City of Love: Romantic things to do in Paris

“In the 19th century, Paris was in the throes of the artistic and literary liberation of Romanticism, but it’s always been known as a romantic city. Throughout the city, you’ll find couples strolling through manicured gardens, enjoying wine over candlelight in bars and wandering the banks of the Seine at sunset.

There’s no doubt that Paris is all about romance, but here are the top romantic things to do and sights to see in the City of Love:

### Enjoy panoramic views at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower inspires love and marriage proposals, mostly due to its sweeping panoramic views of the gorgeous cityscape. You can enjoy a glass of pink champagne at the top-floor Champagne Bar, or take in the marvellous show after dark with the thousands of stunning golden lights that illuminate the tower.

### Marvel at Montmartre

Montmartre and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur are known for romance. Steep staircases lead to the basilica’s gorgeous white domes and panoramic vistas, and you can see masterpieces of artwork from Impressionist painter Renoir in this legendary artist’s neighbourhood.

The garden, complete with a rope swing from Renoir’s The Swing, is another highlight. You can also wander along the Place des Abbesses and Le mur des je t’aime. The ‘I Love You Wall’, painted on lava tiles, is a spectacular work by artists Claire Kito and Frédéric Baron.

### Admire French romantic artists

The Musée de la Vie Romantique, located in red-light Pigalle, is a romantic mansion with a cobbled courtyard and tangled gardens. Painter Ary Scheffer once lived there, as did writer George Sand. The exhibits showcase the Romantic-era Paris when Delacroix and Chopin attended salons in the house.

You’ll also find gorgeous works from Delacroix in the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or visit his studio-home, Musée National Eugène Delacroix, to see more intimate works. The Musée Rodin also has romantic works from Rodin.

### Wander hidden pathways

The Right Bank is all about the romantic nostalgia of the 19th century. You can explore antique and secondhand bookstores in Passage Verdeau or old-fashioned toys and dollhouses at Passage Jouffroy.

You could also visit Passage des Panoramas, an arcade with gas lamps and vintage boutiques holding treasures like postcards, medals and coins. Jardin du Palais Royal is a beautiful stroll as well, complete with elegant arches of the Galerie de Valois and Galerie de Monpensier.

### Stroll along Canal St-Martin

The 19th-century towpaths of the tranquil Canal St-Martin is a lovely spot for a romantic stroll. You can see an iron footbridge by the intersection of quai de Jemmapes and rue de la Grange aux Belles, or watch as the road bridge swings open to allow canal boat passage.

### Sail down the Seine

Sailing on the Seine on a river cruise is one of the most romantic things you can do in Paris, but booking a boat for 2 is more enjoyable. You can glide down the river in a rowboat for a serene sightseeing experience, and after you dock, you can walk through the woods to Jardin Shakespeare, where you’ll find wildflowers and trees featured in Shakespearean works. There are also performances in the open-air garden theatre in summer.

### Enjoy the sunset at Butte Beygeyre

In Paris’ East, there’s a secret village that’s perfect for sunset drinks with views of the city. You can see private vineyards, Paris rooftops and landmarks from benches and picnic spots, or sightsee in the quaint village streets for unique finds.

### Relax in Buttes-Chaumont

Buttes-Chaumont is a huge park and former quarry that’s perched high above the city. It’s wild and untamed, which makes it easy to find a cosy spot in the sun or a secluded corner for a picnic. You’ll find fromageries, wine shops, bakeries and delis nearby for your picnic essentials, and you won’t find more spectacular views of the city sunset.

### Watch French cinema at Studio 28

Paris’ oldest cinema regularly screens vintage French films in a classic, ornate space. Even if you don’t speak French, they have English films and screenings of French films with English audio tracks.

### Marvel at Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of Paris’ most beautiful and romantic structures. After touring the interior of the palace and its grand rooms, you can explore the enormous gardens and smaller palaces, homes and curiosities on the grounds. Highlights include the Grand Trianon miniature palace of pink marble, the hamlet built around a lake, a tiny theatre building and the Temple of Love.

The City of Love is an ideal destination for a couples retreat. With the help of Expedia, you can book a flight and hotel in Paris to plan your romantic holiday and get ready for its beauty.”