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A Romantic’s Guide To Paris

We take in all the sights - does it leave us more loved up than we started? Paris and romance are synonymous. Known as the city of love, and with a reputation that has been perpetuated by Hollywood, the city is hard to beat as a lovers romantic destination.

We take in all the sights – does it leave us more loved up than we started? Paris and romance are synonymous. Known as the city of love, and with a reputation that has been perpetuated by Hollywood, the city is hard to beat as a lovers romantic destination.

Maybe it’s the beautiful views, the incredible cuisine or the fact that people are always kissing – unashamedly – everywhere?

Upon checking into our hotel, with a view overlooking the Tower, we were soon to find out.

The funny thing is, I thought writing this article would be pretty straight forward – we would have a picnic under the tower, visit Love Lock Bridge, see a show at the Moulin Rouge…when, in fact, it was the unexpected, unplanned moments that left us feeling a new surge of love – for Paris, and one another.

So here is a romantic’s guide to Paris….minus the cliches!

 

Book a nice room

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We stayed at Citadines Tour Eiffel and paid extra for a Tower-view room. Upon checking in after a long day of travel, we were rewarded with an incredible sunset – the Tower greeting us from behind white silk curtains, while the city of Paris glistened below.

As the sun dipped, the Tower lit up, sparkling and dancing in the night, and all in the comfort of our own private room. You can kiss to your hearts content without being conscious of anyone watching when you are witnessing the Tower light show from your room. It is something that took our breath away every single night we were there.

 

Breakfast in bed

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Our self-contained room meant we were able to eat-in much more, which was a treat. Pain au chocolat and coffee in bed while Paris slowly woke up below was our favourite way to start the day. We would make it a daily habit to duck down to our local patisserie, ordering croissants, lemon tart, custard flan – and sharing them back in bed together. C’est delicieux!

 

Versailles

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We had planned to picnic under the Tower, however last minute decided it was a tad too crowded and we would prefer something a bit different.

Versailles was JUST what we were after.

Take a tour of the town of Versailles on bicycles and head to the local market to fill your basket with cheese, wine and baguettes, of course. Ride through the palace gardens, visit Marie Antoinette’s chateau, and picnic along the Grand Canal, before exploring the Hall of Mirrors.

We travelled Europe for 2 months and nothing came close to beating this day. (Book through Fat Tire Tours.)

 

St. Germain

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It is hard to beat St. Germain – a classically Parisian neighbourhood known for its boutique accomodation, high-end shopping and delicious fine dining. Steer clear of the tourist traps, and wander into the backstreets, adorned by fairy lights and bustling traditional French restaurants.

After dinner, duck into a chocolatier and buy a packet of macaroons to eat on the train ride home.

 

Love Lock Bridge

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We purchased and engraved our lock back home, and brought it along with us, only to discover the original bridge – Pont des Arts – had been removed and restored when a section of the bridge collapsed under the weight of the locks.

Never fear! North of the Notre Dame, over the Seine, stands a new tribute for your love lock – Pont de l’Archeveche. Take a moment to stand back and look at all of the lovers, from the world over, who have gone to the effort of sharing their love story with the world. Pretty breathtaking – it doesn’t get more special than that.

What makes Paris the city of love? Be it walking arm in arm after a full day exploring, as the sun sets behind the Tower – or taking a ride along the Seine before having lunch at the Luxembourg gardens – what I discovered is, it really doesn’t matter what you DO in Paris. In fact, you could do nothing at all, but if you are with the one you love, it will be special regardless.

Throw away your tick boxes and must-dos, grab your partners hand and get swept up in the moment. Now THAT is Parisian romance!

Have you been to Paris? What was your most romantic travel memory?