20 Romantic Things to do in Paris
C'est l'amour! Paris truly is the city of love. The perfect place to spend a long weekend with your partner, taking in the splendid views, strolling arm in arm by Canal St Martin and picnicking in pretty, secluded gardens. The team at the Paris Pass has put together this guide to tempt you with twenty different activities during your stay. Whether you’re a couple that loves to mooch around museums or you prefer fine dining, Paris is the place where romantic dreams really do come true. Here are the best romantic things to do in Paris.
Montmartre – Sacré Coeur Basilica
Head to the wonderful arrondissement (neighbourhood) of Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, to enjoy a romantic stroll through the winding narrow passages and alleyways. Discover the awe-inspiring Sacré Coeur Basilica and climb the steps to the top to enjoy a spectacular view of Paris with the one you love.
Palace de Versailles
Fancy escaping the city for a romantic day out? Take a day to explore the Palace of Versailles. Once home to the eccentric King Louis XIV, the palace is surrounded by breathtaking and beguiling gardens. There are often music shows in the grounds and around the fountains, particularly over the summer. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a boat and cruise down the Grand Canal.
Musée d’Orsay
Visit the Musée d’Orsay and admire the spectacular 19th century building that now houses the national art collection of France. Formerly a grand railway station, Orsay is now a wonderful art space with 35,000 m2 of glass.
Jardin de Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Gardens are the only place to be on a sunny day. They’re located in the 6th arrondissement, around the grand Luxembourg Palace. This is a wonderful place for a romantic stroll and a lovers’ picnic.
Grand Action Cinema
Heading to the cinema is a great choice for an evening activity. If you and your partner are big film lovers, then you’ll adore the Grand Action Cinema in the Sorbonne area. The independent cinema plays reruns of old, vintage romance films.
The Louvre at night
If you’ve been lounging around in the Luxembourg Gardens all day, lost in one another’s eyes, you may have missed the chance to visit The Louvre. Don’t worry. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the famous museum stays open later so you can visit when the crowds have dispersed and enjoy the calm and tranquillity of the museum at night.
Eiffel Tower View
Climb to the top of Paris’s most well-known building, the Eiffel Tower, and take in the breathtaking view of the city with a glass of champagne. Built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the building remains an iconic symbol of France. If you didn’t get a chance to visit in the day, then see the tower beautifully lit up at night.
Champs-Elysees
Discover the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe in the early evening, as the sun begins to set. Explore the luxury and splendour of the arrondissement and spend a romantic evening in a fancy restaurant, possibly after a drink in a fancy bar.
Île Saint-Louis
The Île de la Cité is the more well-known island in Paris, home to Notre Dame Cathedral. However, there are two islands in the river Seine, one being the quaint Île Saint-Louis a little further along in the 4th arrondissement. Take a blanket, settle down on the green banks with a picnic, and watch the world go by.
Opera Garnier
For an evening of spectacular performance, head to the Palais Garnier to watch one of the shows at the most famous opera house in Paris. Built between 1861 and 1875, this was also the first place to show the popular Phantom of the Opera.
Wine Tasting
Take an evening to learn a little about wine and enjoy a wine tasting session with your partner. Learn about the history of wine in France and how it has become an essential part of its culture.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The astounding medieval cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité within the fourth arrondissement in Paris, is a must-visit during your stay. Climb to the top of one of its towers with your partner and experience magnificent views of Paris.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Located in the 19th arrondissement, in the north-eastern part of Paris, lies the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. This public park is the fifth largest in Paris and is a wonderful place to spend the day, with gushing waterfalls, an expansive lake and scenic cliffs. Take a picnic and lie out on the grass with the one you love.
J’taime
Discover the magical wall of “I love you’s” in the 18th arrondissement. This wall displays the words ‘I love you’ in 250 different languages from across the world. It is well worth a visit to admire the art and feel the love.
Le Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge that lies across the river Seine. From the bridge you and your partner can take in the pretty views of the Île de la Cité while enjoying the street musicians playing in the background. This is a dreamy sunset spot.
Sunset Cruise on the Seine
Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Seine. Lean back and admire the scenic views and picturesque setting of Paris from the water. Observe as the city comes alive at night and watch iconic buildings like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower transform as darkness falls.
Cooking Classes
If you love Parisian cuisine and would like to learn some of its secrets, then why not take a cooking class with your partner? Dotted throughout the city are restaurants and classes ready for you to book so you and your partner can take home the perfect souvenir: being able to cook all your favourite dishes for each other at home.
Musée de la Vie Romantique
Visit the museum of romanticism hidden down a winding, cobbled street at the foot of Montmartre. It’s located within a pretty mansion built in 1830 by Ary Scheffer.
Place des Vosges
Visit Paris’ oldest public square located very centrally in the Marais district and explore the stately park. Mooch around the square lined by beautiful, 17th century houses and lounge on the grass on a warm summer's evening.
Canal St Martin
Stroll along the picturesque Canal St Martin, arm in arm with your partner, and watch the boats pass by. On Saturday evenings and Sundays, the roads that run alongside the canal become car-free zones allowing for the bustle of pedestrians, cyclists and rollerbladers to take over.
There is an endless supply of romantic things to do in Paris, whatever your tastes. Whether you prefer strolling around art galleries and quirky, bohemian towns or choose instead to explore the splendour and history of the magnificent palaces, Paris has it all. Don’t forget to check out the Paris Pass city card, which can save you time and money on attractions big and small. Bon voyage!