So, you’re heading to Paris for Valentine’s Day—good choice! There’s no city that celebrates love quite like Paris, whether you’re strolling the moonlit Seine, sipping wine in cozy bistros, or trading goofy grins in front of famous works of art. From dapper date nights to spontaneous, fun-filled adventures, we’ve found a dozen ways you can fill your February 14th with a whole lot of romance (and delicious food). Ready to plan the kind of Valentine’s Day you’ll be talking about long after the last bite of chocolate? Allez, on y va!
Our favorite romantic things to do in Paris for Valentine’s Day include:
- Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Les Caves du Louvre
- Montmartre & Sacré Cœur Walking Tour
- Musée d’Orsay
- Galeries Lafayette
- Gourmet Chocolate Museum
- Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens
- A Late-Night Jazz Show
- Cozy Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Swoon Under the Parisian Lights
There’s a reason river cruises top the Paris Valentine’s wish list: they’re romantic without trying too hard. Embark right near the Eiffel Tower and set off on a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise past the illuminated bridges and beautifully lit landmarks—the Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay—all shimmering on the water’s surface. As the boat glides along the Seine, the city’s most loved monuments put on a show.
It’s peaceful, it’s scenic and, frankly, it’s hard not to fall a little more in love with whoever you’re sharing it with. Whether you choose to huddle together on the open deck with the breeze or relax inside the warm glass cabin with a glass of champagne, you’ll get all the Valentine’s feels. Some cruises offer live commentary or softly curated playlists to up the ambiance. For maximum swoon points, time your cruise for sunset or after dark, when Paris truly sparkles.
Sainte-Chapelle: Bask in Rainbow-Hued Romance
Move aside, bouquets—nothing says “I adore you” like stepping into a chapel made of almost pure stained glass. Sainte-Chapelle is Paris’s medieval gem, a glowing kaleidoscope of colors that makes everyone’s jaw drop. The soaring windows tell Biblical stories, but mostly, they flood the room in shimmering, colorful light. If you catch the right hour, sunlight streaming through those windows can turn even the most cynical person into a hopeless romantic.
It feels intimate and grand all at once, making it a perfect Valentine’s Day photo op. The hushed atmosphere gives you room for hand-holding and whispered sweet nothings, and if you’re lucky enough to score tickets for a candlelit classical concert, you’ll be using words like “enchanting” for days.
Les Caves du Louvre: Wine-Tasting, Parisian-Style
If your ideal date includes swirling glasses and learning about French terroir, Les Caves du Louvre is your spot. Just a short walk from the Louvre’s buzz, this historic wine cellar drips with centuries-old ambiance—stone vaults, flickering lights, walls lined with bottles and barrels.
A guided journey here isn’t just about sipping reds and whites (though that’s a big, delicious part of it). You’ll smell, touch, even play with some of the flavors, exploring how wine is made and how to pair it with food. Tastings typically include three or four wines, and the sommeliers are both friendly and fun, so you won’t nod off from technical jargon. Bonus: you can design your own custom bottle label as a souvenir of your romantic evening.
Montmartre & Sacré Cœur: For Old-Fashioned Romantics
Montmartre & Sacré Cœur: For Old-Fashioned Romantics
Montmartre is the artist’s village that gave the world bohemians, cabarets and, apparently, endless proposal spots. Start your walking tour in this dreamy district, where narrow cobbled streets and trailing vines set the stage for love. Experience First’s guided walking tour makes the neighborhood’s history pop: from the Moulin Rouge’s glitzy past to the sweet nosegays in Amélie’s favorite grocery store.
You’ll wind your way up to Sacré Cœur for the kind of city view that turns every couple into Instagram models. Along the way, you’ll get secret insights and adorable anecdotes. If you like your dates with a side of charm and cheese (the best kind), Montmartre will win your heart.
