Romantic Paris: Fall in Love All Over Again in the City of Light

Paris has always been the city of love, but beyond the crowded viewpoints and tourist filled cafés lies a more intimate side of the city waiting to be discovered. My guide will reveal romantic Paris from my 3 years experience living in France.

The guide reveals the secret terraces where lovers still meet at sunset, the hidden passages where time stands still, and the historic cafés where great romances blossomed. From clandestine rooftops offering breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower to centuries old courtyards where roses climb ancient walls, these are the places where true romantics find their Paris.

Paris, the City of Love, is filled with romantic experiences that make it the perfect destination for couples. Here are the top romantic things to do in Paris.

28 Romantic Paris Things to do

Sunset at the Eiffel Tower 

 Enjoy a picnic at Champ de Mars with wine and cheese as the tower sparkles at night (every hour on the hour after dusk). 

 Book a dinner at Le Jules Verne (Michelin starred restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower). 

Hours: Tower open daily 9am-12:45am (last ascent 11pm)
Pricing: Le Jules Verne Restaurant: €135-230 per person, free access to 2nd floor where restaurant is

Best Time: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset
Local Tip: Book Le Jules Verne 3 months in advance for window seats

Seine River Cruise at Night 

Take a Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise with champagne as you glide past illuminated landmarks. 

Hours: Cruises depart every 30-45 minutes (6:30pm-10:30pm)
Pricing: Standard cruise: €15-20, Dinner cruise: €69-120, Private cruise: from €350

Best Time: 9pm cruise for optimal city lights
Local Tip: Choose Vedettes du Pont Neuf for smaller boats and better views

Stroll Hand in Hand in Montmartre 

Wander the charming cobblestone streets, visit the Sacré Cœur Basilica for panoramic views, and get a portrait drawn at Place du Tertre. Stop by Le Consulat, a cozy café loved by artists. 

Hours: Daily (Sacré Cœur 6am-10:30pm, Place du Tertre 10am-8pm)
Pricing: Sacré Cœur entry: Free Portrait artists: €30-80. Le Consulat café: €5-25

Best Time: Early morning or sunset for best views
Local Tip: Access the “secret” view from Villa Léandre for crowd-free photos

Love Lock Bridge (Pont des Arts or Pont de l’Archevêché) 

 Though the original locks were removed, couples still leave symbolic locks on nearby bridges. 

Best Time: Sunrise or sunset
Local Tip: Do not leave a lock just admire the views

Romantic Dinner with a View 

For a truly unforgettable romantic dinner in Paris, consider these stunning locations. Le Perchoir offers a trendy rooftop setting with breathtaking skyline views, perfect for a chic and intimate evening. Les Ombres, located atop the Musée du Quai Branly, provides a sophisticated dining experience with direct views of the Eiffel Tower, ideal for a romantic night under the stars. If you’re looking for something more unique, 58 Tour Eiffel, first floor allows you to dine casually right on the Eiffel Tower itself, combining iconic Parisian charm with a memorable culinary experience. Each spot promises a magical atmosphere, making them perfect for a special date night in the City of Love.

Hours: Varying by restaurant (typically 7pm-10:30pm)
Pricing: Le Perchoir: €50-80 per person, Les Ombres: €90-150 per person, 58 Tour Eiffel: €70-100 per person

Best Time: 8:30pm seating for sunset views
Local Tip: Book 2-3 months ahead for window tables

Visit the Most Romantic Museums 

 Musée Rodin – The Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin) is one of Paris’ most romantic and intimate museums, housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin once lived and worked. The museum showcases his passionate masterpieces, including the iconic “The Kiss” and “The Thinker,” while its serene sculpture garden—filled with roses, fountains, and winding paths—invites quiet strolls hand-in-hand.

“Love is not about gazing at each other, but looking outward together in the same direction.” — Rodin’s muse, Camille Claudel (whose works are also displayed here).

