Romance In Paris

Paris is a city for lovers. It offers a full menu of sexy places, romantic hideaways, restaurants, cafes, brasseries, cabarets, bars, and places to stroll for a walk, hand in hand, for a quiet respite. Simple things in Paris spark romance, like buying flowers at a marché , walking in a majestic Paris jardin, or taking a stroll on one of the 37 bridges that line the Seine. Some of our favorite places for Paris romance include:

Romantic Restaurants. There are no shortage of romantic restaurants. From gilded Michelin three-star restaurants to tiny pocket-sized bistros with a handful of tables, Paris offers something for everybody. ur top romantic getaways are:

• Le Meurice. With one of the of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world, Le Meurice offers a white-glove service under Alain Ducasse, one fo the top chefs in the world. Dripping with chandeliers, gold leaf mirrors and Louvre like paintings on the ceiling, this Michelin two star restaurant is a romantic star.
• Les Cocottes. This sleek and sexy restaurant on Rue Saint-Dominique in the fashionable 7th Arrondissement, is a big hit with upper-crust Parisians. It takes no reservations, and offers a good value for those on a budget but want to experience an indulgence of superb cuisine by Christian Constant.
• Le Temps Au Temps. This pocket sized bistro is small but charming, and its location on Rue Paul Bert exudes sexy romance. The cuisine is top-notch, and with a price-fix menu under 45 Euros, its a bargain.
• L’Ecallier du Bistrot. If oysters are an aphrodisiac then this place is a serious competitor to Viagra. Also on Rue Paul Bert, L’Ecallier du Bistrot has some of the best oysters, lobster, langoustine and fresh fish in all of Paris. With a large variety of oysters to choose from, few restaurants offer quality fresh seafood at such reasonable prices. To add to its charm, the inside is decorated like the cabin of a yacht.
• Chez Georges. With its white-laced curtains and waitresses wearing classic black and white uniforms, this favorite venue of Julia Child is one of the most charming restaurants in Paris. Serving traditional dishes such as escargot, steak au poivre, and tarte tartin, this is a French classic.
• La Fontaine de Mars. Situated on Rue Saint Dominque next to a fountain that Napoleon’s horses drank from, this charming restaurant with its red and white checkered table cloths and classic menu is perfect for a romantic night out.

Romantic Parks. Let’s face it: no place has more beautiful parks than Paris. Where else can you stroll in a garden with masterpieces by Rodin and other masters in public? While obvious jardins to visit include Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and Champs de Mars, lesser known but equally romantic parks to visit include Parc Monceau and Jardin du Ranelagh. And for the quietest park in the city, try Place Dauphine. For more information about Paris parks, please click here.

Romantic Bridges. Paris has 37 bridges spanning the Seine, from the Left and Right Bank, but some bridges are best known for their beauty and romance. Top bridges include:

• Pont Alexandre III. Don’t be surprised to see a photo shoot of models for Chanel, Dior or another venerable fashion house, as this is considered the most beautiful bridge in Paris, linking Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried) to Le Grand Palais and the Champs-Elysees.
• Pont de Bir-Hakeim. This stunning bridge links to the 16th Arrondissement and a small isthmus that connects to Pont du Garigliano. Best time to walk is in the fall when leaves are on the ground on the islet between the two bridges.
• Pont Neuf. One of the most famous bridges in the city, it connects to hidden Place Dauphine, and is a perfect venue for a midnight kiss.
• Pont Des Arts. Limited to pedestrian traffic only, this romantic bridge connects the Louvre to the 6th Arrondissement, with les bouqanistes and their green box stalls selling vintage books on both sides of the river. Couples and friends can be found having a picnic on the bridge with wine, cheese and baguette.
• Pont Notre Dame. Behind Notre Dame, it offers a spectacular view of the cathedral and leads to a quiet park that was a featured scene in Woody Allen’s Midnight In Paris. Street musicians usually can be found playing on or near this bridge, and there are several cafes close by.

Romantic Cafés. There is nothing quite like sitting at a sidewalk cafe, sipping on a a cafe au lait, and savoring a croissant or pain au chocolate with your lover. Our favorite cafes to enjoy this Parisian past time are Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Cafe de L’Alma and Cafe du Trocadero.

Romantic Walks. Paris is a city for walking and holding hands. Fun places for a stroll include Le Marais, several marchés (buy her flowers), Marché Aux Puces (buy her a vintage Hermes scarf), a stroll on Rue Cler or, if tired of walking, renting a Velib and biking through the city after midnight. In the 16th Arrondissement, go to the stairs on 11 Boulevard Delessert that were featured in Midnight In Paris, and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour after dusk.