Romantic Weekend in Paris

Whenever we think of romance and unforgettable experiences, we can’t but help that Paris pops up in our minds. Who hasn’t dreamed of spending some time in Paris, having some together time in one of the most romantic cities of the world, that has become an icon for all lovers… So, let me guide you on a small tour through this amazing city. Here is what I propose, why not take a weekend off - why not next weekend– to pop into Paris. Surprise your lover, buy the plane tickets, book the hotel, drive to the airport and forget about everything else… It will just be the both of you.

I suggest going on a Friday and coming back on Monday, that way it will be an actual weekend in Paris.

As a weekend is not that long and Paris has so much to see I advise choosing a hotel where you are right in the middle of everything. What better choice than to go for the Intercontinental Paris – Le Grand – it’s not only right in the middle of Paris, near the Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme and the Louvre Museum, near the shopping, theatre and banking districts, but it’s also located in a wonderful historic building, taking you back to Napoleon’s time of luxury and grandeur, with an excellent service, it has everything you can hope for and it is trully quite the setting for your romantic weekend. After all, when in Paris what more could you want, but to have a glass of champagne in your bedroom balcony with the Paris rooftops as a background and the Opéra Garnier or the Eiffel Tower crowning your night? Don’t forget to ask for a balcony and a room with a view.

Once you are set in the hotel, it’s time to start exploring. Now, since you are only going for a weekend, I would advise you not to lose your way and try to see everything, for two reasons: first, you shouldn’t forget it’s supposed to be a romantic weekend, so it’s not all about sightseeing, but rather about spending time with your loved one; second, Paris has so much to see that it takes much longer than a weekend, so choose wisely…

Since it’s all about romance there are a few places that you really need to check out:

• The Eiffel Tower, of course
• Montmartre
• The Seine River

There is so much more to see, but keeping it simple will allow to enjoy Paris and enjoy each other.

So, what can we say about the Eiffel Tower? The Eiffel Tower is a global landmark, it stands for Paris, as the city of light and the city of love. We all know the Eiffel Tower, from books, photos and movies.

Built in 1889 as the entrance arch of the World Fair, by Gustave Eiffell, it is the tallest building in Paris and it is the symbol of the city. If you visit Paris you must visit the Eiffel Tower, not just once, but at least one time during the day and another at night. It is all about being at the Eiffel Tower, it’s all about breathing Paris, it is all about the view of the city and the view of the Eiffel Tower against the city’s skyline.

It is a memorable experience to have with your lover, enjoying this world icon and its view cuddling in your lover’s arms.

Montmartre is another world and another Paris altogether, it is the Paris of the artists, the true artists painting in the street, the mimes, the musicians… It is the Paris of cafés and music playing and people talking, about this, about that, about everything and nothing… You could change world history in the streets of Montmartre or you can just enjoy a glass of wine and relax.

Montmartre is a hill that gave its name to a Paris District, the 18^th arrondissement, well known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur on its top, as a nightclub districtand for all the artists’ studios around. Did you know that painters like Salvador Dalí, Modigliani, Monet, Van Gogh or even Picasso, at some point had studios here?

Therefore, what better way to spend time with each other than go around Montmartre looking at the paintings, listening to some music, drinking some wine, sitting on the stairs at Sacre Coeur enjoying the view of the city? If you head to Montmartre around 16:00 you can enjoy a bit of the afternoon there and then you can just choose one of the lovely restaurants in the area to have a romantic dinner, followed by some time in one of the many nightclubs available. If you are into Jazz and a nice, warm atmosphere, why not try Le Houdon Jazz Bar?

Like the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River is Paris, it runs through it and it’s a wonderful way to know the city. What best way to enjoy Paris, than to relax drifting down the Seine River by boat. It is a wonderful romantic experience; it allows you to take your time, to enjoy the views, while you have a chat with your better half and at the same time get a glimpse of the most amazing places of Paris. It is also a good way to get familiar with the city. The city from the river is a completely different experience, that allows you to absorb the city quietly, as the setting of your own love story. I definitely recommend enjoying a romantic dinner on the boat.

I’ve already mentioned Montmartre and the boat tours as places to have dinner, but there are two other places worth mentioning, that you really need to try. It’s not just about the food, it’s the place, it’s the history, it’s the romance you find.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of French cuisine, but these places are really something.

The first one you must try is the famous Le Grand Café Capucines, known as the place where the Lumiere brothers showed their first film, it is a magnificient work of art, with an amazing art noveau décor by decorateur Jacques Garcia. This restaurant was first established back in 1875 at the same time the Opera opened and quickly gained its reputation, never to lose it until this day. The splendid environment and the wonderful food will make up for an unforgettable experience. From a delicious foie-gras to coquilles Saint Jacques, grilled lobster, delicious seafood platters and full bass flambé, right to an exquisite chocolate soufflé, you can’t go wrong.

Then, of course, there is Le Jules Verne, the restaurant of the well-known French chef Alain Ducasse, beautifully located in the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. And what more can one say? As that wasn’t enough, the restaurant offers wonderful contemporary cuisine. Having lunch or dinner overlooking the Seine River and the Arc du Triumph it’s really something… Enjoying a glass of champagne with such view, a service of excellence, great food and the nightfall in Paris, especially if it’s a clear night with stars and moon shining over you, can be quite the memory that remains.

On Monday it’s time to get back. Probably you will not feel like it, after all it must have been pure magic and a weekend you will never again forget, but you can always come back and no matter what, you “will always have Paris”… And that’s what remains, all the wonderful memories we make throughout our life, that are worth remembering.

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Some other hubs by the Author:

Visiting Amsterdam – The Venice of the North

Portugal's Seven Natural Wonders

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Algarve is not all about beaches

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