Paris, Anniversary, Young Couple, Planning for Adventure/Romance
Apr 22nd, 2016, 05:25 AM
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Paris, Anniversary, Young Couple, Planning for Adventure/Romance
Hi friends,
My wife and I will be celebrating our first anniversary in Paris in May 2016. We are both young and very active, and I'm trying to think of something epic I can do to surprise her all day and all night. I've definitely checked out the trip reports posted by others, and they have helped me. I am considering a Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise with a window reservation, and do believe the view from the Seine at night will be stunning. However, I'd love to fill the day as well with something really fun and even marked by an adrenaline rush, if possible
So, I thought about a hot air balloon but I could only find one that is tethered, instead of free-flying. I thought about dining in the dark (my wife is a foodie but I am not, but this is for her anyway!) at Dans Le Noir, as we've never done that and it may be a novel and enjoyable experience. I've also thought about Aerokart's free-fall wind tunnel adventure activity, which apparently involves falling from 12,000 feet - but this may be lame. Not sure. I've also thought about Pari-Roller, since apparently tons of people go out rollerblading around the city on Friday nights from 10pm to 1am? Is this for real? Can I just rent rollerblades and join in?
Anyway, that's all I've got. I would love some specific, personal advice from those who are knowledgeable. I'm grateful for your time and input, and don't take it for granted. I know there are tons of posts to read and respond to. Just want to make this the most amazing day ever for her.
Dan
My wife and I will be celebrating our first anniversary in Paris in May 2016. We are both young and very active, and I'm trying to think of something epic I can do to surprise her all day and all night. I've definitely checked out the trip reports posted by others, and they have helped me. I am considering a Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise with a window reservation, and do believe the view from the Seine at night will be stunning. However, I'd love to fill the day as well with something really fun and even marked by an adrenaline rush, if possible
So, I thought about a hot air balloon but I could only find one that is tethered, instead of free-flying. I thought about dining in the dark (my wife is a foodie but I am not, but this is for her anyway!) at Dans Le Noir, as we've never done that and it may be a novel and enjoyable experience. I've also thought about Aerokart's free-fall wind tunnel adventure activity, which apparently involves falling from 12,000 feet - but this may be lame. Not sure. I've also thought about Pari-Roller, since apparently tons of people go out rollerblading around the city on Friday nights from 10pm to 1am? Is this for real? Can I just rent rollerblades and join in? Anyway, that's all I've got. I would love some specific, personal advice from those who are knowledgeable. I'm grateful for your time and input, and don't take it for granted. I know there are tons of posts to read and respond to. Just want to make this the most amazing day ever for her.
Dan
Apr 22nd, 2016, 06:09 AM
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The Pariroller thing is not for casual bladers, but yes, anyone can do it, it starts at Montparnasse Tower around 10 pm. YOu can always leave early.
Hot air balloon rides are more in the Loire valley, not Paris, I believe. They also do that around Fontainebleau, which is also outside Paris.
As for Seine dinner cruise, that may be a good idea. There are several companies, so compare. Don't expect super outstanding cuisine, but it's the experience. Some people go for dinner in Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower as super spectacular, but it is probably more expensive.
There are some companies that do night bike tours around Paris, if that interests you. Not my idea of an anniversary thing, but may be yours. It's a gruop, but obviously Pariroller is a huge group.
Hot air balloon rides are more in the Loire valley, not Paris, I believe. They also do that around Fontainebleau, which is also outside Paris.
As for Seine dinner cruise, that may be a good idea. There are several companies, so compare. Don't expect super outstanding cuisine, but it's the experience. Some people go for dinner in Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower as super spectacular, but it is probably more expensive.
There are some companies that do night bike tours around Paris, if that interests you. Not my idea of an anniversary thing, but may be yours. It's a gruop, but obviously Pariroller is a huge group.
Apr 22nd, 2016, 07:15 AM
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I'd suggest a lovely restaurant rather than the dinner cruise. Food on dinner cruises is remarkably mediocre, and to settle for mediocre food in Paris for a foodie - no! I also wouldn't go to Jules Verne - you are paying for the view rather than the food. With so many wonderful places to eat in Paris, choose a really nice restaurant, perhaps one with a star.
I think the most romantic things you could do would be the things you would do on your own, not as a group. Not need to find activities, just choose a few things you want to do and enjoy Paris. For me, scheduling all of those activities would NOT be romantic.
I think the most romantic things you could do would be the things you would do on your own, not as a group. Not need to find activities, just choose a few things you want to do and enjoy Paris. For me, scheduling all of those activities would NOT be romantic.
