French Bliss
Paris on Valentine’s Day
Paris on Valentine’s Day is the beating heart of romance that makes the world go round.
Canoodle in coffee shops, treat each other to designer scents, enjoy a sumptuous feast in one of the city’s luxurious bistros, and take a midnight stroll along the River Seine to the sensuous serenade of a lone saxophonist.
The magic of Paris is enchanting any time of the year, but on February 14, the city oozes with love. Romance blossoms with anticipation of the approaching spring. Simple pleasures like nibbling on a crispy baguette or sipping an espresso make the heart beat faster.
Paris is a seductive temptress waiting to ensnare one’s heart and take the soul captive. Here’s how to make the most of those precious moments with the one you love.
Towering views
Picture yourself in the arms of your lover as the whole of Paris is laid out before you like a carpet from one of the many places that give a panoramic view of the city.
Start with the iconic Eiffel Tower—probably the scene of more marriage proposals than anywhere in the world. You can dine in one of the tower’s restaurants, including the world famous Jules Verne on the second level.
That’s not the only place for a sky-high clinch. The observation deck on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower also enjoys beautiful and spectacular views of the city.
The architectural curiosity of the Pompidou Center has a rooftop terrace and restaurant and is a superb vantage point for seeing some of Paris’s main landmarks.
Then there’s the view from the tower of Notre Dame Cathedral—the famous setting of Beauty and the Beast, Victor Hugo’s poor lovelorn hunchback and the beautiful Esmeralda.
Finding a spot for romance
Walk hand-in-hand to find a secluded Parisian enclave for a snatched cuddle and a secret kiss with a quiet romantic hideaway at almost every turn.
If you’re not quite drunk on love, grab a bottle of vin rouge and toast each other on the lush lawns of the Rodin Gardens—one of the most beautiful rendezvous in Paris.
Dance among the flowers, fountains, and statues of the Luxembourg Garden, wander through Jardin des Tuileries by the Louvre, and pucker up for a smooch in the Place des Vosges’ secret garden.
Stroll along the Boulevard St. Germaine on the Left Bank, famous as the home of writers, painters, and artists—past and present—and soak up the bohemian atmosphere.
From the square at the front of Notre Dame Cathedral, you can snatch a glimpse of Chopin’s house.
The language of love
If the language of love doesn’t come easy, you can find inspiration at Le mur des je t’aime—the wall of I love you’s. The wall bears thousands of declarations of love, scribbled in hundreds of languages.
Strolling through history
Wind your way through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter or climb the slopes of Montmartre that are steeped in history.
Wander past Renoir’s house. Watch the city lights glimmer on the Seine and linger in the courtyard of the Louvre, an enchanting place to watch as the subtle lighting illuminates the four wings of the former royal palace.
If walking’s not your style, cozy up together for a sunset cruise along the Seine. Sail under ornate bridge arches and past the historic buildings and monuments. Pull away from each other just for a second to enjoy a sip of champagne.
Wining and dining
Love alone won’t sustain you in Paris—you will need to eat. The French devote as much passion to their food as they do to affairs of the heart, and plenty of places will please both the palate and stir the emotions.
The exquisite surroundings of 1728 on the Rue d’Anjou is an 18th century mansion that was once the home of the Marques La Fayette. The drawing rooms now house a restaurant and art gallery with many paintings, sculptures, and other objet d’arts for sale. The food is a delightful fusion of Asian and French cuisine.
Chef Pascal Barbot’s L’Astrance is just across the river from the Eiffel Tower and was voted the 11th best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine. The Michelin-starred chef serves innovative French fare that has included oyster cappuccino and crab and avocado ravioli. The split-level dining room allows an intimate meal with a few feet between each table for privacy and comfort.
La Grande Cascade was the pavilion of Napoleon III and is another plush, beautiful, and romantic setting. With unforgettable food and an excellent wine cellar, you feast beneath the dining room’s beautiful chandeliers.
A word to the wise—if you plan to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris, book your restaurant well in advance.
Flirt in the boutiques
Temptation is a shameless flirt and a shopping spree on the Champs-Elysees is difficult to resist, but flutter your lashes and make the day something he’ll enjoy as well.
You don’t want him feeling jealous that your time is being spent with another. Spoil each other with designer scents—treat him to something special from one of the many haute couture houses. Cartier, Chanel, and Yves St. Laurent are just some of the names that line what the French call ‘la plus belle avenue de monde,’ or “the most beautiful road in the world.”
Then, take a breather in the Ladurée tearooms, a favorite of the refined Paris set for more than a century. The macaroons are reputed to be the best in the city.
A night at the opera
Paris pulsates with cultural gems. Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille stage many beautiful ballets and operas. Try some traditional French theater or snuggle up on the back row of the cinema and take in a classic movie. For something a little livelier, there’s always the can-can at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
Rooms with a view
Follow your heart to some of the city’s most elegant and decadent places to stay. From intimate boutique hotels to the majestic chateaux of renaissance kings, Paris knows how to pamper adoring couples.
Chateau d’Esclimont—bristling with balconies, turrets, and pinnacles—is a short train ride away from the city center. Set in acres of parkland, you have to cross a moat to enter the front doors.
The Select is an art deco mini-palace near Notre Dame Cathedral—a winter garden, inner courtyard, and 1920s-style cocktail bar make this an ideal place for couples in love. For sheer indulgence, book a room at the Hotel George V with private terraces that overlook the Eiffel Tower.
A city burning with passion
Paris will woo you with poetry, romance, history, and art—a hedonistic delight for the senses that inflames the heart and sets your passion on fire.
Make this Valentine’s Day truly special and something you’ll both remember forever by jetting off to the city that lives for love. 
Here are some phrases to get you started:
♥ Je t’aime - I love you
♥ Je t’adore - I adore you
♥ Vous m’avez eu à bonjour - You had me at hello
♥ Nous aurons toujours Paris - We’ll always have Paris
