Cheap, but romantic evenings in Paris?
 

Hello everyone, I will be spending two weeks in Paris (to propose to my lady friend) and I am looking for an inexpensive/romantic (I know, I know) night. Any suggestions? I saw a cruise, but it wasn't cheap! Any at all will be greatly appreciated!
P.S. we will be there from May 5-17

Hey moxie,

There are soooo many options in Paris that are romantic and cheap, you just have to be flexible. How about packing a late night picnic with some wine and other goodies from a bakery/patisserie/grocery store and heading to Trocadero to watch the tower light up. It starts as the sun goes down and happens every hour at the top of the hour. There are quite a few people but plenty of space to get a comfy spot for the two of you. I thought this was one of the most romantic places I had ever seen!
Or, how about a daytime picnic on the banks of the seine instead of a cruise. There are some great spots.
I don't know what your budget is but there are also 2 restaurants on the Eiffel Tower itself....but personally (I'm a woman BTW) I would prefer Trocadero any day.
Once you get to Paris you'll see that romantic opportunities are everywhere!! I know you'll be able to find something to wow her.

Congrats and enjoy! Paris is soooo amazing!

Layla :)

Dinner in a quiet, dark - but you can still find inexpensive - restaurant, followed by a walk along the Seine. (Watch An American in Paris before you go - Gene Kelley and Leslie Caron can inspire anyone.)

Thank you very much robjame and Layla (I like that name!)
I don't want to sound cheap, but I also don't want to be too stereo-typical. I think the picnic at Trocadero sounds perfect!
We will be staying in the Latin Quarter and I can't wait to explore!

TY too nytraveler!

You can't really go wrong anywhere in Paris.You don't need to go an expensive restaurant or spend much money. What about at the top of the Eiffel Tower, or anywhere there is a view of the tower, Pont Neuf, Versailles, Luxemburg Gardens. If she is an art lover, what about at the Louve or any of the other great museums. I am also partial to the Trocadero. Congrat's and Good luck!

Hey Moxie,

No problem....if you ever need any other tips or anything at all feel free to email me:
[email protected]
I visited Paris on a budget also so maybe I could help you on certain things. I posted a trip report if you search under my posts by clicking my name....maybe that will help you also!

Layla :)

Climb the steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe at night. The lights of Paris are spread out below you. On the hour, the Eiffel Tower twinkles in the distance. It is v-e-r-y romantic up there.

If you e-mail me, I'll send you a photo of a nice spot. [email protected] (note we will be away Tuesday through Sunday).

I was going to suggest the top of the Arch de Triumphe at night, as well. The view is fantastic because, unlike being on the Eiffel Tower, you get to include the Tower in your view (duh!).

Or, grab a bottle of wine and a seat on a bench on the Pont Neuf.

Believe me, if you just start walking in Paris, inspiration will hit!

Supermarket: bottle of wine, package of pâté de campagne. 4.20€
Bakery: baguette. 0.80€
Steps of Sacré Coeur: romance

Budget: 5.00€

From the fence just below the steps of Sacre Couer around 9 pm you can see the twinkling of the Eiffel Tower at the top of the hour, it's an incredible view.
In nice weather right by the river near the Institue du Monde Arabe in Latin quarter there is outdoor dancing according to a post here. Areas for tango, salsa, swing, all outdoors.
Since you're in the latin quarter, have dinner at Les Fetes Galantes, they have a very inexpensive 3 course dinner (18 euros for the most basic one). It's a tiny little spot that I return to on every trip. Not the place to propose, just a great place to eat for a super value.
I say carry the ring around and the right moment in the right spot will just happen.
And congratulations.

Hi M,

A bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, a piece of cheese in evening on the Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, in front of the fountain at St. Sulpice or in the little square at the NW corner of Eglise St Germain des Pres.

((I))

Thank you all very much!!!!!

I very much appreciate all of your responses!

Pont des Arts is good since it is a pedestrian only bridge over the Seine, with panoramic views.

An impressive first view of the Eiffel tower is to take Metro to Trocedero, then walk between the two Palais de Chaillot buldings and wham...followed by picnic, etc..

Cruises on the Seine are not expensive, it is DINNER cruises that are expensive. You could do a nighttime cruise, bring along picnic and wine, see twinkling Eiffel Tower and ....

I could also see Places des Vosges as another location, one of the finest, oldest squares in Paris.

I believe the Place des Vosges closes its gates in the evening, though.

Also, if you want to splurge a little but can't afford to splurge a lot, there are some restaurants and bars you could go to for an aperitif, and then continue on somewhere else less expensive (or for a picnic).