Hours: Musée Rodin: 10am-6:30pm (closed Mondays), Ticket Costs: €13 (garden only €4)

Best Time: Late afternoon for garden light

Local Tip: The Rodin garden café is perfect for intimate tea

Jacquemart-Andre Museum – Just steps from the Champs-Élysées, the Jacquemart-André couple’s home features the finest private art collection in Paris, combined with the atmosphere of a grand 19th-century residence. The mansion’s salons feature objets d’art and masterpieces by artists such as Uccello, Mantegna, Botticelli, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Reynolds.

Hours: 10 to 6 daily. Ticket Costs Adult: €17 (includes audioguide)

Best Time: Go at 3pm to avoid crowds

Local Tip: Sip champagne or tea under the glass-domed ceiling, surrounded by tropical plants. It’s like dining in a 19th-century fantasy.

Wine & Cheese Tasting in a Cozy Cave 

 Book a tasting at O Chateau or Les Caves du Louvre for an intimate experience. 

Hours: O Chateau: 12pm-10:30pm, Les Caves du Louvre: 10am-6pm

Pricing: Basic tasting: €30-45, Premium experience: €75-95, Private tastings: from €120

Best Time: Evening sessions for intimacy
Local Tip: Book the small “Romance in Paris” package at O Chateau

Sunrise at Trocadéro 

Beat the crowds and watch the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro Gardens. 

Hours: Gardens open 24/7
Best Viewing Spots: Upper terrace for classic views, Lower gardens for reflection pools, Side stairs for unique angles

Best Time: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise
Local Tip: The café at Carette opens early for warm croissants

Shakespeare & Company Bookstore 

 Browse this legendary bookstore, then write love notes to each other in the reading nook. 

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm
Activities: Reading nook visits: Free, Writer’s room access: With €20 book purchase, Poetry readings: Check schedule.

Best Time: Weekday mornings
Local Tip: Get your books stamped with the iconic store seal

Midnight Walk Along the Seine 

 The bridges and quays are beautifully lit, making it perfect for a late night romantic stroll. 

Best Routes: Île Saint-Louis to Pont Neuf (30 minutes), Notre-Dame to Pont Alexandre III (45 minutes), Complete Seine loop (2 hours)

Best Time: 10pm-midnight
Local Tip: The lights on monuments turn off at 1am

Dessert at Angelina or Café de Flore 

 Sip rich hot chocolate at Angelina or enjoy Parisian café culture at Café de Flore. Café de Flore and Angelina: A Duo of Parisian Romance Café de Flore, nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is a timeless emblem of Parisian romance, where red leather banquettes and Art Deco mirrors have witnessed decades of whispered confessions and intellectual trysts. Since 1887, lovers like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre have lingered over coffee, enveloped in the café’s golden glow and the hum of philosophical debate.

Just a stroll away, Angelina offers a different but equally enchanting romantic experience. Founded in 1903 near the Tuileries Garden, this Belle Époque tearoom is famed for its velvety chocolat chaud and delicate Mont-Blanc pastry, once adored by Coco Chanel. With its gilded ceilings, soft light filtering through lace curtains, and the sweet indulgence of its treats, Angelina feels like a scene from a vintage love story.

Hours: Angelina: 9am-7pm, Café de Flore: 7:30am-1:30am, Pricing: Hot chocolate: €8.50, Pastries: €8-15, Light meals: €20-35

Day Trip to Versailles 

 Explore the Palace of Versailles, its grand gardens, and the Queen’s Hamlet for a fairytale escape.  Versailles is the epitome of romance, a dazzling testament to love, power, and grandeur. The Palace of Versailles, with its opulent Hall of Mirrors and gilded chambers, whispers tales of royal passion—Louis XIV built it as a monument to his absolute reign, yet it also witnessed clandestine affairs and courtly love.