Musée d’Orsay: Art Lovers’ Escape
Sure, everyone loves the Louvre, but for a Valentine’s adventure as dreamy as the Impressionists themselves, we adore the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum specializes in 19th-century masterpieces—think Monet, Renoir, Degas, and a whole gallery dedicated to couples in loving embraces.
The glass roof fills the space with natural light, and the grand clock windows put Paris on full display—grab a selfie with this magic backdrop! It’s quiet enough for you to share your favorite paintings in low voices, or debate which artist would have been the best dinner guest. Afterwards, visit the museum’s elegant café for pastries or a hot chocolate.
Galeries Lafayette: Rooftop Romance with Shopping on the Side
Shopping may not be the typical love language, but Galeries Lafayette puts a Parisian twist on the experience. The flagship store is an Art Nouveau fantasy, with a stained-glass dome that’s as Instagrammable as it gets. Couples can browse everything from designer bags to gourmet treats—perfect if you want to pick out a “just because” gift for your Valentine.
Don’t skip the rooftop terrace! It’s free, it’s fabulous, and it delivers a picture-perfect view of Paris, complete with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Time your visit for golden hour and you’ll see the city at its most magical. There’s a cute rooftop café up here, too—grab a coffee, cuddle up, and soak it all in.
Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Sweeten Up Together
If you and your partner bond over your shared sweet tooth, ditch the standard box of chocolates and dip into the Gourmet Chocolate Museum. Part tasting room, part interactive experience, this spot traces chocolate’s delicious journey from cacao bean to Parisian truffle.
Learn about the Aztecs’ rich rituals, see chocolate-making demos, and sample treats at every turn. Don’t miss the hands-on workshops—making and decorating your own chocolates is surprisingly romantic (and makes for a memorable souvenir). The atmosphere is both fun and mouthwatering, and yes, you’ll leave slightly giddy from all that cocoa.
Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens: Classic Parisian Romance
Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens: Classic Parisian Romance
Nothing says ‘love in Paris’ like a slow wander through the Luxembourg Gardens. This manicured oasis is dotted with sculptures, fountains, and cozy green chairs placed just right for people-watching. Playful couples can rent a model sailboat for the central pond or pick up crêpes from a nearby kiosk.
The gardens offer privacy and picturesque corners—butterfly-filled orchards in spring, chestnut groves for sharing secrets, and perfectly framed views of the French Senate’s palace. Bring a picnic, grab a bench, and watch the city pass by. In Paris, romance is always in the air at the Luxembourg Gardens.
Experience a Late-Night Jazz Show: Swing, Sip, Swoon
Few things are as charming as a night spent in a Parisian jazz club. For Valentine’s, reserve a table at Le Caveau de la Huchette or Sunset Sunside. Both are cozy, candlelit and overflowing with history—Le Caveau’s ancient stone arches are especially atmospheric.
Nurse a cocktail, sink into the sultry rhythms, and let the music do the talking. Sometimes the dance floor fills up, other times couples just sway in their seats. This is old-fashioned fun at its best, whether you’re jazz aficionados or simply in the mood for something a little different after dinner.
Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Cozy Bistro Atmosphere
End your Valentine’s Day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a neighborhood brimming with candlelit bistros and cozy wine bars. Dine at Le Procope, Paris’s oldest café, for rich coq au vin, or savor French onion soup and seared duck at Chez Fernand.
As the sun sets, the cobblestone streets glow with romance—jazz drifts from hidden bars, and couples stroll hand-in-hand. Cap the evening with a chocolate mousse at Aux Prés or a nightcap at Bar du Marché. Whether it’s your first trip or decades together, this is the quintessential Parisian Valentine’s experience.
Your Paris Valentine’s Day plans, sorted! From the Seine’s glimmering water to hilltop views, twinkling cafés, velvet-lined museums, and treats for all the senses, options for romance fill every moment. Whether you recreate a romantic film scene or simply wander until you find your own city magic, Paris always finds a way to surprise you—and each other. Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers!
Enjoyed this? Check out Best Photo Opportunities in Paris or Best Places to Watch Sunset in Paris
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