What is your fav romantic spot in Paris?
Feb 5th, 2006, 07:37 PM
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What is your fav romantic spot in Paris?
Going to Paris end of April for our 25th wedding anniversary. It is our first trip there. Looking for some romantic moments together.
I know, I know, it is the whole city, right? But is there some favorite little spot, cafe, garden, corner, nook or cranny in Paris that you have discovered that is oh so romantic to you?
We are staying in the 6th but will travel all over. We are there for eight days.
One thing I know I want to do is take a boat ride on the river and just coast and view. That to me is kind of romantic. Maybe at night is more romantic?
You see so many movies of Paris and little spots here and there, will I bump into those everywhere? Thanks, Fodorites, for any suggestions...
I know, I know, it is the whole city, right? But is there some favorite little spot, cafe, garden, corner, nook or cranny in Paris that you have discovered that is oh so romantic to you?
We are staying in the 6th but will travel all over. We are there for eight days.
One thing I know I want to do is take a boat ride on the river and just coast and view. That to me is kind of romantic. Maybe at night is more romantic?
You see so many movies of Paris and little spots here and there, will I bump into those everywhere? Thanks, Fodorites, for any suggestions...
Feb 5th, 2006, 08:05 PM
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I stayed in the 6th....let me think of where was very romantic....that is a toughie...but I do think if you did a picnic and bought your own little baguettes, fruit, wine, you could find a nice little spot maybe near Notre Dame and have a cute little lunch watching the river flow by.
I know that isn't much help, but I am bad with names. I also suggest going to a neighborhood cafe/bistro....find a place that you DON'T see tourists in, and try that place. It is sometimes preferable to find places that do not speak english...at least you know you are getting a more authentic meal. Just make sure you are able to order any special requests in French.
Maybe just find a secluded little cafe on a whim, and enjoy time together drinking coffee and enjoying each other's company.
I know that isn't much help, but I am bad with names. I also suggest going to a neighborhood cafe/bistro....find a place that you DON'T see tourists in, and try that place. It is sometimes preferable to find places that do not speak english...at least you know you are getting a more authentic meal. Just make sure you are able to order any special requests in French.
Maybe just find a secluded little cafe on a whim, and enjoy time together drinking coffee and enjoying each other's company.
Feb 5th, 2006, 08:22 PM
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You might want to view "Forget Paris". Fabulous Paris scenery (with lots of ideas) and a terrific soundtrack.
You can hardly go wrong in Paris - there is romance everywhere. Just being in Paris could not be more romantic.
Also highly recommend "Romantic Paris" by Thirza Vallois.
You can hardly go wrong in Paris - there is romance everywhere. Just being in Paris could not be more romantic.
Also highly recommend "Romantic Paris" by Thirza Vallois.
Feb 6th, 2006, 03:13 AM
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A second vote for Thirza Vallois book "Romantic Paris" and a few suggestions.
How about:
Square du Vert-Galant sitting on a bench watching the river boats cruise past.
Then theres Place de Furstenberg under the Catalpa tree or at night when a Parisian street lamp in the middle of the square delivers a romantic glow.
A lovely stroll along the Canal St.Martin with it's tree-lined quays and iron footbridges, stopping at a little Bistro/Bar called Le Chaland on Quai de Valmy before continuing on to the Quai de la Loire and the departure point for the canal boat which can bring you back to Port de l'Arsenal.
Last one - the romantic little Square Viviani which has one of the oldest trees in Paris next to the church of St.Julian-le-Pauvre.
How about:
Square du Vert-Galant sitting on a bench watching the river boats cruise past.
Then theres Place de Furstenberg under the Catalpa tree or at night when a Parisian street lamp in the middle of the square delivers a romantic glow.
A lovely stroll along the Canal St.Martin with it's tree-lined quays and iron footbridges, stopping at a little Bistro/Bar called Le Chaland on Quai de Valmy before continuing on to the Quai de la Loire and the departure point for the canal boat which can bring you back to Port de l'Arsenal.
Last one - the romantic little Square Viviani which has one of the oldest trees in Paris next to the church of St.Julian-le-Pauvre.
