My husband and I are visiting Paris (and Europe) for the first time for our 33rd Wedding Anniversary in early July. I have read so many of the fantastic responses that go on this site. We are on our own for 6 days. I would like to take my husband somewhere special for one evening. Something that is just Paris. What would you suggest... river cruise, one of the night shows. Please help an Australian out on her first trip. We may end up doing more than the one but just what have you done that you thought was fantastic.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is one that comes to mind. You would have to book months before going, but with the views and lights of Paris, magical.

The evening boat trips are fun but the food is mediocre at best. And the traditional shows are tacky, old fashioned, expensive and also have poor food. Agree to dinner at the Eiffel Tower - and then another night do a boat ride and then dinner in a cute restaurant near the river.

For a restaurant near the river..Les Bouquinistes.

Lunch at Le Chalet des Iles, on an island on a lake in the Bois de Boulogne:

http://www.restovisio.com/restaurant...-iles-142.htm#

Check out Au Lapin Agile. I've made more than 100 trips to Paris and never dined at the Tour Eiffel, though I can imagine that might be very special - it just doesn't "speak to me" as something quintessentially Parisian, but rather a tourist thing. I would rather have a lovely dinner at La Fontaine de Mars or Le Florimond and then go to Au Lapin Agile or Le Caveau de la Huchette. My SO and I did all of those things on our last trip to Paris and it was very romantic. That said, all of Paris is romantic, IMO; it's hard to be anywhere in that city with someone you love and not feel it, no matter what you're doing. Someone should analyze that and figure out what about it just engenders romance.

We tried the Lapin Agile on our last trip, and found it just dreadful. Overpriced, dreadful wine, and not very entertaining. It was obviously trying to recreate the feel of an authentic French bistro from a bygone age, but it just didn't work, IME.

Not to be totally negative, we had a wonderful time in the cellar of the Trois Mailletz http://www.lestroismailletz.fr/
Edible food before the show that starts after 11:00. the show was a really high energy one, with dancing on the tables, and a good time by all. We left at 04:30 and things were still swinging.

With a 360degree view of Paris at night you can't beat Le Ciel on the very top of the Tour Montparnasse: http://placesinfrance.com/le_ciel_de...estaurant.html

Or Les Ombres at he Museun du Quai Branley from there you can see the Eiffel Tower

http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/

For a delightful romantic quintessentially Parisian restaurant try Chez Julien (not to be confused with Julien the brasserie) just across the Seine from the Ile de la Cite on the right bank. Lace curtains, old fashioned decor, etc.

bookmarking

FYI here is the website for the classier restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, the Jules Verne: http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/

Hi Rebecca. There is a gorgeous restaurant inside Gare de Lyon train station called "Le Train Bleu". Built in 1900 and named after The Blue Train service which used to run between Paris & Nice, it's decked out with beautiful leather seats, wood panelling and the most amazing gold leaf and paintings covering the walls and ceilings. Don't be put off by the idea of a restaurant in a train station - this is a truly wonderful experience. If you can take your eyes off the decor, the food is excellent and the service first class http://www.le-train-bleu.com

Le Train Bleu was one of my best "birthday dinners" in Paris so I'll agree with Wooders101. It doesn't have a view, but what a beautiful setting.

We travel to Europe every Sept. which happens to be my birthday, so I've had some great dinners to comment on.

What is the movie filmed there? Some Fodorite will know. Was it "Nakita"? or something like that? Also some Monty Python movie with the exploding fat guy. Be cautious of the "bloody thin mint"!

Au Trou Gascon (40 rue Taine/12th) is one of my Parisian favorites...Food from the SW of France expertly done.. Admittedly, it will be too warm for cassoulet..but I loved their Jambon de Bayonne as a starter and the confit de canard is fabulous..Be advised that the wine list is a bit pricey so look carefully for a few relative bargains..Au Trou Gascon holds a 1 Michelin star rating..

Having met a number of Aussies in NYC, I'd say go to a good steak place; Gourmets des Ternes or Severo should be appreciated. Or maybe a brasserie like Balzar.

La Femme Nikita.