Photo credit: Patrick Brosset via photopin cc
The French capital is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most spectacular cities and well worth a visit for so many reasons. Firstly, there are the iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre art gallery. And then there is the famous Parisian fashion scene, not to mention world-renowned cuisine which simply must be indulged.
However, if you are planning a trip to Paris with your significant other, then you might just want to deviate from the traditional tourist trail in order to do something special together. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in the “City of Love.” A romantic boat cruise on the River Seine or dinner atop the Eiffel Tower are just two classic adventures which spring to mind. However, if these kinds of activities are a little clichéd for you, then try out something a bit different off the beaten tourist path.
If you are looking for a daytime activity, then why not impress your partner by booking an “All about chocolate” spa treatment at the Four Seasons George V Hotel. It is two and a half hours of sensual treatment themed around chocolate – You can enjoy a Swiss chocolate and toffee body wrap or a chocolate mint body scrub! This is a great way to relax and prepare for the rest of what Paris has to offer.
If you are mulling how to spend a romantic evening, then why not do it over High Tea at The Ritz. Served from 4pm, this is one of the classiest venues in town. You can enjoy a gourmet tea, pastries and delicate sandwiches on polished silver surrounded by glittering crystal and priceless works of art. It is certainly something a little more upmarket than your regular café and sets the tone for a night to remember.
And of course, when it comes to evening and nightlife, the options are endless in Paris. If you want a cosy couple of hours, consider oysters, cheese and wine at Le Baron Rouge, where the atmosphere is more candlelight and soft music rather than loud tunes and noisy crowds. Given that you’re in Paris though, perhaps champagne is more your thing? Tucked away in a little side street, Flute L’Etoile is a dedicated champagne bar. Using small-sized flutes, you can try out a whole variety of different tasting champagnes to truly excite and educate your pallet.
If you want your evening to include something more than just (albeit excellent) food and wine, then consider a night at the opera. There are two options in Paris – The Opera Garnier is a stunning building commissioned by Napoleon III and includes grand chandeliers and marble edifices. The opera here is classic and a quintessential French experience. Alternatively, the Opera Bastille is both a modern work of architecture in itself and houses cutting-edge contemporary productions. Whichever you choose, why not follow it up with a romantic walk to the Ile St-Louis quays where you can bring a blanket and enjoy your own DIY wine or picnic gazing at a stunning vista of Paris.
However, if you want your evening to culminate in something a bit more upbeat, then check out L’Arc. This is a restaurant, bar and club all in one complex just a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe. A superb way to end a romantic Paris day.
