Paris – known as the city of love, it’s littered with locations exuding romance. From the resplendent, twinkling lights of La dame de fer (a moniker locals use to refer to the Eiffel Tower) to the ornate Baroque and Renaissance architecture that’s the stuff of romance novels. It’s no secret that Paris’ beauty and romance are mirrored in its monuments; each one has a cryptic yet passionate presence – making this city an even more perfect place for the lovers to visit.
So, if you’re visiting Paris with your significant other (travel details for Malaysians at the end of this feature), there’s no doubt you’ll want to fill your itinerary with romantic things to do, and of course, there are plenty. Although, finding the perfect places can sometimes be tricky, because couples will want somewhere equal parts discreet and captivating.
If you and your beau are one of those people that find the idea of hanging padlocks on Pont des Arts bridge overdone, why not take a peek at our list of some of the best places for a guaranteed romantic time.
1. Visit the French National Museum of Natural History
Where: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris
There are many advantages to spending the day at the National Museum of Natural History. First, the lighting, which is modest and colourful, creates an intimate and pleasant ambience. Perfect for those #OOTD shots too! Second, you can learn more about the history of Paris while enjoying a leisurely walk with your significant other, hand-in-hand.
Third, you can head upstairs to browse around the more private galleries for more intimate moments. Like Romeo and Juliet in the famed aquarium scene, you too can lock eyes through the display glass with your beau.
2. Have a photoshoot at Palace of Versailles
Where: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
It goes without saying that a date around Palace of Versailles‘ colourful gardens will give you the kind of romance you can only hope for in Paris. Remember Kim and Kanye’s quick trip before their wedding? This is the place! But if you want an experience that will wow your partner, why not rent a rowing boat on the Grand Canal?
Go ahead and explore the remainder of the garden — terraces, parterres, verdant forests, and a stunning sequence of fountains that will guarantee a memorable date. The stables outside the chateau gates contain the Equestrian Academy of Versailles and is responsible for the spectacular exhibitions of closely coordinated theatrics on horseback, which are put on by the legendary horse trainer, Bartabas.
3. Enjoy a couple’s spa at the Four Seasons George V Hotel
Where: 6 Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris
Is there anything more relaxing and satisfying than a spa session for lovers in Paris? Most high-end hotels offer couples luxurious full-body massage experiences, like the one at the Four Seasons George V Hotel, which has its own pop-up spa.
Perfect for lovers seeking some self-care and relaxation together, this is worth checking out and we guarantee you a creme of the crop experience. That Spa at La Maison Valmont in Le Meurice is also another first-rate facility that promises a sophisticated ritual – their spa therapies are sheer relaxation.
4. Watch a jazz show at The Bal Blomet
Where: 33 Rue Blomet, 75015 Paris, France
Most people’s ultimate fantasy date ideas contain some form of musical element, and while in Paris, it’s mandatory to visit a jazz club. The Bal Blomet is Paris’s oldest jazz club that is still going strong today. If you didn’t know, this used to be a famous spot where the most famous authors and filmmakers in Paris were seen.
The club is open from 7pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays, so grab yourself a good seat and sip on an old fashioned cocktail as you treat your ears to the band’s sounds. We give it a 10 out of 10 for atmosphere and history, all wrapped up in one excellent outing.
5. Have a quiet dinner at Caché
Where: 13 Villa Riberolle, 75020 Paris
The restaurant Caché in the 20th arrondissement is also a fantastic choice for a first date in Paris. For starters, it’s located within a secret passage — isn’t that romantic enough? The setting is also wonderful and charming, their seasonal seafood dishes are as fresh as they come, and we hear the wine list is fantastic.
After that, head over to Cinéma du Panthéon, a movie theatre with a bar, where you can have a dessert or light drink after enjoying a French film. A beautiful end that allows you to soak in some art and culture after dinner.
6. Watch classic films at Art Deco Le Champo
Where: 51 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris, France
Once a favourite hangout of prominent figures in the French cinema industry, Art Deco Le Champo has exhibited some incredible arthouse films, and is located in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This monument now attracts 21st century cinephiles looking for vintage films by renowned directors like Federico Fellini, Alfred Hitchcock, Edouard Molinaro, and more.