The Gardens of Versailles, designed by Le Nôtre, are a masterpiece of symmetry and elegance, where couples stroll along tree-lined alleys, discover hidden groves, and row boats on the Grand Canal at sunset. The Trianon estates, including Marie Antoinette’s idyllic Petit Trianon, offer intimate retreats with blooming roses, quaint cottages, and secluded pathways—perfect for stolen moments. Whether picnicking by the fountains, wandering through the Orangerie, or admiring the golden gates glinting in the evening light, Versailles is a dreamlike escape where history and romance intertwine.

Hours: 9am-6:30pm (closed Mondays)
Pricing: Palace: €18-20, Gardens: €10 (free in winter), Marie-Antoinette’s Estate: €12

Hidden Romantic Gardens

Square Jean XXIII (behind Notre Dame)

This charming little park, nestled behind the majestic NotreDame, offers a peaceful retreat with its lush greenery, shaded benches, and stunning views of the cathedral’s flying buttresses. The soft murmur of the Seine nearby and the timeless beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect spot for quiet, romantic moments.

Hours: Daily 8am-8:30pm (summer), 8am-5:30pm (winter)

Local Tip: Visit early morning when the rising sun illuminates the cathedral’s stained glass, casting colorful reflections across the garden.

 Jardin du Palais Royal

With its elegant symmetry, manicured lawns, and striking black and white striped columns, the Jardin du Palais Royal exudes serenity and sophistication. The photogenic scenery—especially under the golden light of sunset—creates an intimate atmosphere, ideal for leisurely strolls hand in hand. 

Hours: Daily 7am-8:30pm (summer), 7am-6:30pm (winter)
Pricing: Garden entry: Free, Café chairs: €2

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

A hidden gem with dramatic cliffs, a tranquil lake, and a picturesque temple perched high above, this park feels like a secret romantic escape. The winding paths, cascading waterfalls, and secluded nooks make it a dreamy oasis away from the city’s hustle, perfect for whispered conversations and stolen kisses.

Hours: Daily 7am-10pm (summer), 7am-8pm (winter)
Pricing: Park entry: Free

Hidden Viewpoints & Vistas

Galeries Lafayette Hidden Terrace – A Romantic Parisian Rooftop Escape 

Tucked above the dazzling hustle of Galeries Lafayette’s luxury department store, the Hidden Terrace (Terrasse Coupole) is one of Paris’s bestkept secrets—a breathtaking rooftop oasis with panoramic views of the city, including the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and the SacréCœur. Bathed in golden sunlight during the day and softly lit at night, this intimate terrace feels like a private garden in the sky, making it an irresistibly romantic spot for couples. 

The terrace is accessible (and free) via the store’s 7th floor (home decor section). Take the escalators or elevator up, then follow signs for “Terrasse”—it’s discreetly tucked away, adding to its exclusive charm. Alternatively, you can enter through the Gourmet Hall (on the 1st floor) and take the elevator directly to the rooftop. 

Hours: Daily 9:30am-7:30pm. Cost: Free

 Le Perchoir Marais – A Hidden Rooftop for Intimate Moments

Perched above the trendy Marais district, Le Perchoir Marais offers one of Paris’s most effortlessly cool—and romantic—rooftop experiences. While the main terrace is already a beloved spot for sunset cocktails, the real secret is its “Secret Level” (Niveau Secret), an even more intimate, foliage draped hideaway with cozy seating, warm lighting, and dreamy views over Parisian rooftops.

Le Perchoir Marais is located atop BHV Marais (a department store at 37 Rue de la Verrerie). To reach the rooftop, take the elevator to the 7th floor (follow signs for Le Perchoir), then climb a short flight of stairs to the hidden upper deck—ask a staff member discreetly if you can’t find it and entry is free.

