Paris regularly tops “best city” roundups as well as personal bucket lists, and this is not the first time we’ve touched upon this marvellous city. With the bright, clear days and long, fragrant evenings that spring and summer bring, there’s no better time to visit Paris for an unforgettable romantic break.
Visits to Paris with friends typically involve the Eiffel Tower and a good many restaurants and bars, but today we’re highlighting some of the very best places to visit on an intimate holiday with someone special.
In the Daytime
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
This picturesque park is located in the north-eastern part of central Paris, some four kilometres from the Seine. Its rolling lawns and soothing wooded areas are ideal for a nice, private walk on a spring morning, and the highlight of the park is the mystical-feeling Temple de la Sibylle. The Temple de la Sibylle is a small replica of the ancient Roman Temple of Vesta, which has itself been a huge influence in art and landscaping since the 1600s.
The temple is perched majestically upon a 50-metre tall island set in the park’s very own lake. There’s nothing that’ll tug at the heartstrings more than a visit to the temple with a loved one, from where you can look out over the placid waters of the lake and the rest of the park.
Romance Forever at the Four Seasons Hotel
The Four Seasons’ world class spa offers a range of bespoke treatments, but for couples, you can’t beat the Romance Forever Spa Journey. You and your partner will be taken to the Royale Spa Suite, where you’ll first experience a massage and facial from the hotel’s own spa experts, after which you’ll both be left to enjoy the spa facilities of the suite in private.
Prices
890 EUR for a 3-hour treatment.
Montmartre District Walking Tour
Strictly limited to only 8 places, the Montmartre walking tour is aimed specifically at those interested in discovering the most romantic parts of the city. This tour takes you through the Montmartre district, showing you the birthplaces of some of the city’s finest romances. The tour also takes you past the world famous “I Love You” wall, covered with 311 declarations of love in 250 languages, and to the studio behind some of the best film romances of the twentieth century.
Prices
From 68 EUR, depending on the date.
Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
If you want to treat your partner, look no further than Galeries Lafayette. Lafayette offers good prices on world-class luxury brands, and the presentation and layout of the shop makes it a real pleasure to browse. Dedicated shoppers will also be pleased to know that there are a number of VIP, personal shopping and image consultancy services available at Lafayette, and the staff pride themselves on customer service, with multilingual service and plenty of chances to polish your style.
At Night
Sunset Views of the City
After spending the day out and about, cap it off by watching the sunset from the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower. The view of the city is nothing short of beautiful, and you can accentuate the experience with a glass of champagne if you wish.
For a different view in a more traditional setting, climb the 40 stairs to the top of the famous Arc de Triomphe. Overlooking the Champs d’Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe is not only a piece of history in and of itself, but is also a spectacular viewpoint for watching the sunset. If you stay there until after 18:30, you’ll also see the Flame of the Unknown Soldier, which burns to honour a nameless French soldier who died in the First World War, and which serves as a monument to all of the unidentified war dead.
Prices
From 15 EUR without champagne for the Montparnasse Observation Deck.
8 EUR for adults for the Arc de Triomphe.
5 EUR for students for the Arc de Triomphe.
Dinner at Le Train Bleu
Once the sun has set, head to Le Train Bleu for an excellent meal. Le Train Bleu’s menu has its roots in traditional French haute cuisine, and its high quality ingredients and expert kitchen work will leave you beaming.
Prices
Around 85 EUR for three courses without wine.
How to Get to Paris
British Airways, easyjet, Air France and others all offer flights from London airports (London City, Heathrow and Luton) to Charles de Gaulle airport. It typically costs between £100 and £130 for a round trip, and flight time is around 1hr 20. After this, a Charles de Gaulle airport shuttle will have you in central Paris after only a 30-minute drive.
It’s also quite easy to get to Paris by train, although it takes slightly longer. The Eurostar runs from London to Paris in under 3 hours, and return tickets can be had at around £50. Our reliable transfer services can take you and your baggage from the train station to your accommodation with minimum hassle.
Where to Stay:
Turenne Le Marais – Set within Marais, one of the most fashionable parts of the city, Turenne Le Marais offers characteristic Parisian charm in a luxurious setting. The rooms have Wi-Fi access and are beautifully decorated, and breakfast can be brought to your room. Turenne Le Marais is ideally located for shopping as well as for cultural tourism, and is surrounded by nightlife.
Hotel Louvre Bons Enfants – With its central location and high quality service, Hotel Louvre Bons Enfants comes highly recommended. You can walk to Notre Dame cathedral in only 20 minutes, and it’s a couple of minutes on foot from the Palais Royal Musée du Louvre Metro station, so you’ll have the run of the city if you base yourself here.
Hotel Du Midi Paris Montparnasse – Hotel Du Midi’s surroundings are awash with cultural attractions, and the free Wi-Fi and competitive rates make this a solid choice. You can walk to the Paris Catacombs in around a minute, and the service is top quality.
About Shuttle Direct
For the most convenient, easy to book airport transfers throughout Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct’s fast and friendly service offers peace of mind and exceptional service. Book a shared or private transfer online before you leave home and our experienced drivers will meet you at the airport and transport you to and from your holiday accommodation without delay. Choose Shuttle Direct for the best airport transfers in the business.
