Paris for Lovers

Being in love in Paris doesn't necessarily mean following well-trodden paths. Running, fingers intertwined, off the beaten track, has a touch of novelty and adds spice to romantic feelings.

Of course, in Paris, there’s the Île Saint-Louis, the quays of the Seine, flowering gardens, enchanted parks, Montmartre hill, the small winding streets where we love to get a little lost, the Eiffel Tower sparkling, and all the beautiful squares. But beyond the classic places – which remain just as irresistible – there exists a more whimsical, romantic Paris that will delight lovers of new experiences. A small hidden spot, stolen from Parisians: under the Archevêché bridge (also a victim of numerous padlocks attached to its gates by couples from around the world), near the Port de la Tournelle, there's a bench by the quay. Snuggled together, lovers adore sitting there, watching the boats go by...

Another secret jealously kept by locals is the plaza of the Bibliothèque nationale de France-François Mitterrand, in the 13th arrondissement. Ultra-modern, surrounded by four huge glass towers, it is even more impressive at night. Offering a unique view of the quays on both banks, it gives a thrilling sense of absolute. Just across, at the end of the Parc de Bercy, magic is everywhere at the Musée des Arts Forains. Individual tours allow you to discover the old renovated attractions and enjoy rides, games, or watch automaton shows with your partner. A fairy-tale experience.

Cozy and very exotic, the Great Mosque of Paris, right next to the Jardin des Plantes, has a large tea room with lush decor and a Moorish café with two terraces, one of which is heated. The place, both welcoming and imbued with oriental architectural style, allows you to sip traditional mint tea with delicious pastries. A few streets away, in the Saint-Michel district, the Shakespeare and Co bookstore, all wood and piles of stacked books, is a warm haven for lovebirds. You can linger, wander, read lying on soft beds, and come to listen to English speakers playing the piano. Delightful!

You can also seek out romantic Paris through the professionals, those who know the city like the back of their hand: the tour guides. There are many in the French capital, and they know very diverse routes. The two most touching when you're in a couple are the ones about covered passages and private hotels. The remaining covered passages (about twenty out of the one hundred and fifty that were built through the buildings from the late 18th century) run from the Palais-Royal to the Grands Boulevards and are stunning galleries to discover for the greatest pleasure of your eyes. Parisian private hotels are, on the other hand, more exclusive as they are all private. But the guides, who have the keys, will let you enter a sumptuous world you will never forget.