, Basquiat and so many more. For incredible views, dine on the rooftop of the museum while admiring the bright pink decor and roses on every table.

Take a Step Back in Time at Place des Vosges

This magical square embodies romance in Paris. It will transport you back in time with its symmetrical architecture and cobblestone pavements surrounded by centuries-old trees.

Enjoy the Romantic Charms of Montmartre

Once the red-light district and home to the iconic Moulin Rouge, this neighborhood is now filled with enchanting charms. If you’d like to stay in a boutique hotel, this is a great place to find one. But even if you don’t base yourself here, the flower-filled streets, bakeries, and city views make Montmartre a must-visit on our list of the best romantic things to do in Paris. Don’t miss making the climb up to Sacre Coeur for a panoramic view of the entire city while you’re here.

Admire Palais Garnier

An architectural gem, the Paris Opera House is another must-visit on your romantic trip to Paris, whether you are seeing a show or just there to admire the beauty. Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875, this opulent building is adorned with sculptures and classical columns. Inside, you’ll find a blend of marble, gold leaf, and lavish chandeliers, along with the iconic grand staircase. Stop to gaze at the stunning, colorful ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.

Soak up the Beauty of the 1st Arrondissement

What’s a visit to Paris without a walk through the chic 1st arrondissement? It’s filled with natural and manmade beauty. You can visit the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tuileries Gardens with its iconic fountains. Don’t miss the Musée de l’Orangerie while you’re here to view Monet’s iconic larger-than-life Les Nymphéas (water lilies). If it’s a warm day, stop at Loulou for lunch, where you can dine on  tasty pasta or pizza al fresco.

Experience the Artsy Vibe of the Left Bank

Once you’re done with the stylish Right Bank, head to the other side of the river Seine. The Left Bank is known for its bohemian spirit and vibrant cultural scene. You might explore the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to practice the art of flaneur (strolling), with its classic, authentic Parisian feel. It also boasts a rich history as the neighborhood where Ernest Hemingway liked to hang out in the cafes and Picasso painted his famous Guernica.

You’ll find upscale galleries, designer-brand boutiques, eclectic eateries, the the city’s oldest church, the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Plus, the Musée d’Orsay is a short walk away, displaying the world’s best collection of Impressionist paintings.

A Romantic Cruise on the Seine River

One of the best ways to see the city is from the water! A romantic dinner cruise along the Seine will allow you to take in the lights and sights from the perspective of the river, one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. Gliding along the banks of the Seine, you’ll enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay.

Savor the Most Delectable Sweet Treats

You can’t leave Paris without exploring the collection of artisanal pastries and desserts. Whether you are a croissant lover, an eclair enthusiast, or a macaron admirer, you’ll find mouthwatering treats all over the city streets of Paris.

The Cédric Grolet bakery cannot be missed. Helmed by the undisputed master when it comes to pastries, Cédric was even named  Best Pastry Chef in the World in  2018.He’s created a fantastical world of pastry, where even fruits are not quite as they seem. You’ll find it at 6 Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris.

Pierre Hermé is a luxury pâtisserie operated by a Michelin-star chef, with five locations throughout Paris. It’s best known for its macarons, which you can share with the person you love the most.

There’s no shortage of chocolatiers in the city either. You might choose to visit À la Mère de Famille, its oldest chocolate shop, founded in 1761. Give yourself some time to browse as it offers more than 1,200 types of sweets, including chocolate, marshmallows, candied fruits, and more. Special romantic treats are occasionally stocked too.

For a more modern experience, famed chocolatier Patrick Roger marries chocolate-making with art. Pop into one of several locations in Paris to admire the latest sculpture made entirely from chocolate!

If you prefer to sip your chocolate, Angelina is iconic for its hot chocolate. After a visit to the Louvre, stroll under the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli, where you’ll find the dazzling tearoom. We can even help you book a reservation in advance as the tearoom fills up quickly!

Pierre Hermé is a luxury pâtisserie operated by a Michelin-star chef, with five locations throughout the City of Light. It is best known for its macarons, which you can share with the person you love the most.

There’s no shortage of chocolatiers in Paris. You may choose to visit À la Mère de Famille, the oldest chocolate shop in Paris, founded in 1761. Give yourself some time to browse over 1,200 types of sweets including chocolate, marshmallows, candied fruits, and more. They may even stock some special romantic treats.

For a more modern experience, famed chocolatier, Patrick Roger, marries chocolate making with art. Stop into one of his several locations in Paris and admire the latest sculpture made entirely from chocolate!

If you prefer to sip your chocolate, Angelina is iconic for its hot chocolate. After a visit to the Louvre, stroll under the arcades of the Rue de Rivoli where you will find the dazzling tearoom. We can help you make a reservation ahead as the tearoom fills up quickly!

Romantic Dining with a View

If you’re up for a day trip from Paris, we recommend the historic region of Champagne. Only an hour’s train ride from the city, it’s worth visiting the city of Reims and the stunning Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where 33 French kings were crowned, including Louis XIV.

Plus, you can clink glasses and sip bubbly at one of the famed Champagne houses, or chat with some of the winemakers while walking through the vines and cellars with them. Most don’t accept walk-ins, but we can ensure you’ll get an appointment at highly desirable, hand-selected locations.

For a memorable tasting in Reims, we recommend Ruinart, the oldest Champagne House, founded in 1729. It has historic cellars and ancient white chalk quarries that are over 131 feet deep. Ruinart has been aging wine in these cellars since the late 1700s, even before the French Revolution started. Another iconic champagne house is Veuve Clicquot. Barbe-Nicole Ponsard took over her husband’s wine business when she was widowed at 27 and built it into an iconic brand. If you’re interested in learning more about her story, we highly recommend reading The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It.

 

It is well worth visiting Epernay if you want to stroll Avenue de Champagne, another UNESCO World Heritage Site where other great names have houses, such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, Pol Roger, Mercier, and G.H. Martel.

Book a private tour with us to enjoy the scenic drive through the Champagne vineyards to the traditional villages of Verzenay and Verzy, Ay, Cramant, and Avize. Discover an authentic family-run estate and experience the intimacy of a private chateau run by a passionate family for generations. Or enjoy lunch at a typical Champagne restaurant in the countryside, by the Marne River.

How to Turn Your Romantic Paris Dream into a Reality

Embarking on a romantic getaway to the enchanting French capital is a dream, and at LuxEurope, we’re dedicated to turning that dream into a reality. Imagine strolling along the Seine hand in hand, indulging in delectable pastries at a charming café in Montmartre, or taking an intimate cruise that sails beneath the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower.

All you have to do is share your preferred destinations with us, from the Louvre to Le Marais. Our expert team will then craft an unforgettable and romantic holiday filled with unparalleled luxury, passion, and romance. For something honeymoon-worthy, or just because, you might even combine a visit to Paris with time in the fairytale-like Loire Valley. With our extensive experience in France and throughout Europe, we have plenty of other ideas too. Just ask, we’re here to help!