Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world and the perfect place to spend a weekend getaway with your partner. There is nothing more romantic than a walk along the River Seine at sunset or a candlelight dinner cruising past La Ville-Lumière (The City of Light).  Paris offers many occasions to say “Je t’aime” to your lover and is ideal for an unforgettable weekend getaway. Here are some tips on the most romantic things to do and the best hotels to stay whilst in Paris.

Dinner Cruise on the River Seine

Can you imagine anything more romantic than a candlelight dinner on the River Seine? To see Paris illuminated by thousands of lights and colours on an evening cruise is something that’s really worth experiencing. You can experience a candlelight dinner and taste all the specialities of the French cuisine from around 50€.

Eat Ice cream at Berthillon on Ile Saint Louis

Berthillon (29-31, Rue Saint Louis en L’Ile), located on the Ile Saint Louis, is one of the greatest ice-cream shops in Paris.  The island of Ile Saint Louis can easily be reached on foot, crossing various bridges leading directly to the island and the shop itself. The ice cream at Berthillon is delicious.  Try the various fruit flavoured ice creams, all made of course with fresh fruits.  However the speciality of the shop is marron glacè (glazed chestnuts) a traditional French confection.  In winter Berthillon serves crepes and hot chocolate.

Walk up to Notre Dame

After enjoying an ice cream at Berthillon, you can walk from Ile Saint Louis up to Notre Dame. Whilst crossing the Pont Saint-Louis bridge, you will be entertained by music from the numerous street artists. Once over, you will be confronted with the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. Right in front of you a gate leads to the wonderful Place Jean XXIII which is an ideal location to have a break sitting on the stairs next to the cathedral.

Paris Kiss, by Kikasso

Picnic at Pont des Arts

Taking a picnic to Pont des Arts, which connects the French Institute to the square outside the Louvre Museum is a tradition for locals. In Spring and Summer you will see many people picnicking with a bottle of wine in one hand and a cheese baguette in the other. Wait for sunset for the most perfectly romantic view – not to be missed. At this location (Pont des Arts) several movies have been filmed such as Amelie and The Bourne Identity.

Marais and the Rodin Museum

Marais is one of the most historic and beautiful districts of Paris, lined with luxury shops and the best five stars hotels in Paris. For a romantic liaison go to Rue Veille du Temple and visit the renowned Le Loir dans la Théière for a tea or chocolate.  Le Loir dan la Théière is one of the most charming and ancient tea halls in Paris. If you get time, pop into the nearby Rodin Museum, packed with seductive French sculptures and paintings.

An evening at the Opéra Garnier

The Palais Garnier is a spremely beautiful building and well worth a visit.  Once inside, you will be overwhelmed by the stunning extravagance and 18th century decadence.  Performances are expensive but book up in advance for a deal.  Whether you are able to see a performance or not the walk around the theatre along Boulevard Haussmann and Grands Boulevards is enchanting.

An evening walk in Montmartre

Another experience not to be missed whilst in Paris, is an evening stroll in the lively district of Montmartre. On your way up to the Sacrè Coeur, there are many cafès set on the Rue de Trois Frères where you can stop and people watch. Once at the Sacrè Coeur stop for a minute on the steps to soak up the atmosphere and breathtaking view of the iconic skyline.  This is what makes the Sacrè Coeur one of the most romantic sites in the world.

Les Deux Magots, Photo by Zemzina

Have a drink at Deux Magots

Located in the bohemian district of Saint Germain de Pres, Les Deux Magots is one of the oldest Parisian coffee houses. Opened in 1884, French writers and artists such as Verlaine, Rimbaud and Mallarmé and André Breton spent many an hour here. Its address is: 6 Place St Germain des Prés, at the St Gernain des Pres stop of the underground.

Bike Ride along the Seine Riverbank

If you love cycling don’t miss the opportunity to rent a bicycle. Thanks to the cities bicycle sharing system Vélibs you can see the city without the stress of getting on and off the buses or travelling underground. Renting a bike is not only handy but also cheap as you will be charged only 1,70€ .

Stay in one of the best hotels in Paris

Looking for a luxurious and romantic hotel to stay in whilst in Paris, search using  Prontohotel.com.  Just to mention a few: The Bristol Hotel close to the Champs Elysée, is known for its beautiful gardens, or le Meurice overlooks the Tuilleries gardens and the iconic Louvre Museum. The Hotel Square, another excellent Paris hotel is located on the Seine, or the nearby Tour Eiffel hotel offers designer décor plus an exclusive spa. The last romantic hotel on my list is Le Moretti hotel designed by the world class hotelier Philippe Starck and located few steps from the Arc de Triomphe.

Francesca writes for the blog of Prontohotel.com and hotel comparison websites which searches and compares hotel rates on the major booking sites.