 Historic Hidden Passages

Cour du Commerce-Saint-André (6th Arrondissement)

Tucked away in the Latin Quarter, this charming cobblestone passage feels like a step back in time. Lined with ivy-clad buildings, intimate cafés, and flickering lanterns, the Cour du Commerce-Saint-André exudes old-world romance. Historically, it was once part of Philippe Auguste’s 13th-century wall and later home to revolutionary figures like Camille Desmoulins, who plotted at the Café Procope (Paris’s oldest café). Today, couples stroll hand-in-hand past artisan shops and hidden wine bars, savoring the secluded, timeless atmosphere.

Cour de Rohan (6th Arrondissement)

A hidden gem near Odéon, this series of three interconnected courtyards feels like a secret garden. With its medieval arches, vine-covered walls, and quiet benches, Cour de Rohan is perfect for whispered conversations. Historically, it was part of a 16th-century bishop’s palace and later housed artisans, including a young Gustave Eiffel’s workshop. The hushed, almost mystical ambiance—away from the bustle of Saint-Germain—makes it an ideal spot for stolen kisses and romantic reflection.

Square de la Place des Vosges (4th Arrondissement)

Nestled behind the grand Place des Vosges, this secluded courtyard is a romantic oasis with a fountain, shaded benches, and climbing roses. Built in the early 1600s under Henri IV, it was once part of the aristocratic Hôtel de Sully. Unlike the more touristy square, this hidden garden remains quiet, offering couples a peaceful retreat under the trees.

Passage de l’Ancre (3rd Arrondissement)

Tucked away in the 3rd arrondissement, this tiny, ivy clad passage feels like a secret garden frozen in time. Cobblestones, weathered shop fronts, and climbing greenery create a storybook charm, while the soft murmur of a nearby fountain adds to the serenity. Unlike Paris grand boulevards, this alley feels intimate and forgotten.

Secret Romantic Spots

A Visit to Coco Chanel’s Private Apartment – Timeless Parisian Romance 

Tucked above the iconic Chanel boutique at 31 Rue Cambon, Coco Chanel’s preserved private apartment is a luxurious and intimate glimpse into the designer’s glamorous world. Though not regularly open to the public, exclusive access can sometimes be arranged through private tours (check Chanel’s official website for rare events or by appointment, but expect €200–€500+ per person for a curated experience.

Visiting Options: Private tours by appointment only, Special fashion week events, Select press/VIP occasions

Pricing: Exclusive guided tour: from €200 per person, Private group tours: from €500 per person

Local Tip: The boutique’s ground floor and iconic mirrored staircase are freely accessible during store hours (10am-7pm, Monday-Saturday).

Alternative Chanel Experiences:

• Ritz Paris Chanel Suite: from €1,800/night
• Bar Hemingway: Cocktails from €30
• Original Chanel boutique: Free to visit

Tip: If you can’t secure a visit, the nearby Ritz Paris—where Chanel lived for 34 years—offers a “Chanel Suite” and a glamorous Bar Hemingway cocktail in her honor.

Romantic Hidden Gems of Paris: Literary Cafés & Secret Views 

Les Deux Magots Literary Garden 

Tucked behind the legendary Les Deux Magots café—where Hemingway, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir once wrote—this secluded garden terrace is a lush, intimate escape from the bustling Saint-Germain crowd. Twisting ivy, wrought-iron bistro tables, and the soft clink of coffee cups create an air of old-world romance, perfect for whispered conversations over café crème. 

Hours: Daily 7:30am-1am
Pricing: Coffee: from €6, Hot chocolate: €8.50, Pastries: €8-12, Cocktails: €15-20

Best Time: Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon (4-6pm)
Local Tip: Request a table in the hidden back garden for more intimacy

Café de Flore Secret Salon 

Upstairs at the iconic Café de Flore, a hidden salon (often reserved for private events) offers velvet banquettes, gilded mirrors, and the same Art Deco glow that enchanted Picasso and Brigitte Bardot. It’s quieter than the ground floor, with a timeless Parisian allure—ideal for a tête-à-tête over Champagne. 

