City Of Love: Best Paris Activities for Couples
Paris. The City of Lights. The City of Love. Keep reading to learn how you can make amazing memories and the Best Paris Activities for Couples.
Are you planning a trip to Paris with your significant other? I recently returned from Paris with my husband where we visited for our Honeymoon (sort of…). We got married in September of 2023 and immediately traveled to Hawaii, staying at Disney’s Aulani Resort. We were having an amazing time until I got sick for the entire second half of our trip. Long story short…I wanted a do-over.
When picking a destination for our honeymoon 2.0, I knew that I couldn’t go wrong with the City of Love. Keep reading for the Best Paris Activities for Couples. This guide will include romantic walks, perfect sunset locations, intimate dining spots and unique date ideas.
Romantic Walks and Scenic Views
One of my favorite (and simple) things to do with husband is to go for a walk. We’ve recently made a habit of taking one almost every evening. It allows us to talk and connect without distractions. Below are three of the best locations to walk and connect with your significant other while taking in the stunning views.
- Seine River – Probably the most iconic location to take a stroll in Paris is along the Seine River. There is a 2.7-mile path that runs along the Seine and through the Jardin des Tuileries. This is an easy walk that will take about an hour.
During this walk you will pass famous architecture, bridges and gardens. Walking along the Seine is also a wonderful way to see many of the iconic Paris landmarks.
- Montmartre – This charming neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement in Paris is also home to Sacré-Cœur. This cathedral sits at the top of a hill and provides a stunning view of the Paris city center.
As you stroll through Montmartre, you must stop at Place du Tetre. This is a square at the center of Montmartre and many artists will be drawing, sketching and selling their artwork. This is a great place to get a photo drawn with your significant other or pick up a memorable souvenir.
- The Gardens at Versailles – Even though Versailles is a little outside of Paris, it is worth the trip to walk through the gardens.
If you are visiting just the gardens, entrance is free and you can spend all day walking through the immaculately kept grounds. The gardens on their own can take between 2-4 hours to complete with many fountains and water shows to stop and enjoy.
Iconic Romantic Spots
When you think of Paris, these iconic spots probably come to mind. Coming in second on our list of the Best Paris Activities for Couples are these spectacular spots. I love to visit them during the day but visiting at night is more romantic.
- Eiffel Tower – This landmark is synonymous with the City of Love.
I prefer visiting the Eiffel Tower first thing in the morning but if you’re looking for more of a romantic feel, try visiting at night.
Book Tickets in Advance. If you’re visiting during the summer, I recommend booking tickets about a month in advance. There are many options to choose from depending on how high you would like to go and whether you want to walk up and down the steps.
On our recent trip, my husband and I did not book our tickets early enough and the day we wanted to visit was “sold out”. However, there is the option (depending on availability) to wait in line in-person to purchase tickets.
Amazing 360-degree views await you on the second floor. It is the perfect opportunity to see the layout of Paris while taking perfect pictures. The Eiffel Tower will sparkle beginning at 11pm for 5 minutes. This will happen every hour at the top of the hour until 2am.
- Pont des Arts – This is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the River Seine. It links the central square of the Palais du Louvre and Institut de France. This bridge has a reputation as the Bridge of Romance.
You may have seen this bridge in pictures with locks detailed with lovers’ initials and attached to the side of the bridge. While this is a romantic tradition, you are no longer permitted to attach locks to the Pont des Arts.
Today, this bridge is a “studio en plein air”. Artists will showcase their work and it is a popular location for a picnic.
Intimate Dining Experiences
French restaurants just have a way of making normal dining experiences more romantic. This is why they are a must on this list of Best Paris Activities for Couples. Maybe it’s the multiple courses that have you sitting at your table longer and allowing for more conversation, the fabulous wine, or delicious desserts. Whatever it is, these three restaurants are sure to provide an intimate experience in the City of Love.
- Le Jules Verne – This restaurant is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower making it perfect for a romantic night. If you time the reservation with sunset, there are sure to be beautiful views.
This restaurant has been awarded a second star in the Michelin Guide so it is sure to be delicious! They serve both lunch and dinner and it is something you will want to book far in advance.
- Le Moulin de la Galette – This is a traditional French restaurant where you can dine in their intimate dining room or outside on the terrace.
This restaurant is in Montmartre and would be the perfect dining option after you have taken a romantic stroll through the neighborhood. They offer a set menu with an appetizer, main course and dessert.
Historical Offering
- Le Train Bleu – This restaurant is in the Gare de Lyon and is open for lunch and dinner. The décor in this restaurant is breathtaking and it offers multiple different dining settings. It was originally opened in 1901 as the Station Buffet and in 1963 became “Le Train Bleu”.
This restaurant was very near to the hotel that my husband and I stayed in on our most recent trip.
Note: Our hotel was in a great location for getting around Paris – right next to the Gare de Lyon, and we would highly recommend if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable and convenient stay.
Unique Date Ideas
A romantic trip to the City of Love would not be complete without some unique date nights and planned activities. Here are three ideas that would not only help you spend some quality time with your significant other but will also allow you to explore the City of Love.
- Seine River Cruise – While taking an evening stroll along the Seine can be a great way to spend quality time together, a Seine River Cruise provides a unique way to view all of Paris.
Many River Seine cruises, like this one here, will provide a romantic dinner with live music and champagne.
Planning a big announcement? You can even add on a marriage proposal package to your experience.
- Cooking Class for Two – France is known for its’ fine dining and taking a cooking class can help you explore its’ unique cultural cuisine.
You can book cooking classes that will take you to the market to pick up your ingredients and then back to their location to learn how to prepare the dish. If you’d prefer not having to cook the food yourself, a food tour is also a great option.
- Wine Tasting – A wine tasting is perfect for a romantic date during the day or night.
For example, this tour here, is in Montmartre and consists of a walking tour of 10 pre-selected wine and food stops. Not only are you getting to see historic tourist sites and enjoy historical landmarks, but you are able to immerse yourself (and your taste buds) in the local culture.
Cozy Accommodations
A romantic couple’s trip to the City of Love would not be complete without a special place to stay. Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, private bed and breakfast, or a room with a view, you will be sure to find plenty of them in this city. Here are some of my top recommendations.
Marriot Courtyard Gare de Lyon – I have personally stayed in this hotel and had a great experience. It is seconds from a metro station, making traveling the city a breeze. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and they had a delicious breakfast.
Les Jardins Du Luxembourg – This is a boutique hotel located towards the center of Paris. It has been highly rated for couples traveling together and features a wonderful breakfast.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – This is a 4 star hotel that offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower. Several rooms have a balcony but be sure to request specifically for an Eiffel Tower view as not every room comes with this option. It is located in the heart of Paris just steps from the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées and the Louvre.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide of the City of Love: Best Paris Activities for Couples, has helped you to prepare for a romantic and unforgettable trip. If this is your first time to Paris, check out this plan for how you can have 3 Perfect Days in Paris.
Have you been to Paris? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
