Ah Paris… the famous city of love. Top honeymoon destination, perfect place to spend a romantic weekend, especially on St. Valentine's Day. But why is Paris considered one of the most romantic places in the world? Let us give you just a few reasons!
Beauty, art and aesthetics
Paris strikes you with its beauty on every step, its architecture, monuments, little alleys, cozy bars and restaurants, the River Seine, the gardens… All that makes it one of the most charming cities in the world and helps to create the perfect setting and atmosphere for love. If there is one thing that stands out in this city, it is the care for aesthetics, everything here tries to appeal to an incessant beauty and harmony.
So how did it get the reputation of being the city of love? It all started at the end of the 18th century. Back then Paris was home to a number of artists of the Romantic period who immortalized the city in their works. Romanticism was born at the end of the 18th century, it was a new artistic trend, which spread throughout Europe. Its main focus were feelings and art was created to evoke strong emotions.
This was also the time when Paris changed its face completely - in the mid 19th century the city was rebuilt, with grand and elegant avenues, new buildings created such as the Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower among others. It was then that Paris became the capital of art and the home of many Romantic writers and poets, who give priority in their works to feelings, and of course, to love! There are plenty of poems, books and writings to prove it. Many artists have described Paris as their muse. Reading poems and books, seeing the artwork that was inspired by the city definitely reinforces the romantic view of Paris.
So where to see those works of art? Paris has some of the best museums in the world, the list is long! When visiting the city for the first time you should definitely head to the Louvre and the Orsay Museum. But Paris also boast… the Museum of Romantic Life! Located at the foot of Montmartre it is devoted to romantic female writers George Sand, a center of the Paris literary scene of the time, famous for both her works and her affairs with several artists, including Chopin. It also has a nice garden to relax with your loved one.
Love movies!
Art, poems, songs, but nowadays especially movies create our vision of Paris as the city of love and give it its incredible aura. Those who have never been to Paris, definitely saw it many times in films, TV series and even advertisements. So even without really knowing the city very much we associate it with love.
Many romantic movies have been shot in Paris over the years. Some famous examples are Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulin, Before Sunset, Moulin Rouge, Everyone says I love you, Midnight in Paris… Those who like classic films will never forget the ending of Casablanca and the ode to love between Rick and Ilsa and the quote “We’ll always have Paris.” In recent years, the Netflix series Emily in Paris has also become immensely popular and helped to reinforce the image of Paris as the city of great fashion, food and love.
Tell me about love... in French!
Despite sounding a bit cliché, French language is definitely something that adds an extra charm to your visit in Paris. French is considered to be one of the most romantic (and sexiest) languages in the world, and it’s often called the language of love, le langage de l'amour. It has a sweet, sensual sonority and melody we all love. “I love you" in French Je t'aime has become an international way to express deep love to somebody.
The most romantic experiences in Paris
We gave you some of the reasons why Paris is called the city of love. Now time has come for a few tips and recommendations on how to spend romantic time in Paris.
- Paris at night. When you walk through the city in the evening, you will find it beautifully illuminated. For one reason or another, it feels much more magical here compared to other cities. Some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur, will be lit up, and it’s quite magical! This makes Paris an incredibly romantic destination for an evening walk.
- Dinner on the Seine. The views of Paris at night from the river are breathtaking. Many of the city's emblematic monuments are on the banks of the Seine, such as the Cathedral, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. That's why dining on one of the boats that travel along the river will be a wonderful experience, both for the views and for the palate.
- The bridges of Paris are also very romantic, especially a walk in the evening through the Alexandre III bridge which is undoubtedly one of the most romantic bridges in the city. It was the first bridge lit with an electric lighting and it is known for appearing in many films, TV series and commercials. It also offers a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. The other bridge to visit is the Pont des Arts, known as the Bridge of Love, as lovers put padlocks on it, as a symbol that is to seal their love forever. Unfortunately the bridge collapsed in recent years as it got too heavy, there were too many padlocks there! Although it’s no longer possible to put your lovelock there, Pont des Arts still is an incredibly romantic place to visit.
- Gardens: with more than 400 parks and gardens, Paris is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Definitely visit the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg. In this garden there is even “a fountain of lovers” or the Medici Fountain. It was Queen Maria de Medici who ordered the construction of these gardens and the fountain has remained as a symbol of love and a place where lovers meet to stroll along the gardens.
- Let’s not forget about the Eiffel Tower! It is the symbol of Paris par excellence. This 300-meter-high iron tower, built in 1889, is located on the Champ de Mars, next to the River Seine, and is the tallest building in Paris. It is one of the most visited places in the whole city. Getting there you will often see couples, many people will choose this place to propose. Champ de Mars is also a good place to bring baguette, fromage and wine and have a picnic with your loved one!
- A stroll through Montmartre. The neighborhood on the hill above the Sacré-Coeur was famous way before the film Amélie was made, as it is a place full of charm and unique atmosphere. Strolling through its steep streets is a must for all couples looking for romantic places in Paris. And while you're there, you can admire the I Love You Wall. On the wall 311 times in approximately 280 different languages the phrase “ I love you” is written. You will find it in French, English and other major languages. The wall was created by a French artist Federic Baron. It combines contradictions - the wall is something that separates, generates borders and limitations, also different languages limit us and prevents us from understanding one another, however, the wall carries a strong message that love unites us, and it is a universal language. The wall stands as a symbol for reconciliation and reuniting the world. Today, the I Love You Wall is a popular spot where many lovers meet. While walking around Montmartre don't forget about our tour which will give you a perfect introduction to this charming, artistic neighbourhood.
- Restaurants and cafeterias. Finally the ultimate reason to visit Paris - food! It will be a straight path to the heart of your beloved! Paris is full of small, romantic restaurants offering delicious French cuisine. This is another reason why Paris is the number one destination for couples looking for romantic time! From delicious wine and champagne, cheese, foie gras up to desserts… Paris offers some of the best food in the world. The combination of yummy food and romantic restaurants make this city perfect for a romantic getaway. Many of the restaurants you see in Paris have kept their antique décor making them very charming and cozy. Some of the most romantic restaurants in Paris in our opinion are: Le Petite Bouillon Pharamond, Le Bouillon Julien, La Tour d’Argent and Girafe. The last one offers an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower!
So if you are looking for a place to spend a romantic weekend or even to propose, Paris will not disappoint you! Come here and feel the amour! ❤️
Eva Serrano
