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

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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.

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.....