SummerThe sweet aroma of chocolate croissants wafting from a local bakery. Street lights illuminating the night. The Eiffel Tower looming in the distance. On Valentine’s Day, all of us dream of spending time with that special someone and having the perfect evening. What better place than Paris! Of staying in a magical place, where you can forget reality, if only for a moment. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than in the City of Love. My fantasy of exploring all the extraordinary treasures of Paris came true in 2015. Now, I’m here to show you how to make your Paris dreams come true too.
Landmarks
Eiffel Tower
The epitome of a romantic night (or afternoon) in Paris, the Eiffel Tower provides one of the most picturesque views in the world. Seriously, the experience is surreal and something you will never forget. There is nothing quite like looking down into the city, cars moving, people walking, lights flashing in harmonious chaos. Of course, this enchanting landmark is even more magical at night.
Intricately designed and built, the tower was named after its talented engineer, Gustave Eiffel. Experienced and incredible, Eiffel is well known for his involvement in the Statue of Liberty, Panama Canal, and the Bordeaux railway bridge.
Just in case, I recommend buying tickets ahead of time online. That way, you will not have to wait as long in line at the entrance of the tower. For the adventurer, stairs lead the way to the top. But for the smart people (just kidding), there are elevators that stop at each floor. Complete with buffets and gift shops throughout the structure, the tower can satisfy all of your needs.
The Levels
Under the structure is the Esplanade, which has an information desk and shop for souvenirs (like mini Eiffel Towers!). On the first level, a glass floor encourages the daring side of you with the city at your feet. In the winter, you can even ice skate there. For the children at heart, tables with swings provide a fun activity. With an impeccable view of the other jewels of Paris, the second floor of the tower features coin-operated telescopes. Perfect for a romantic meal, the Michelin-starred restaurant, Jules Verne, is also on this floor. Besides the restaurant, a macaroon bar called Pierre Hermé can indulge your sweet tooth. Finally, the top. As well as an inside room for distant amazement, the top features an outside area that is certain to trigger your vertigo.
On a warm, sunny day, the Eiffel Tower Gardens are perfect for an afternoon stroll. Near the Eiffel Tower, there is also a grassy, open space ideal for a lovers’ picnic.
Palace of Versailles
Once home to Marie Antoinette, King Louis XIII, XIV, XV, XVII, and Napoleon Bonaparte, the Palace of Versailles is a relic of the past. Complete with a Hall of Mirrors, Coronation Room, Gallery of Great Battles, and more, the palace contains extravagant art and decor. Inlaid with gold and the most fine materials, this architectural and landscaping feat of 2,014 acres is truly incredible.
As you spend Valentine’s Day with your other half, think about visiting the palace. Revel in all of its luxury. Enjoy a fountain show or a walk in the gardens. Sit in reverence at a performance at the Royal Opera. Let the “Let them eat cake!” side of you shine. Again, you might want to reserve tickets online to avoid a long line and arrive before the opening time at 9:00 a.m. If you do not wish to pay for a tour guide, you can download the Palace of Versailles app that has an interactive map and audio tour.
Notre Dame
Sadly, Notre Dame, the famous medieval Gothic cathedral, closed a few years ago. After a devastating fire during renovations to the church in 2019, the government made the decision to close it until 2024. It is open now to the public again.
The building’s spire, roof, and upper walls were severely damaged. However, my trip to Paris was before this tragedy struck, and I had the privilege of touring the cathedral. When I visited, entrance to the church was free, but admission to the tower and treasury was not. Solemn but breathtaking, the church was originally built nine centuries ago. Flickering candlelight, magnificent stained-glass windows, gargoyle sculptures, and echoing voices create an intense, reflective mood. Back then, it held great religious importance for the bishops and popes of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
In the center of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe represents the very heart of French nationalism. Taking a whopping thirty years to build, the Arc was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, who wished to congratulate his soldiers’ victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Buried at the base of the arch in 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier adds even more significance to this monument. Today, you can recognize it as the end destination of the Tour de France and beginning spot of the annual Bastille Day Parade. If you’d like to enjoy a view of the center of the city with your Valentine, I advise you to buy tickets online ahead of time, since that’s all they accept now. Well worth the 280 step trek up a spiral staircase, the top of the Arc overlooks Paris in all of its glory.
The Louvre
Arguably the most renowned art museum in the world, the Louvre displays exceptional art fusing modernism and history. Its pyramid-like architecture reflects centuries of stylistic periods from Gothic to Neoclassical. Going to see Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is something millions cross off their bucket list every year. Considering all 652,300 square feet of the Louvre, it’s no wonder it sees the most visitors of any art museum in the world.
