itspat

Spouse's birthday will fall on our last night in Paris. We have been before and love the city and just planned to walk and take it all in this time - no hectic sightseeing. Without knowing anything about us, I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas for a nice birthday surprise, whether it be a special event at one of the landmark locales, or just a nice hidden unexpected gem. We are pretty simple people and just enjoy the people, sights, sounds, tastes of the city. We are staying in the 9th arrondissement.

- no specific financial considerations
- dressing fancy will probably not be doable, we'll be traveling very light
- thinking about trying to have our hotel help me out, perhaps with surprise breakfast in bed?
- private boat ride on Seine?
- any areas/events that a tourist would not typically think of, even if off the beaten path?

Many thanks.

jersey_bailey

Paris is always a romantic place, celebrating birthdays, giving surprises there will be a sweet memory. Cheers!

nytraveler

IMHO the dinner cruis have really awful food. While the cruise is nice much better to do a decent dinner afterwards,

Not sure of your interests - but I would look for a ballet, concert or opera that might be really fun. Paris often has intereting film festivals (specific director or genre - that could meet your needs).

StCirq

Volte, it's about time you stopped trying to advertise your services here and on Trip Advisor. You've already been thrown off there. Your ideas aren't any good, anyway. Who in their right mind would spend 900 euros for a silly ride in a limo and a dinner cruise?

For the OP, check out www.whatsonwhen.com and see if there's something special going on you both might enjoy. Maybe check out Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre.

TPAYT

For the romantic side, breakfast in bed sounds good.
For me, as we are usually in Paris for my birthday, it would be a nice dinner and a walk along the Seine.

Now, I'll go way out on a limb here---for the fun side!
Dancing along the Seine. Here's Kerouac's take on it:

http://www.anyportinastorm.proboards...ad=3665&page=1

This something we've always said we would try on our Paris trips. We just haven't got to it yet. We like to take a late night cruise on Vedettes from the Pont Neuf and have seen the dancers from the boat and commented on how fun it looks.
As you can see, no dress code and all ages are there.

Definitely off the beaten path of normal tourist activities and it definitely would be a surprise!

Christina

Some people don't particularly like breakfast in bed, I don't. I don't think that is much of a birthday present, either, actually. I don't see any mention of when this is, so it's hard to give any suggestions as to events. Also, the weather could matter, some things would be inappropriate in winter.

For example, I would love a night out with a concert at the Olympia which is very near your hotel, or the Rex. Actually, I love music and dance so would like most any special concert or dance performance. A concert at the Theatre de Champs Elysees is always nice for classical music, beautiful art deco theater.

Some people like those candlelight concerts at Sainte Chapelle. If you don't listen to classical music much, you might like it (I wouldn't recommend it for someone who goes to a lot of classical music concerts as the repertoire isn't anything special).

janisj

Leave wingfavolte alone - some of the advice is so ridiculous it will scare folks away from his/her website/services


Most of it looks like it was drawn straight out of a (bad) guidebook . . . .

StCirq

Yeah, I just love the Pampidou stuff. Inane.

denisea

So then Christina, best not to ever travel to Paris with TPAYT and risk being subjected to something as undesirable as breakfast in bed.

JeanneB

If the weather is nice, consider a picnic. Maybe your hotel could provide some kind of sheet or blanket. There are lots of places you can get a baguette, cheese, ham, wine. And don't forget the patisserie!!

At the very tip of Isle de la Cite (next to Vedettes du Pont Neuf) there's a tiny little park. You can sit out there watching the boats pass on each side of you. I've been there a couple of times and there was hardly anyone there. It would be a lovely spot for a picnic.

Pull up Google Images for Square du Vert Galant Paris

nukesafe

There is even some romantic history, of a sort, related to the Square du Vert Galant. Henry IV was a womanizer, and had many mistresses even in his old age. The Park is named after his nickname at the time, i.e., Vert Galant

JeanneB

TPAYT: Thanks for posting that info about the dancing. What a fun link!

I've often noticed (in the evening) the music coming from a boat tethered beneath Pont de la Archeveche, right behind Notre Dame. The top deck is decorated with string lights. And there are dancers. But I never realized it was all along the quai! Indeed, it is sooooo romantic!!!

flpab

I love breakfast in bed and it could be a simple coffee and croissant. Take me shopping to buy a pair of repettos. http://www.repetto.fr/ Your in Paris for your Birthday, wonderful enough but you know her taste and your budget.

itspat

Thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone know anything about the hammam scene in Paris? I've never been to one, but I thought it could be a nice relaxing present?

And, in general, are all the "famous" restaurants (e.g. La Tour D'Argent, Le Georges, Jules Verne) going to require reservations months in advance? Are they worth it in your opinion (both for ambiance/romance, and for food)?

Thanks.

itspat

Another thought... might be interested in taking a single beginner level tango class in a light-hearted atmosphere (with an instructor that speaks English!)... anyone know of anything that exists like this?

itspat

Sorry - just Googled the tango thing... saw the Quai St. Bernard open air dancing thing... does this go away in October? Site says it is during the summer, until end of September.

kagoo

Just returned from two (wonderful) weeks in Paris, and the tango at Tito Rossi is, indeed, over for the year.

You might be interested in this, if you can work it in: Every Sunday morning from 11:30 to 1:00, there is music and dancing and and singing at the foot of the Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter. I'm not suggesting it should be your romantic centerpiece, but it's a really fun thing to watch/do. (All are invited to sing and/or dance, or you can just be a spectator.) We just love it.

Not sure how far into the autumn this tradition continues....

denisea

It wouldn't be a surprise but our romantic tradition is to end everyday with a glass of champagne (OK, or a bottle....or two).

lowcountrycarol

As I did not see where you specifically mention this must be a romantic surprise what about a Segway tour or book one of the Fat Bike Tours if you both like fun activity.

Shadow

Have a a lock engraved with both your initials with a heart or initials and anniversary date or date of trip...then place in a pretty bag or box and present it at the bridge of locks.