Apr 22nd, 2016, 08:27 AM
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Agree that the dinner cruise is a bust - the food is unlikely to be as good as mediocre. If you want to do a night boat cruise that's a geat idea but I woud pair it with a really top notch romantic restaurant.
Not sure of the time of the boats but I would do that first - as soon as it;s dark and then the dinner afterward.
We did Jules Verne one anniversary and loved it. The food is very good (NOT the best in the city, but for us the view and atmosphere makes up for it). If you prefer the best food you can find in a nice restaurant setting - then go for it.
As for a balloon ride during the day I think - with a romantic picnic - that's a great idea. But for obvious reasons it won't happen over Paris - so head out into the country for the day to one of the places that does have balloon rides over the gorgeous countryside. (I know they do them in the Loire and someone above mentioned near Fontainebleau.)
Not sure of the time of the boats but I would do that first - as soon as it;s dark and then the dinner afterward.
We did Jules Verne one anniversary and loved it. The food is very good (NOT the best in the city, but for us the view and atmosphere makes up for it). If you prefer the best food you can find in a nice restaurant setting - then go for it.
As for a balloon ride during the day I think - with a romantic picnic - that's a great idea. But for obvious reasons it won't happen over Paris - so head out into the country for the day to one of the places that does have balloon rides over the gorgeous countryside. (I know they do them in the Loire and someone above mentioned near Fontainebleau.)
Apr 22nd, 2016, 09:22 AM
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Forget the dinner cruise on the Bâteaux Parisiens unless you're fond of microwaved entrées. Go for Les Yachts de Paris or Le Calife.
Jules Vernes is also IMO a big meh. Not romantic, at least to me. There are so many special places to have a lovely meal in Paris, there's no reason to do it wrapped up in all those iron trestles.
Yes, you can just rent rollerblades and go out around Paris on a Friday evening. Why not?
For ballooning, you need to get outside Paris.
Dans Le Noir frankly sounds depressing to me. I like to see and converse with my partner when we're eating, not be in the dark just for some novel experience.
Jules Vernes is also IMO a big meh. Not romantic, at least to me. There are so many special places to have a lovely meal in Paris, there's no reason to do it wrapped up in all those iron trestles.
Yes, you can just rent rollerblades and go out around Paris on a Friday evening. Why not?
For ballooning, you need to get outside Paris.
Dans Le Noir frankly sounds depressing to me. I like to see and converse with my partner when we're eating, not be in the dark just for some novel experience.
Apr 22nd, 2016, 09:42 AM
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You know your wife better than we do, obviously. Is this what she would like - being surprised all day with events that you have planned for her? What if she is planning to surprise you all day with events that she has planned for you?
When you say "very active," what do you mean? For me, in the city of Paris, I would go for an early-morning run on the Promenade Plantee (though I'm not sure if running is allowed up there). Followed by cafe and croissant at some typical French cafe. On the other hand, my DH would NEVER want to do this, especially not early in the day.
Rollerblading, you've already gotten good advice. Biking, you can do that, and there are the rental bikes all over Paris. Your decision on whether you want to ride a bicycle in a city and whether it's active enough for you.
If your wife is a foodie, then she may want to choose the restaurant (I'm a foodie, and would definitely want to make my own decision on this). And take a ride on the Bateaux Vedettes du Pont Neuf at night, to see the city lights, separately from eating on boats.
Not epic or active, but actually quite wonderful, is to pick up some bread and cheese, and possibly other food, and some wine, for a lunchtime picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Or for something entirely different, you could make a day trip to the Loire Valley and do a long bike ride there.
When you say "very active," what do you mean? For me, in the city of Paris, I would go for an early-morning run on the Promenade Plantee (though I'm not sure if running is allowed up there). Followed by cafe and croissant at some typical French cafe. On the other hand, my DH would NEVER want to do this, especially not early in the day.
Rollerblading, you've already gotten good advice. Biking, you can do that, and there are the rental bikes all over Paris. Your decision on whether you want to ride a bicycle in a city and whether it's active enough for you.
If your wife is a foodie, then she may want to choose the restaurant (I'm a foodie, and would definitely want to make my own decision on this). And take a ride on the Bateaux Vedettes du Pont Neuf at night, to see the city lights, separately from eating on boats.
Not epic or active, but actually quite wonderful, is to pick up some bread and cheese, and possibly other food, and some wine, for a lunchtime picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Or for something entirely different, you could make a day trip to the Loire Valley and do a long bike ride there.
Apr 22nd, 2016, 02:59 PM
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Congratulations on your anniversary! Here is what my lovely husband did to sweep me off my feet for our anniversary in Paris.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...experience.cfm
Cheers"
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...experience.cfm
Cheers"
Apr 22nd, 2016, 09:27 PM
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Hi Dandelion24,
Since you are "very active," I think you might want to consider taking a bike trip outside of Paris and get into the countryside and some smaller towns a bit.
I took a bike tour to Chartres with a friend and her family, and it was the highlight of that trip. The Chartres trip only has about 20 miles of biking, but Bruce offers many other options:
http://www.frenchmystiquetours.com/
Bruce is a great guide, with lots of information about prehistoric megaliths and chateaux that you'll be passing. He also provides a typical French lunch of cheeses, meats, bread, and fruit.
Even if you decide to do something else on your anniversary day, you may still want to take one of these bike ride tours.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Since you are "very active," I think you might want to consider taking a bike trip outside of Paris and get into the countryside and some smaller towns a bit.
I took a bike tour to Chartres with a friend and her family, and it was the highlight of that trip. The Chartres trip only has about 20 miles of biking, but Bruce offers many other options:
http://www.frenchmystiquetours.com/
Bruce is a great guide, with lots of information about prehistoric megaliths and chateaux that you'll be passing. He also provides a typical French lunch of cheeses, meats, bread, and fruit.
Even if you decide to do something else on your anniversary day, you may still want to take one of these bike ride tours.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Apr 23rd, 2016, 01:34 AM
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The Friday night roller derby is for people who are experienced, fast skaters who need to work off a lot of stress.
There is also a Sunday afternoon ramble for people who aren't in a hurry - and if you don't mind lots of young kids along.
The info is listed under "Dimanche et Coquillages", Google translates well enough if needed:
http://www.rollerenligne.com/article...-paris-75.html
But I would choose to let FrenchMystique custom-build you a bike tour, where you can bring a romantic picnic and really enjoy yourselves out in the countryside. He's the best in the business.
There is also a Sunday afternoon ramble for people who aren't in a hurry - and if you don't mind lots of young kids along.
The info is listed under "Dimanche et Coquillages", Google translates well enough if needed:
http://www.rollerenligne.com/article...-paris-75.html
But I would choose to let FrenchMystique custom-build you a bike tour, where you can bring a romantic picnic and really enjoy yourselves out in the countryside. He's the best in the business.
Apr 25th, 2016, 03:52 AM
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Hi all,
Thank you so much for your detailed advice. I've found it immensely helpful. I don't take it for granted; I value your time. Here are my thoughts in response:
Fuzzbucket, I think you are right, I don't think we want a full-on workout trying to keep up with super-pros rollerblading on Friday night. I will aim for the Sunday afternoon ramble. We love kids, so that'll be fun to see.
We will be in Paris for five days, and so we obviously will be seeing all of the major sights. I think a bike tour into the countryside would be fun, laid-back, and even romantic and so I will check out the reviews on Trip Advisor, as well as everyone's advice on this. Thank you Swandav2000.
We will definitely picnic, and I already told my wife I want to bring a frisbee because I love frisbee. Yes it takes up room in my backpack, but I think we would use it all the time. And I will maybe write her a love letter and read it to her, covering all that I've learned in our first year of marriage - and how she's wonderful in so many ways.
I'm grateful to your advice (nytraveler, Kathy, Christina, StCirq, Lexma90) about the quality of food on the dinner cruises. I think you're right. While in Paris, I will let her pick the restaurant, and if we go on a cruise, it'll just be for the cruise/view and not for the food. The Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruise seems no-frills and wonderful. Thank you RonZ as well for your thoughts on the Jules Verne - I will see what my wife would like to do about the Eiffel Tower visit.
TC - your husband rocked it out. Great writeup and thank you for sharing! It also reminds me that we need to watch Midnight in Paris together It also gave me some other good ideas! We are going to drink a LOT of hot chocolate, I already know!
Shelemm - I didn't mean to imply that Paris is not magnificent enough on its own...I just wanted to get some ideas for a break from the museums and cathedrals, and maybe something unique to get our heart pumping a bit!
Thank you all, again. Let me know if anything else come to your mind - I welcome your input!
Dan
Thank you so much for your detailed advice. I've found it immensely helpful. I don't take it for granted; I value your time. Here are my thoughts in response:
Fuzzbucket, I think you are right, I don't think we want a full-on workout trying to keep up with super-pros rollerblading on Friday night. I will aim for the Sunday afternoon ramble. We love kids, so that'll be fun to see.
We will be in Paris for five days, and so we obviously will be seeing all of the major sights. I think a bike tour into the countryside would be fun, laid-back, and even romantic and so I will check out the reviews on Trip Advisor, as well as everyone's advice on this. Thank you Swandav2000.
We will definitely picnic, and I already told my wife I want to bring a frisbee because I love frisbee. Yes it takes up room in my backpack, but I think we would use it all the time. And I will maybe write her a love letter and read it to her, covering all that I've learned in our first year of marriage - and how she's wonderful in so many ways.
I'm grateful to your advice (nytraveler, Kathy, Christina, StCirq, Lexma90) about the quality of food on the dinner cruises. I think you're right. While in Paris, I will let her pick the restaurant, and if we go on a cruise, it'll just be for the cruise/view and not for the food. The Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruise seems no-frills and wonderful. Thank you RonZ as well for your thoughts on the Jules Verne - I will see what my wife would like to do about the Eiffel Tower visit.
TC - your husband rocked it out. Great writeup and thank you for sharing! It also reminds me that we need to watch Midnight in Paris together
It also gave me some other good ideas! We are going to drink a LOT of hot chocolate, I already know!Shelemm - I didn't mean to imply that Paris is not magnificent enough on its own...I just wanted to get some ideas for a break from the museums and cathedrals, and maybe something unique to get our heart pumping a bit!
Thank you all, again. Let me know if anything else come to your mind - I welcome your input!
Dan
Apr 25th, 2016, 11:16 PM
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Dandelion - you can rent skates by the hour here, but should get there a little early so you will beat the rush:
http://www.nomadeshop.com/
As for the skating itself, you can drop out at anytime if you've had enough, return your skates and go do something else.
http://www.nomadeshop.com/
As for the skating itself, you can drop out at anytime if you've had enough, return your skates and go do something else.
Apr 26th, 2016, 04:44 PM
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Hello:
I highly recommend that you visit Paris By Mouth (www.parisbymouth.com). In addition to every possible bit of advice for the outstanding food in Paris (with weigh in by many other food critics and foodies), you can book specialized food tours. For example, chocolate, or cheeses, etc. It is fantastic and SO MUCH fun. The tours are really wonderful for foodies and their guests.
Ask for Meg Zimbeck - she is the founder and the absolute BEST! She will probably have some fabulous suggestion for a romantic "finale" at the tour's end! Tell Meg that Amy and Halle sent you!
Congratulations on your anniversary - you are going to the most romantic place in the world!
I highly recommend that you visit Paris By Mouth (www.parisbymouth.com). In addition to every possible bit of advice for the outstanding food in Paris (with weigh in by many other food critics and foodies), you can book specialized food tours. For example, chocolate, or cheeses, etc. It is fantastic and SO MUCH fun. The tours are really wonderful for foodies and their guests.
Ask for Meg Zimbeck - she is the founder and the absolute BEST! She will probably have some fabulous suggestion for a romantic "finale" at the tour's end! Tell Meg that Amy and Halle sent you!
Congratulations on your anniversary - you are going to the most romantic place in the world!
Apr 26th, 2016, 05:46 PM
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Dandelion - just chiming in to also recommend the bike rides with FrenchMystiqueTours! Biking in the countyside is a fun and active way to spend a half day or an entire day.
Happy anniversary and enjoy Paris.
Happy anniversary and enjoy Paris.
Apr 26th, 2016, 07:07 PM
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"We will be in Paris for five days, and so we obviously will be seeing all of the major sights."
I think you underestimate what Paris has to offer. We spent 10 full days in Paris a year ago and didn't see all the sights I would term major. Think of this anniversary trip as simply the first of many.
I think you underestimate what Paris has to offer. We spent 10 full days in Paris a year ago and didn't see all the sights I would term major. Think of this anniversary trip as simply the first of many.
Apr 26th, 2016, 10:36 PM
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my brother and his wife buy a piece of art for every anniversary... original art. maybe you can spend some time looking for a wonderful piece to bring home?
we love bois de boulogne and there are many bike rider there. also, i think you can easily rent a little boat to go on the little lake there. not all that active-- but very romantic. also, as i recall, there are several great bakeries not far from the park.
we love bois de boulogne and there are many bike rider there. also, i think you can easily rent a little boat to go on the little lake there. not all that active-- but very romantic. also, as i recall, there are several great bakeries not far from the park.
Apr 27th, 2016, 12:47 PM
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Buy a special perfume for your wife while in Paris. Smell is the most memory connected sense. I still have a perfume from my first trip to NY. Every time I wear it, the whole trip comes flooding back in great memories. Just remember to pack it in checked luggage on the return so you don't lose it at security.
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