Its rich history begins as a medieval fortress around the year 1200 during the rule of King Philippe-Auguste. Containing remnants from the Tuileres Palace that was commissioned by Queen Catherine de’ Medici, it still holds significance from the 1871 Renaissance era. Throughout the years, various artists ranging from Jean Goujon of the 16th century and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux of the 19th century have contributed decorations and sculptures. In 1981, French president, Francois Mitterrand, started the Grand Louvre Project to expand and remodel it.
With a total of over 35,000 art pieces, the exhibits represent countless periods and places that make the Louvre come alive. Since it is estimated that it would take a person about 200 days to see everything, I recommend narrowing down what you want to see the most. If you happen to get famished while analyzing the pure genius of Caravaggio, the museum has a variety of meal options. I believe that this is a must-see while in Paris.
Food
This is the part that always has me the most excited. Paris is one of the best food destinations on the planet.
La Maison Du Chocolat
One of the most renowned chocolate shops in the world, La Maison Du Chocolat provides the perfect guilty pleasure on Valentine’s Day. With a wide range of flavors from orange to portobello mushroom, the shop can satisfy all of your cravings. Creative and exquisite, the chocolates have great piquancy. Not only do they have truffles, pralines, bars, and more, they also offer mouth watering pastries, such as macarons and mousse cakes. Every bite hints at a certain je ne sais quoi. That’s French for, “I don’t know how to describe this, but it’s exquisite.” Although this splurge is expensive, it is so worth it.
Croque Monsieur
A beautiful marriage of ham and Gruyere cheese (and sometimes béchamel sauce), the croque monsieur is a Parisian dish that dates back over a century. A man by the name of Michel Lunarca was the original creator of this sandwich masterpiece in 1901. When he ran out of baguette one afternoon, he decided to bake pain de mie (traditional thin bread with a soft crust) instead. Variations of the croquettes monsieur include the croque madame and the Monte Cristo. With a fried or poached egg on top, the croque madame was named in 1960 for its egg’s supposed resemblance to a woman’s hat. As for the Monte Cristo, it is dipped in egg and pan or deep-fried instead of grilled or baked with an addition of powdered sugar for topping. As a tribute to Alexander Dumas’s literary masterpiece, The Count of Monte Cristo, the sandwich first appeared in a Parisian Cafe in 1910. Rich with history and dynamic flavors, these sandwiches are a must-try in Paris.
Crepes
Ahhh. A thin pastry folded with a variety of ingredients. They can be sweet. They can be savory. The possibilities, the toppings are endless. I’m sure most of you know what I’m talking about. That’s right: crepes. Even though many people have had crepes before, they are nothing like the ones in Paris. Originating in the northwestern region of Brittany, the crepe dates back to the thirteenth century. Today, food trucks line the streets everywhere with this Parisian specialty. From ham and cheese to bananas and peanut butter to Oreos and Nutella, these delicacies can be personalized to your taste buds.
Other Activities
Champs-Élysées Avenue
Stretching for about 1.24 miles, Avenue de Champs-Élysées is in the very heart of Paris. Moreover, it is lined with several restaurants and shops. Specifically, you can enjoy a couples’ shopping spree splurge at Louis Vuitton or Tiffany & Co. (yeah ladies, you’re welcome). Although, if you aren’t fond of these expensive brands, Nike and a gigantic Abercrombie & Fitch are also options.
If you are a foreign film lover, you may enjoy one of the many cinemas, such as UGC Normandie. To enjoy some more art and history, you can explore the halls of the museums of Grand Palais and Petit Palais. Or if you love food as much as I do, you should try one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, like Ladoyen and Laurent. For a surprising twist, you could enjoy a Scandinavian meal at Flora Danica or a Formula-One inspired meal at L’Atelier Renault. You can finish the extravaganza off with macaroons at 86 Champs or Ladurée.
Disneyland Paris
Now, for those of you planning a couple day vacay, you might want to consider going to Disneyland Paris. If you and your special someone want to be children again, buy some Mickey ears and celebrate your love story at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. While it features rides and shops that are unique to Paris, you can still enjoy the classic Disney specialties. Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille are my two Disneyland Paris ride favorites. For Valentine’s Day, you can exchange hushed conversation while eating spaghetti and meatballs Lady and the Tramp-style at Pizzeria Bella Notte. Sip a pineapple whip float from one of the kiosks. Catch The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands show. Hang out with Olaf and get a photo. Make memories that will last a lifetime.
Where I Stayed
L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur
A five-star hotel, L’Hôtel Du Collectionneur promises a respite of luxury. In fact, you can relax and reset at the Cinq Mondes Spa with a massage or quick break in the sauna. In my opinion, the hotel facilities were quite posh and accommodating. Within 15 minutes, you can walk to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, or Champs Élyseés. Not to mention, you can wander and find a charming little open-air café to dine at.
In conclusion, you and your Valentine can find plenty of romantic activities and amusements in the City of Love! I hope this guide was helpful to you. If you’d like to read more travel tips, check out our “The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Orlando” article!