Feb 6th, 2006, 12:23 PM
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The truth is, the best ones won't be the planned ones, but...
The Pont des Arts at sunrise or sunset.
A park bench at any one of the fountains in Luxembourg or Palais Royal gardens anytime during the day.
Strolling across the fabulous Alexandre III bridge hand-in-hand.
The Pont des Arts at sunrise or sunset.
A park bench at any one of the fountains in Luxembourg or Palais Royal gardens anytime during the day.
Strolling across the fabulous Alexandre III bridge hand-in-hand.
Feb 6th, 2006, 12:51 PM
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Places des Vosges is nice also, there are some restaurants along the Seine on the Left Bank that have views of Notre Dame, Pont Notre Dame at night - view of Seine / Conciergerie lit up /Eiffel Tower in distance, Eiffel Tower at night approached via Trocadero, Cafe Bonaparte on Place St Germain des Pres overlooking cathedral, Jardin de Luxembourg with sculptures/kids playing, definitely a boat ride on Seine and definitely at night, a candlight concert at Sainte Chapelle, walking along Seine below street level...
Feb 6th, 2006, 01:35 PM
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I agree with the walk along the left bank. We loved strolling along the river, with splendid views of Notre Dame and the Conciergerie lit up at night. We found a cozy cafe and had coffee and dessert while taking in the atmosphere.
Sitting in the Parc du Champ de Mars as the Eiffel Tower is twinkling is also very romantic.
Tracy
Sitting in the Parc du Champ de Mars as the Eiffel Tower is twinkling is also very romantic.
Tracy
Feb 6th, 2006, 03:09 PM
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Thanks all. These are great ideas.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is the Pont des Arts?
So, cafes along the Seine that have a view of Notre Dam and a picnic in a park seem to be getting the nod. Sounds great to me.
If you have any other ideas, please keep posting.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is the Pont des Arts?
So, cafes along the Seine that have a view of Notre Dam and a picnic in a park seem to be getting the nod. Sounds great to me.
If you have any other ideas, please keep posting.
Feb 7th, 2006, 04:59 AM
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Heavens, the Pont de Arts is a bridge that goes over the Seine, near the Louvre. Its a wide bridge, usually filled with painters when I was on it. Very romantic indeed! I believe its pedestrian-only.
Tracy
Tracy
Feb 7th, 2006, 07:06 AM
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The cafe we sat at was Cafe Leffe at 41 rue de la Bucherie, near the Latin Quarter. We sat outside and had desserts (I loved my creme brulee!) and cafe cremes while taking in stunning views of a lit-up Notre-Dame across the river. I've only been to Paris once so others may have better recommendations, but we were quite pleased.
I just did a quick serch and found that they have a website. http://www.cafeleffe-notredame.com/english.htm
Tracy
I just did a quick serch and found that they have a website. http://www.cafeleffe-notredame.com/english.htm
Tracy
Feb 7th, 2006, 07:37 AM
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My husband and I have a favorite romantic rendezvous: La Fermette Marbeuf 1900 in the 8th arrondissement at 5 rue Marbeuf, just off the avenue des Champs Elysées. The Art Nouveau stained-glass interior is exceptionally beautiful, making this restaurant a good (and not too expensive, with a 30-euro prix-fixe menu) place for a romantic evening. When reserving, be sure to ask for a table under the stained-glass dome. Here's their website:
http://www.blanc.net/fermette/
http://www.blanc.net/fermette/
Feb 8th, 2006, 08:45 AM
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definitely get to a concert at Sainte Chapelle - we make a beeline for here when we first arrive to check out what concerts are playing. Try to get something early evening while it's still somewhat light so you can experience the unbelievable stained glass! Even if you decide against a concert the upper church is a must see, much more beautiful than Notre Dame IMHO. Also gihly recommend a book called " ch
Feb 8th, 2006, 08:51 AM
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OOps posted too soon - anyway highly recommend " Culture shock" the France edition by Sally Adamson Taylor. We read this before our first trip there and got a lot of advice on how to interact and NO ONE believed we were Americans! Had a wonderful time and experienced no rude behavior! Have a wonderful trip!
