Is there any city more associated with romance than Paris? From quaint cafés and colourful markets to beautifully manicured gardens, here are the best places to take your beau in the City of Love.
1. Le Mur Des Je T’aime
Situated in Paris’ picturesque Montmartre, the “Wall Of Love” comprises 612 tiles of enamelled lava with the words “I love you” written in 250 different languages. See how many you both can pronounce, then perch in the garden to watch tourists and couples gaze at this wonder wall.
Square Jean Rictus, Place des Abesses
2. Square du Vert Galant
The Square du Vert Galant is a small public park on a natural island in the middle of the river Seine. To get there, walk across the Pont Neuf bridge and take the cobbled steps down to the park. It is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or a bottle of French wine while watching boats cruise by. Views include the Eiffel Tower ahead and Notre Dame Cathedral which is lit up in the evening.
1 Square du Vert Galant
3. Ladurée
There’s nothing more quintessentially French than an afternoon of tea and macarons. Ladurée is a dessert icon in France, created in 1862. It is obviously best known for its double-decker macarons but also sells a wide range of sweet treats. This boutique in the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the perfect chic setting for a sugar-loving couple.
75, avenue des Champs-Élysées
4. Pont De Bir-Hakeim
This stunning bridge was made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, Inception, and many now know it as the “Inception Bridge”. Spanning the river Seine, it is made of steel and was designed by architect Jean-Camille Formige. Take a walk under the marvellous shapes which, from some angles, look like they run for an eternity.
Quai de Grenelle
5. The Musée Rodin garden
Feel like you’re stepping back in time while enjoying the detailed works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin at the Musée Rodin. The gardens are like a setting from a Marie Antoinette movie. We recommend packing a picnic from Marché Bastille, and spending the afternoon among acres of greenery and sculptures.
77 rue de Varenn 3
6. Marché aux Fleurs
Situated on Place Louis Lepine between the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle chapel, the vibrant Marché aux Fleurs has attracted visitors since 1830. Locals come here to buy flowers for their homes, and tourists come here to marvel at the shapes and colours. The selection is huge and includes exotic flowers, indoor plants, fruit trees and more. You can wander the market with your date and then pick up their favourite bloom. Open daily from 8am to 7.30pm.
Place Louis Lepine, Quai de la Corse
7. Cafe Campana at Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay has one of the most beautiful cafes in Paris. Designed by famous Brazilian duo the Campana brothers, the cafe is most famous for its clock-face window looking over the city. Enjoy a beverage over romantic views and then get lost in French masterpieces in this world-class museum.
62, rue de Lille
8. Palais Garnier
For some old-fashioned romance, take your date for a night of ballet at the grand Palais Garnier. The opera house was built in 1875 and is an architect’s dream. Treat yourselves to an evening of classical music or dance. For tickets, visit the website.
Place de l’Opera
9. La Cinémathèque Française
For the film-buff couple, there isn’t anything cuter than holding hands and watching a black-and-white French flick. La Cinémathèque Française is huge and boasts four screens, a bookshop, a restaurant and exhibition space (below). Visitors can buy souvenir posters and memorabilia after classic movies as a keepsake of a wonderful memory.
51 Rue de Bercy
10. Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal gothic style chapel and the residence of the kings of France until the 14th century. It is located a few metres from Notre Dame (which is still being restored as of 2022), but is a lot less busy, allowing for plenty of quiet exploration time. The 1,113 stained-glass windows are mesmerising and you’ll both be dazzled by the elegance and beauty of this gothic work of art.
8, boulevard du Palais
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com. For updates and travel advisories, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
PHOTOS: OPERA NATIONAL DE PARIS FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, LA CINEMATHEQUE FRANCAISE FACEBOOK, PARIS TOURIST OFFICE, AMELIE DUPONT, MARC BERTRAND, DANIEL THIERRY, 123RF.COM, FLICKR USER MICHAEL MCCARTHY
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