By the way, keep in mind that May 8 is a major statutory holiday in France.

If I can find my copy of Ou S'Embrasser a Paris (where to kiss in Paris), I will provide some additional suggestions for romantic locations. Or you can try to order the book online (Amazon.com says it's unavailable, but it's possible to purchase it in Paris.)

hi, moxie,

how about a picnic on a bateau mouche? [not the dinner ones, but a normal night time one?]

have you worked out how you are going to send the obligatory piece of wedding cake to the OP's whose idea you use? [assuming it's sucessful, of course - and how could you fail with all these wonderful ideas?]

very best wishes, ann

Everyone here is great! All of these ideas are helping me greatly. Now it's just deciding what to do..... :)

If the weather is nice just stroll along the Seine, linger at Pont Neuf, and the courtyard in front of Notre Dame. Cost = nothing.

For a little more euros, take the river cruise (not dinner) from Pont Neuf once darkness falls. There are coupons on the website that will save you a euro or two. Just print them out and take them along.

A bottle of cheap wine and a piece of cheese on a traffic-choked bridge...??? Are you kidding?!

How about a bottle of Champagne (not too $$$ in France) and a pair of real glasses in the Tuileries? Or in front of the Tower, as suggested above..

If classical music is your thing, perhaps a candlelight concert at Sainte Chapelle?

Is this candlelight concert something that requires a reservation? Or is it a free outdoor style concert?

Thanks!

You buy a ticket - it's a classical concert inside the church.

I think I have a somewhat unique perspective on this since last February my fiance proposed to me in Paris at the Trocadero.

Therefore Trocadero at sunset all the way!

Hey again,

jodeenyc- awwww that's amazing!!

Moxie I would definitely go for Trocadero....I would love if my BF chose that spot to propose, it's sooooo beautiful!!

Layla :)

bookmarking.

Hello,Moxie555:
i live in Paris and like very much to walk
along the Seine,(left bank) when its is dark: it is marvellous and romantic.You can began in the east side of Paris; Bibliotheque Mitterand, and finish at the Tour Eiffel.It is free..and so nice.
Annie

Moxie,
If the day is reasonably bright make your way an hour before sunset to the parc de belleville, (metro station Couronnes). It is in an unassuming suburb but from its sloping lawns you can watch the sun set behind the tour Eiffel in the distance with the whole of Paris laid out before you. Be aware that the park closes at sunset so you will be ushered gently out of the lawned area as soon as its over, however, You can still watch from the paved terrace above the park.
We now have a hugh print of the fantastic picture we took to remind us of the most beautiful and romantic moment of our trip.
Jane

The suggestions made so far are wonderful ... however, almost none of them would work if it is raining, which can happen just about any time in Paris. So you might want to book a romantic restaurant just as a backup. Also, if you are art lovers, consider an evening stroll through a museum. The Louvre and others are open late on certain days, generally until about 10 p.m. One of the most romantic evenings I ever had was with an art historian who took me to a 'nocturne' at the Musee d'Orsay followed by a candlelit dinner.

The backup plan is a great one to have - thank you!

Thank you for the advice on the parc de belleville Jane, I bet a nice picnic before sunset would work great!

In thinking of other scenic locations...the steps of Sacre Coeur would be one, panoramic view of Paris. Another would be Square de Vert Gallant, a nice park on the west side of Ile de la Cite (Notre Dame island). Very nice, compact park with benches, rose bushes, views of Seine, Louvre, (Eiffel?) and is the boarding spot for Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruises.

There would also be some nice views along the Seine, Left Bank side, below the street level, behind/alongside Notre Dame. A few movies have used this area…you could tie in Notre Dame…”my love is as eternal as Notre Dame…”

I love these ideas. Paris is full of romantic locations, one of my favorites is the Ile St. Louis. As you stroll the island stop to present your sweetie with some flowers or a single rose at the flower shop on rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile, the name might be Alain. You could ask what flowers she would like to carry on your wedding day. Then have a champagne toast at a nearby cafe.

Here is a picture of the Square de Vert Gallant, as mentioned by Michael.
http://tinyurl.com/27zu29

The text says it is a favorite place for marriage proposals. I will take my wife there in October for sure!

:-)

Check out my blog! I have loads of answers on a vacation in Paris!

http://destinationstation.blogspot.c...of-lights.html

This can never be stressed enough: romance has nothing to do with the price you pay.

<If classical music is your thing, perhaps a candlelight concert at Sainte Chapelle?>

Michel -- that's exactly where a friend of ours proposed to his wife!

Are you coming home today? Where did you choose? How did it go? Inquiring minds want to know...

ttt - we're still waiting!