There’s a wide choice of activities for couples in Paris, from intimate strolls through picturesque streets to cozy picnics in lush parks or shared delicacies at quaint bistros. Paris is often considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, and couples on honeymoon or on a weekend away can absorb the romance of the dancing city lights and the timeless architecture.

In the City of Light, every moment becomes a shared, romantic masterpiece. Strolling along the banks of the River Seine, visiting a museum fully dedicated to French romanticism, shopping in covered passageways, and dining in top-notch restaurants are just a small selection of the best romantic things to do in Paris.

What are the best things to do for couples in Paris?

  • 1

    Canal Saint-Martin

    A picturesque and shady spot

    Canal Saint-Martin
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Photo

    The uncovered part of the Canal Saint-Martin stretches for almost 2 km between Rue du Faubourg du Temple and Rue Lafayette, and it’s an iconic place in Paris. Bordered by the Quai de Valmy and the Quai de Jemmapes, it’s a lovely, trendy walkway for a romantic stroll in the shade of the chestnut trees that line the two sides of the canal.

    This quaint area hosts typical French cafés and restaurants, which adds to that iconically romantic Parisian atmosphere. Explore the area during the late afternoon or early evening, when the atmosphere is especially charming. As well as enjoying a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canal banks, you could consider a picnic with some local delights from nearby eateries.

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    Location: Porte Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris, France

    Map
  • 2

    Couple’s spa

    Soothing treatments for 2

    Couple’s spa
    • Couples
    • Luxury

    Is there something more soothing and pleasing than a spa session for 2 during a getaway in Paris? Most of the best places in Paris to enjoy such a delightful treatment are in upscale hotels. Pop Up Spa at the Four Season George V is the cream when it comes to spa treatments for couples. Another first-class venue is the Spa Valmont at Le Meurice. Last but not least, you can trust Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie. Their treatments are pure bliss.

  • 3

    Musée de la Vie Romantique

    Romanticism à La Française

    Musée de la Vie Romantique
    • Couples
    • History

    The Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of the Romantic Life) is in a 19th-century mansion at the foot of Montmartre Hill. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to George Sand’s romantic life and to her liaison with Chopin through objects, sensuous letters and paintings. The second floor showcases paintings, sculptures and rarities depicting love and romanticism. This quirky museum has a café and a compact garden in which you can take a relaxing break in serene surroundings.

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    Location: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +33 (0)1 55 31 95 67

    Map

    photo by JLPC (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 4

    Grand Action Movie theater

    A lovely experience in a vintage French movie theater

    Grand Action Movie theater
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • History

    At the Grand Action Cinema, movie-goers can enjoy cine clubs, screenings, meetings, and events that take place throughout the year. Everyone remembers their first date at a cinema – the shivers of excitement when the lights are turned off and the feeling of being cast away with your loved one in the dark. You can retrieve these sweet feelings by going to watch a classic movie at the Grand Action Cinema, a short stroll south of Notre-Dame Cathedral, in the center of Paris.

    Far away from the modern multiplexes, this independent cinema retains a charming, vintage décor and atmosphere, with classic movies shown in their original versions.

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    Location: 5 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris, France

    Open: Daily from 1 pm to 11.30 pm

    Phone: +33 (0)1 43 54 47 62

    Map
  • 5

    Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

    Beautiful public gardens

    Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Photo

    The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a great place for a romantic stroll. Established at the end of the 19th century in the northeast of Paris, this leafy haven is famed for its Temple de la Sibylle, a viewpoint at the top of an island in the center of an artificial lake.

    Secluded and offering beautiful views of the city, it’s a serene place to stop during your promenade. A pleasant restaurant with an outdoor terrace - Le Pavillon Du Lac - sits near the suspension bridge that leads to the island.

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    Location: 75019 Paris, France

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm

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  • 6

    Glass-roofed shopping galleries

    Charming covered passageways

    Glass-roofed shopping galleries
    • Couples
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Step back into the past in Paris’s quaint glass-roofed shopping galleries from the 18th and 19th centuries. These arcades, with their splendid mosaic tiling, are real architectural wonders.

    The most beautiful of the glass-roofed shopping galleries include Galerie Vivienne on Rue de la Banque, Passage du Grand-Cerf on Rue Saint-Denis and Passage des Panoramas on Rue Saint-Marc. Housing a wide variety of small boutiques, quaint cafés, and restaurants, they are hidden gems in the City of Light.

  • 7

    Montmartre Hill sunset

    Beautiful views of Paris at dusk

    Montmartre Hill sunset
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    The Montmartre Hill sunset bathes the charming streets and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica in a warm, golden glow, creating a picturesque and romantic atmosphere that captures the spirit of this historic Parisian neighborhood. The square right in front of the basilica is a great place to watch the sun go down and admire the City of Lights as the night takes hold.

    After you’ve enjoyed the spectacle of the sunset over this beautiful area, you could go and dine or have a drink in one of the many cool cafés and restaurants nearby. Montmartre is a quaint neighborhood with a strong artistic, bohemian touch.

    Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

    Open: The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre: daily from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. Square Louise Michel: daily from 8 am to 5.45 pm.

    Phone: +33 (0)1 53 41 89 00

    Map
  • 8

    The Seine River at dusk

    Take an amorous walk in a timeless urban setting

    The Seine River at dusk
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    The banks of the Seine River offer a quaint place for romantic strolls at dusk. One of the favorite segments for such a promenade stretches between the Pont Neuf and the Pont de Sully, along the left bank of the river. The Arab World Institute, Notre-Dame Cathedral and many other historical buildings dot the journey. You can also opt for a route with more landmarks and viewpoints between the Eiffel Tower and the Pont de la Concorde. In any case, you’ll enjoy a romantic stroll along one of France's most beloved bodies of water.

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  • 9

    Candlelit dinner at Le Jules Verne

    Delicious dinner with a stunning view

    Candlelit dinner at Le Jules Verne
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    A candlelit dinner at Le Jules Verne, the first-class restaurant on the Eiffel Tower, can be the climax of your stay in Paris. Ask for a window table and enjoy the view of Paris at night while you sample the delicious French dishes and wines on offer.

    With top-notch service, comfortable settings, delectable food and breathtaking views, a dinner by candlelight at Le Jules Verne is a memorable and unique experience. Prices are in line with the overall quality of the venue, and booking ahead is highly recommended.

    Location: Avenue Gustave Eiffel 2ème, Eiffel Tower, Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

    Open: Daily from 12 pm to 1.30 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +33 (0)1 83 77 34 34

    Map
  • 10

    The Terrass Hotel Paris Rooftop Bar

    Stylish terrace bar

    The Terrass Hotel Paris Rooftop Bar
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    At the The Terrass Hotel Paris Rooftop Bar, you can end the day at a stylish eatery that offers spectacular views of Paris and of the Eiffel Tower. Wines, skilfully mixed cocktails, and spirits are available at this popular venue on the panoramic terrace of the aptly named Terrass Hotel Paris, which sits at the foot of Montmartre Hill. 

    The terrace is heated and you’re provided with blankets in winter, so you can enjoy a drink here at almost any time of year.

    Location: 12 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris, France

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday 3.30 pm to 12.30 am, Sunday and Monday 3.30 pm to 11.30 pm

    Phone: +33 (0)1 46 06 72 85

    Map
Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveler