So, you’re planning the ultimate romantic getaway and are on the hunt for the most romantic things to do in Paris for Valentine’s Day? Forget the standard guidebook advice; you’ve just found the key to unlocking a truly magical experience. This is your curated guide to the City of Light, designed to transform your Valentine’s celebration from simply memorable to utterly unforgettable.
We’re going beyond the clichés to share the spots where Parisians steal kisses and the hidden gems that make this city the world’s capital of love. Get ready to discover the ultimate list of enchanting activities that will make your 2026 Valentine’s Day in Paris the stuff of dreams.
| Category | Experience | Budget Guide | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iconic Sights | Eiffel Tower Sparkle Seine River Cruise |
Free – €20 | Classic romance & photos |
| Charming Walks | Montmartre Exploration Le Marais Streets |
Free – €25 | Artistic vibes & hidden gems |
| Food & Drink | Cooking Classes Michelin Dining |
€85 – €300+ | Foodie couples & special treats |
| Special Splurges | Moulin Rouge Show Professional Photos |
€87 – €500+ | Luxury experiences & memories |
| Practical Info | Daily Budget Transport Pass |
€150-600+ €13-65 |
Planning your perfect trip |
Is Paris Still the Most Romantic City in the World?
Let’s be real: there is a reason Paris tops every “most romantic places in the world” list. From the stunning views along the Seine River to the charming boutiques tucked away in Le Marais, this UNESCO World Heritage Site city is essentially Cupid’s playground. And for Valentine’s Day 2025, the city promises to be even more special with new restaurants, updated experiences, and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
But the perfect romantic trip starts with the perfect place to stay. Before we dive into the ultimate list of romantic things to do, a quick pro-tip: secure your love nest. Head over to CuddlyNest and use code DISCCN15 for 15% off your booking. Trust us, it’s the first step to an unforgettable trip.
Now, let’s explore the magic…
When: Every hour on the hour after sunset (until 1 AM)
Cost: FREE (viewing from Trocadéro)
Duration: 5 minutes of pure magic
Okay, we know what you’re thinking “How cliché!” But hear us out. Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up and sparkling is like seeing your crush smile for the first time: it never gets old! The Eiffel Tower sparkle happens every hour after dark, creating what locals call “the champagne effect.”
For the ultimate romantic evening, grab a bottle of wine and some cheese from a nearby market, spread out a blanket at Trocadéro Gardens, and wait for the show. The sparkle lasts for five glorious minutes, giving you just enough time to steal a kiss (or ten) with that stunning Eiffel Tower view as your backdrop.
Insider tip: Visit around 10 PM to avoid the biggest crowds but still catch multiple sparkle sessions.
Cost: Regular cruise €15-20 per person; Dinner cruise €60-150 per person
Duration: 1-2.5 hours
Best companies: Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux-Mouches
A romantic stroll is great, but a romantic float down the Seine River? Chef’s kiss! These cruises glide past iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, and you guessed it, the Eiffel Tower.
For Valentine’s Day 2026, consider splurging on a Seine River dinner cruise. You’ll enjoy delicious food (think French cooking at its finest), live music, and the city’s sparkling lights reflecting on the water. Many packages include wine tasting and champagne, because when in Paris, right?
Valentine’s special: Book the 9 PM cruise to catch the Eiffel Tower lit up in all its glory while you dine!
Cost: FREE to wander; €15-25 for attractions
Don’t miss: Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, Le Mur des Je T’aime
Montmartre is where Paris keeps its artistic soul. These winding paths and charming streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a vintage French film. Start at Place du Tertre, where artists will offer to paint your portrait or create engagement photos worthy of your Instagram feed (€20-50 per portrait).
Visit the “I Love You Wall” (Le Mur des Je T’aime) where “I love you” is written in 250 languages—yes, including Klingon! Then climb up to Sacré-Cœur for absolutely breathtaking views of the entire city. End your romantic day with a glass of wine at a quiet moment-perfect café tucked into the hillside.
Cost: FREE entry; €10-25 for picnic supplies
Best time: Morning (9-11 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, originally created for King Louis XIV’s queen. Pack some French food from a local market- baguette, cheese, macarons, and strawberries and find a cozy spot near the Medici Fountain for your romantic picnic.
Valentine’s Day tip: The beautiful gardens are slightly less crowded in February, giving you more intimate spaces for that quiet moment with your love.
Cost: €5-10 for a padlock
Where to buy locks: Nearby shops or bring your own
Yes, we know the city removed tons of locks in 2015, but lovers gonna love! While the original Pont des Arts love lock bridge railings were replaced, couples visiting Paris have found new spots around the city to declare their eternal devotion. The Pont de l’Archevêché near Notre Dame is now the go-to spot for love locks.
Write your initials, attach it to the bridge, and toss the key into the Seine River below. Cheesy? Absolutely. Will you love it anyway? 100%!
Cost: FREE
Best for: Charming boutiques, wine bars, hidden courtyards
Le Marais is Paris’s trendiest neighborhood, mixing medieval architecture with hip galleries and absolutely loved wine bars. Start at Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, then get lost in the narrow cobbled streets discovering vintage shops and cozy cafés.
Stop at a wine bar for some wine tasting (€15-30 per person) and let the expert guide you through French wines. Don’t miss Passage des Panoramas nearby—these covered passages are gorgeously romantic, especially on rainy days!
Cost: €85-180 per person
Duration: 3-4 hours
Popular schools: Le Cordon Bleu, La Cuisine Paris
Nothing says “I love you” like learning to make croissants together at 8 AM! French cooking classes in Paris are a fun way to create memories (and master some skills to impress your friends back home). Most classes include market tours, hands-on cooking, and of course, eating your delicious creations together.
Valentine’s Day 2025 classes book up FAST, so reserve your spots in December 2024. Many include champagne and focus on romantic meals perfect for date night recreation.
Need somewhere to practice your new skills? Book an apartment with a full kitchen on CuddlyNest using code DISCCN15 for 15% off!
Cost: €13 per adult (FREE for EU residents under 26)
Climb: 284 steps (no elevator, sorry!)
Best time: 45 minutes before sunset
The Arc de Triomphe offers some of the stunning views in Paris, with the Champs-Élysées stretching out in one direction and the Eiffel Tower visible in the other. Time your visit for sunset to watch the city transform from day to evening. It’s a bit of a workout climbing those stairs, but the view (and the quiet moment at the top) is totally worth it.
Cost: €150-400+ per person
Book ahead: 2-3 months for Valentine’s Day
Hot picks for 2025: Le Jules Verne (in the Eiffel Tower!), L’Ambroisie, Guy Savoy
Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but we’re talking about Valentine’s Day in Paris! Splurge on a romantic meal at a Michelin starred restaurant where every dish is a work of art. Le Jules Verne offers that coveted Eiffel Tower view while you dine on exquisite French cuisine.
Budget option: Try lunch instead of dinner at these establishments—you’ll get the same incredible food at about 50% less cost!
Cost: €87-420 per person (includes champagne)
Showtimes: 9 PM and 11 PM
Book ahead: Essential for Valentine’s Day
The Moulin Rouge has been dazzling audiences since 1889, and it’s still putting on one of the most spectacular shows in Paris. The Belle Époque cabaret features elaborate costumes, the famous can-can dance, and enough feathers to make a flamingo jealous. Add dinner for the full romantic experience.
Valentine’s upgrade: Premium seats in the first few rows with champagne and a three-course meal (around €250+ per person).
Cost: FREE to wander
Must-see: Sainte-Chapelle (€13), Notre Dame exterior
The heart of Paris, Île de la Cité, is a tiny island in the Seine River packed with history and romance. You can visit the Notre Dame and enjoy the architecture and visit the stunning Sainte-Chapelle nearby with its breathtaking stained glass windows.
Cost: FREE to explore
Perfect for: Bookstores, bistros, bohemian vibes
The Latin Quarter on the Left Bank oozes romance with its winding streets, quirky bookshops, and cozy bistros. Shakespeare and Company bookstore is a must-visit for couples who love art and literature. Share a café crème at a sidewalk café and people-watch like true Parisians.
Cost: FREE
Vibe: Hipster, less touristy, super chill
Want to escape the crowds? Canal Saint Martin is where young Parisians hang out. Pack some wine and snacks, sit by the canal, and watch the boats pass through the locks. It’s one of those hidden gems that feels like your own secret romantic spot.
Cost: €150-300 per person (tour + tastings)
Duration: Full day (leave early!)
Distance: 90 minutes from Paris
Nothing screams romance like sipping champagne where it’s actually made! Several companies offer day trip tours from Paris to the Champagne region, including visits to prestigious houses like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot. You’ll tour the cellars, learn about the champagne-making process, and obviously, enjoy plenty of wine tasting.
Cost: FREE entry
Size: 2,090 acres of parkland
Best spots: Around the lakes or rose gardens
This massive park on Paris’s western edge offers the perfect escape for nature-loving couples. Rent a rowboat on the lake (€15-20 per hour), explore the beautiful gardens, or find a secluded spot for that romantic picnic. Way less crowded than central Paris parks!
Cost: €250-500 for 1-2 hour session
Why: Because your photos deserve better than a selfie stick!
Popular services: Flytographer, Paris Photographer
Paris is literally the most photogenic city on Earth, so why not hire a professional photographer to capture your romantic trip? They know all the best spots, perfect lighting times, and how to make you look like models. Many couples visiting Paris book sessions for engagement photos or just to document their romantic getaway.
After your photo session, head back to your gorgeous accommodation booked through CuddlyNest (use code DISCCN15 for 15% off!) and order room service for a cozy night in.
Your hotel sets the stage for your entire romantic trip. Skip the generic chains and choose a place with its own love story to tell. Here are the best hotels for couples, from unforgettable splurges to charming hidden gems.
