The 11 most romantic things to do in Paris

From the Eiffel Tower at night, through the bridges crossing the Seine, to flirting couples in sidewalk cafés – everything in Paris has a touch of romance. And while you’ll certainly fall in love with Paris, a little planning goes a long way to getting the most out of the City of Love. Here’s our suggestion of 11 of the most romantic things to do in Paris:

Romantic things to do in Paris

1. Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay has some of the best Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau works on display. Monet, Manet, Renoir, Gauguin, and van Gogh all have dreamy works on display here. And their compelling paintings are perfect for getting lost in your thoughts, side by side, in this airy railway-station-turned-museum.

This is one of Paris’s most popular museum, so the entrance can get crowded. But don’t let the crowds kill your love buzz – get dedicated entrance tickets to the Musée d’Orsay to beat the lines!

Musée d’Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Paris. Dedicated entrance  tickets from €12.  Open Tue – Sun 9:30-18:00 & Thu until 21:45. 

2. Musée de l’Orangerie

This spacious museum also contains beautiful Impressionist paintings. Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and Cézanne are just some of the artists you’ll come across! And it’s generally less crowded than the Orsay.

Musée de l’Orangerie’s two oval rooms (designed by Monet himself) are dedicated to Monet’s Water Lilies. This stunning painting is definitely the highlight, but it’s far from the only painting worth seeing. Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie for a private art date.  

Musée de l’Orangerie, Jardin de Tuileries, Paris. Dedicated entrance tickets from €9. Open daily 09:00-18:00. 

3. Le Grand Musée du Parfum

This brand new museum will give you a scent of romance, as you explore the world of perfume – from the first perfume ever created to how our emotions are affected by different smells.

With priority tickets for Le Grand Musée du Parfum Paris you’ll feel like a moviestar, entering this posh mansion in the eighth arrondissement as a VIP. It’ll certainly get the perfume lover in your life feeling fresh.

Grand Musée du Parfum, 73 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, Paris. Priority entrance tickets from €14,50. Open Sat – Thu 10:30-19:00 & Fri until 22:00.  

4. Crazy Horse’s new show!

Spice up your romantic city trip with an unforgettable night out. The city’s famous cabaret is both classic and irresistibly sexy. And there’s a new show in town you can’t miss.

The spectacular show of Crazy Horse Paris – Dessous-Dessus! (which means upside-down) is sexy, daring, and captivating. Everything is turned around to create an evening that is unmistakably Parisian, yet audaciously new.

Le Crazy Horse de Paris, 12 Avenue George V, Paris. Tickets from €105 (sell out fast). Show starts Sun – Fri 20.15 & 22.45, Sat 19:00, 21:30 & 23:45. 

5. Wine tasting in the king’s wine cellar

The longer you spend in Paris, the more you’ll enjoy it. Like a bottle of perfectly aged wine. Speaking of wine, you can’t spend a romantic escape in this city without enjoying some of its favorite drink. And there’s nowhere better to drink the good stuff than in King Louis XV’s wine cellar!

The French Wine Tasting and Oenology Museum gives you the opportunity to learn (in an unpretentious way) about the elixir of love that the French make so well. Smell, listen, touch, and taste – this interactive journey into wine is a sensational experience.

Les Caves du Louvre, 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, Paris. Tickets from €11. Open daily from 10:00-18:00, Sunday: 13:00-18:00.

6. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the most sumptuous residence you’ll ever visit. The neighboring Versailles is close enough to Paris to visit on a sidetrip. And being outside the city, the atmosphere is entirely different – we’d describe it as ‘romantic’.

With all-access tickets for the Palace of Versailles the two of you can explore the main palace with over 700 rooms, plus the more intimate ‘Queen’s Hamlet’ of Marie Antoinette – including her private village of rustic buildings. And for the complete package, take your sweetheart for a stroll through the famous gardens, or hire a rowboat and glide around the little lake.

Palace of Versailles, Place d’Armes, Versailles. All-access tickets + audioguide from €20. For opening hours see our Versailles page. 

7. Rustique Montmartre

The picturesque village that was once home to the likes of Dalí, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh still has an artsy feel. And the painters and musicians showing off their trades on the streets certainly add to that feeling. A stroll through the streets here will have you feel like you’re in a painting come to life.

End your meandering through Montmartre’s winding alleys at the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur for a stunning view of Paris. With a name that means Basilica of the Sacred Heart, it’s no surprise that real romantics flock to this area (that’s also why we suggest you avoid Montmartre during the weekend. Chances are you won’t be the only one planning to take your lover for a stroll!).

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris. We recommend you visit Montmartre during weekdays. 

8. Medieval Marais

Le Marais missed out when Paris’ was modernized with broad avenues and giant squares –  and we’re grateful for that. This quaint aristocratic neighborhood is full of pre-revolutionary buildings and narrow cobblestone lanes.

Because of its winding streets, Le Marais has a village atmosphere – but an trés chic kind of village. Filled with cafés, restaurants and boutiques, this quarter is perfect for a day of sidewalk romance. And a quiet kiss on a bench in Place des Vosges.

See map for Place des Vosges, Le Marais, Paris. 

9. Along the Seine

A stroll along the banks of the Seine is essential to a Parisian romance. The locals love spending their free time along the river in summer – whether for a casual stroll, a picnic with friends, or a candlelit dinner for two.

Make like the local lovebirds and follow the Seine until your feet need a rest. On either of the two islands in the Seine – Île de la Cité and Île St-Louis – you’ll find plenty of romantic cafés for a break. And if you’re planning a picnic along the water, don’t forget to pick up some cheese and wine along the way!

See map for Île de la Cité and Île St-Louis, Paris. 

10. Gourmet dinner cruise

If a stroll along the Seine sounds romantic, just imagine an extravagant gourmet dinner cruise on the Seine. And then get ready to make it your reality.  Think four-course meal, champagne, and premium wines.

And not only dinner is extravagant; the view is unreal. The City of Lights shines brightest at night – and when seen from the canal? Ooh la la!

Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, Paris. Tickets for gourmet dinner cruise on the Seine from €99. Boarding 20:00-20:15, departure 20:30. 

11. A walk in the park

The scenery makes strolls in the French capital so romantic. And the scenery doesn’t get much better than in a beautiful Parisian park. We’ve got three particularly charming options, for when you need to be your most charming..

The courtyard of the Palais Royal is especially made for, yes – courting. And Parc Monceau is charming and serene, with ancient pillars and old walking bridges. Finally, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is simply magical – with waterfalls, temples, and cliffs. You’ll find the least tourists here, but it’s also the farthest from the centre.

See map for locations and opening times of the mentioned parks. 

Make the most of Paris!

Paris has a lot more in store for couples. Have a look at our Paris page for more inspiration!