Hours: Daily 7:30am-1:30am
Pricing: Standard café seating: No minimum, Secret salon: €50 minimum per person, Champagne: from €95 per bottle, Afternoon tea: €35 per person

Best Time: Late morning for the salon
Local Tip: Ask for “Salon Picasso” specifically when booking

Pont des Arts at Dawn 

At sunrise, this bridge—once famous for “love locks”—is silent and golden, with mist rising off the Seine and the Louvre glowing in soft light. No crowds, just the sound of lapping water and the first rays hitting the Institut de France.

Tip: Combine these for a dreamy Saint-Germain morning: coffee at Les Deux Magots, Champagne at Café de Flore’s salon, then a sunrise stroll to Pont des Arts.

Stay in a Romantic Hotel

 Hôtel Plaza Athénée  – The Epitome of Parisian Romance:

“The most romantic hotel in Paris.” – Audrey Hepburn

With its iconic red geranium-draped balconies overlooking the Eiffel Tower, crystal chandeliers, and lavish Art Deco interiors, the Plaza Athénée is a dreamlike setting for love. This legendary 5-star palace offers Michelin-starred dining at Alain Ducasse, a romantic ice-skating rink in winter, and sumptuous suites with marble fireplaces and silk-lined walls—perfect for champagne toasts and stolen kisses. 

Pricing:Classic rooms: from €1,500, Deluxe suites: from €3,500, Eiffel Terrace Suite: from €20,000

Best Time: Spring for balcony views
Local Tip: Request room 361 for the most romantic Eiffel Tower angle

 Le Meurice – A Fairytale Romance in the Heart of Paris  

Overlooking the Tuileries Gardens with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, Le Meurice is a masterpiece of 18th-century opulence blended with modern luxury. Its gilded salons, frescoed ceilings, and Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse create a regal yet intimate atmosphere—perfect for candlelit proposals or anniversaries. The Belle Étoile Suite offers a private terrace with 360° Parisian views, making it one of the city’s most coveted romantic stays. 

Hours: Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 12pm
Pricing: Superior rooms: from €1,200

Best Time: Summer for garden views
Local Tip: Book the restaurant’s “lovers’ alcove” for proposals

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre – A Secret Love Nest in Paris’s Artistic Quarter  

Tucked behind an unassuming gate in Montmartre, this 19th-century private mansion feels like a hidden garden of Eden. With just five exclusive suites, each uniquely decorated with velvet drapes, antique bathtubs, and bohemian chic charm, it’s an intimate escape where time stands still. The tree-shaded courtyard and speakeasy-style bar add to the allure, making it ideal for couples seeking seclusion and old-world romance. 

Hours: Check-in 3pm-10pm (late check-in by arrangement)
Pricing: Standard rooms: from €500, Grand Salon suite: from €900

Best Time: Spring/Fall for garden scenery
Local Tip: Request the “Artists’ Suite” for the most romantic atmosphere

Your Romantic Paris Journey

Paris’s romance reveals itself in layers: from iconic landmarks to secret passages, each location in this guide offers a unique way to experience the city’s legendary charm. Whether you’re planning a proposal atop Galeries Lafayette’s hidden terrace or sharing morning coffee in a literary café, remember:

• Best times for intimacy: Early morning (7-9am) or late evening (after 9pm)
• Most romantic months: April-May (spring blooms) or September-October (golden light)
• Budget-friendly romance: Many hidden gardens and passages are free
• Splurge-worthy moments: Rooftop champagne at sunset, private hotel terraces

Let these carefully curated locations be your starting point, but stay open to discovering your own secret corners of Paris. After all, the most memorable romantic moments often happen when you least expect them.

Here are some more romantic spots to visit in France

A stunning medieval village Dinan

Beautiful village of St Ceneri

The great Chateau of the Loire Valley

The Ladies Chateau – Chenonceau