7. Go on an evening cruise on The Seine River
Where: Seine Basin, Paris
Nothing is more magical than taking an evening cruise on the Seine in Paris. A Seine cruise moment — with its relaxing breeze and dazzling lights from iconic French sites is sure to etch some unforgettable memories.
While on the cruise, you’ll also be able to take in the sights of the Eiffel Tower, which glitters for five minutes hourly. So bask in the breathtaking vistas and savour the cuisine and wine while cuddling with your special one.
8. Join a macaron baking class at Galeries Lafayette
Where: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Macarons are among the greatest Parisian treats to sample when visiting the French capital. So, if you and your partner enjoy being in the kitchen or want to try something new, learning to bake macarons will surely be one of the sweetest things to do together.
The Galeries Lafayette seminars are the most highly recommended – not only will you learn how to prepare them, but the chef will also provide you with a full recipe to recreate when you’re back home.
9. Cheese tasting at La Vache dans les Vignes
Where: 46 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
This little cheesemonger located on the Canal St-Martin is packed with all the dairy treats your hearts desire. La Vache dan les Vignes offers an impressive variety of cheeses, wines, and cured meats to take home, and for a few additional Euros, you can purchase ready-made goods to have there and then.
With only 14 seats, the founders have perfected a cosy ambience fit for those in search of a more intimate experience. You’ll also find that their friendly staff is full of suggestions, helping customers pair cheeses with wines, and even recommending the optimum sequence to sample the cheeses.
10. Visit Cimetière du Père Lachaise
Where: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris
Chanel your inner Morticia and Gomez Addams, and visit the Cimetière du Père Lachaise – the location is huge, and it occupies the majority of the 20th arrondissement. The atmosphere is also breathtaking, as with the dead comes serenity, and the sense of tranquillity at Père Lachaise makes it the ideal place to wander around together.
This pastime is best done in the spring, when the gardens’ flowers are in bloom. Millions of people visit Jim Morrison’s tomb in the cemetery every year, and he shares the grounds with the likes of Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, and Oscar Wilde.
11. Spend the evening at Terrass Hotel
Where: 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris
Even by Parisian standards, Montmartre’s Terrass Hotel bar is a spectacular spot for a night in the sky. Sitting at this bar, you’ll be treated to the beautiful skyline of Paris.
You can see the dim lighting of gravestones at the Cimetière de Montmartre from above, the skyscraper that is Eiffel Tower on the far left bank of the city, while out towards the grassy hills, you can spot the Bois du Boulogne, while the sugary dome of the Sacré-Coeur looms over your shoulder.
Tell us, what is more heavenly than this point of view? Especially with that special someone by your side, and with the hotel’s bar offering such an opulent ambience, it’s definitely an experience not to be missed.
12. Take a romantic stroll at Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Where: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris
From the walks of the Jardin des Tuileries to the ponds of the Jardin du Luxembourg, there are lots of well-kept chances to enjoy some park life in Paris. If you’re seeking for something more casual, head over to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which has an artificial lake and one of the biggest parks in the city.
A place that is well worth a stroll, this 19th arrondissement hideaway is one of the city’s most enchanting locales, set high up in Belleville and often missed by weekenders, but careful not to stray too far from the area. After that, you and your partner can proceed to the park’s tremendously trendy hangouts — the charmingly merry Rosa Bonheur or Le Pavillon Puebla.
To summarise, it’s not that difficult to plan a romantically fun activity while in the city of love. A more concise list may be where not to go on a date in Paris because almost everything in this capital screams romance. Bon voyage, mon amour!
Travel Requirements From Malaysia to Paris
To enter France, fully vaccinated tourists must provide proof of immunisation. Only vaccinations that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are permitted. Be sure to do your research when organising a trip to prevent disappointment.
- Pfizer (Comirnaty)
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- AstraZeneca (Covishield)
- Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
The following vaccination combinations are also accepted by French authorities: AstraZeneca/Pfizer Cominarty, AstraZeneca/Moderna, and Pfizer/Moderna.
Travellers who qualify for the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate or equivalent may use it as evidence. No COVID-19 test is required before departure or upon entry.
For the complete travel advisory, visit this website.
