The City of Love: Why You Should Visit Paris Now

It is no doubt that whenever you hear the words “City of Love”, Paris always comes to mind. Perhaps, if you dream of such a perfect love story, you think of it taking place in Paris. You probably think about wearing a pretty dress in front of the Eiffel Tower, with your loved one wearing a nice suit and tie. And, additionally, there are some pictures of a bouquet of roses and blushing rosy cheeks, too. Indeed, these are just some of the lovely things that you associate with the City of Love.

Well, the City of Love, Paris, is full of dreamy stuff. From the tourist spots to the culture, and down to the Parisians—everything in Paris is simply romantic. There is no wonder why Paris has always been a “dream city” for many people. Sure, you have seen the City of Love in many movies and read about it in books. Why not see it in person?

WHY IS PARIS CALLED THE CITY OF LOVE?

Like the dreamiest castles in France, the City of Love will keep you dreaming day and night, too. Without a doubt, spending some of your time wondering about all the things to do in Paris is worth it. But, have you ever wondered why is Paris called the “City of Love?” If you are curious enough to know the reasons behind it, here are a few things that might help answer your question!

1. THE LOVE LOCKS

Photo by Kris Fields on Unsplash

It is safe to make a bet that everyone knows about this tradition in Paris. For years, the love locks have been the most romantic way of promising such eternal love for every couple. Despite it being in Paris, couples from around the world can take part in this tradition. That is why every year, tons of lovers go to the Pont des Arts bridge where the practice takes place.

Moreover, it goes as smoothly as how it has always been. A couple will write each other’s names on a padlock and lock it around the bridge’s fence. These padlocks with eternal promise are what make Paris the City of Love as well.

Unfortunately, since there were already many love locks on Pont des Arts bridge, a portion of its fence collapsed. Hence, the removal of hundreds of padlocks on the bridge’s fence. It is a sad thing but safety always comes first.

On the other hand, the popularity of this tradition in the City of Love has spread over the years. That is why you can already do this tradition with the one you love in most parts of the world. After all, a promise of love is ever sincere regardless of where you do it.

2. THE ROMANTIC PLACES

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There are a lot of romantic places in Paris aside from the well-known Eiffel Tower. These romantic places add up to the reason why Paris is the City of Love. In addition, the ambiance, and the feeling that you will get from each spot will bring you to cloud nine. If you want to get closer to them, here are a few that you might want to visit.

3. THE FINE-DINING EXPERIENCE

Photo by Hotel Lutetia Paris on Flickr

While some dream about marriage proposals in Paris, some only want to have a nice date in the city. Well, the City of Love has the best cuisine in the world, too. That is why most of the fine-dining restaurants here are full of reservations from couples. Furthermore, the French dishes are delicious, and the pastries will bring you a different kind of sweet satisfaction. Indeed, Parisians put their heart into everything, even in what will fill your stomach. Paris is the City of Love because it knows that a key to your heart is good food.

4. THE CITY LIGHTS

Photo by Shubhagata Sengupta on Unsplash

Paris is also the City of Love because of the thousands of dazzling lights there are in the whole city. From the buildings and other infrastructures down to the streetlights, everything shines romantically. Besides, almost every corner in the City of Love has gold, marble, and glass. That said, when the brightness strikes on them, the whole place becomes magical.

You cannot say the City of Love is just beautiful during the daytime as it looks appealing day and night. Perhaps, many people would say that it looks better at night as the streets are more admirable. Indeed, a simple walk in the City of Love gets warm with the views of the city lights. The warmth that the lights give the whole place makes Paris the City of Love.

5. THE EIFFEL TOWER

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The Eiffel Tower has always been one of the most famous spots in the City of Love. Both its architecture and history are unique, and those are just two reasons why the tower and Paris, in general, are touristy. But the Eiffel Tower makes Paris the City of Love because of all the love stories engraved here. Moreover, the number of proposals that have happened here is what makes the whole place romantic. Imagine seeing a man on his knees, asking the girl of his dreams for marriage — truly heart-melting!

Not only that but, many couples set the chance to visit this landmark as a milestone of their relationship. That said, the Eiffel Tower has always been a root of sweet promises between many couples. Undoubtedly, Paris is the City of Love because of this lovely landmark.

ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY OF LOVE

Prepare yourself to feel so much love from every corner you are in the City of Love. If you want to maximize your trip romantically, here are the romantic things to do in the City of Love.

1. TAKE A BOAT RIDE TO THE TEMPLE DE I’AMOUR

Photo by Weiyuan Xu on Flickr

The Temple de l’Amour or Temple of Love stands on an island (Île de Reuilly) in Lac Daumesnil. This temple will bring you that neoclassical atmosphere with its architecture. Moreover, a sight of the Bouchardon statue will impress you, too. This temple is just one of the romantic places in the City of Love at Versailles, to be specific. However, the other places can get crowded given that they are all world-famous. So, if you are looking for a much more peaceful spot, the Temple of Love is where you should go. The silences with relaxing views are truly best shared romantically.

BUDGET: 14.62 USD

HOW TO GET THERE:

2. SPEND SOME TIME AT THE JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG

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Jardin du Luxembourg or the Luxembourg Gardens is another place in the City of Love that is romantic. The idea of this garden was from the Boboli Gardens in Florence. In addition, the charming views of this place are because of Queen Marie de Medici’s effort in 1612. Covering 25 hectares of land, the Luxembourg Gardens has French gardens and English gardens. Furthermore, the colors of the variety of flowers pop so perfectly that the whole place becomes effortlessly pretty! Not only that, but here, you can also find a geometric forest and a large pond.

Meanwhile, throughout the garden, you may also find some other great stuff. Statues, the monumental Medici fountain, the Orangerie, and the Pavillon Davioud are some of them. Aside from taking a peaceful walk, there are also some benches where you can sit and chat with your partner.

ENTRANCE FEE: None

OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS:

OTHER THINGS TO DO:

For children:

For adults:

3. CRUISE ALONG THE SEINE RIVER

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What is more intimate than cruising on one of the romantic places in the City of Love? If you cannot think of anything else, go on a cruise at the Seine River. Many boats navigate back and forth the Seine river banks, and you can board one. In connection with that, these boat tours are available day and night, so you are free to decide for yourself. And upon boarding one, that means you are bound to see incredible monuments, too. Notre Dame, the Conciergerie, the Grand Palais, and the Eiffel Tower are on the list!

Meanwhile, if you want to see the Seine River at night, the “Paris by night” tour is more than perfect! See the bridges and monuments filled with bright lights, and you would see the City of Love at its finest. Pour more of your love like champagne on glass, too, as you cruise intimately.

BUDGET:

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE:

Take note that there are no departures at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

4. INDULGE IN SWEET-SATISFYING DESSERTS

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In the City of Love, you will also find a lot of sweet pleasure. It is everywhere as Parisians seem to be masters of it as well. The pastries are delectable, and so the other Parisian treats! Furthermore, the City of Love offers many sweet goodies, and it will all make you fall in love. You name it. Chocolates and fruit jellies, traditional French candies, cookies and biscuits, hot chocolate, and ice creams! You will find every little sweet treat here that you can share with everyone you love!

Meanwhile, here are some stores that you may find in the City of Love and their best-loved dainties.

BUDGET: starts around 48.74 USD to 73.10 USD

5. LISTEN TO SOME FRENCH MUSIC AND DANCE TO IT

Photo by Peter B on Flickr

Parisians love music, and they will make you love what they are creating, too! Every single beat and the sound that they are making flows out smoothly. No doubt, the City of Love gets even more romantic with such soothing French music. Given that there are a lot of talented musicians in this city, you can find them anywhere. In connection with that, you can hear Great French music on metro stations and even on the side of riverbanks.

But, you know what? The Parisians do not play music in the City of Love for you to only listen to it alone. You are very welcome to dance to it. It is already a bonus if you know salsa, swing, and tango. After dancing with your partner or with kids, you may watch traditional French folk dances next.

Meanwhile, if you want to experience this, head to the Quai Saint-Bernard. There, you will also have fun with other midnight entertainment.

6. GO ON A MUSEUM DATE

Photo from Musée de la Vie Romantique

There are a lot of museums in the City of Love. But, if you are looking for your ideal and romantic museum date, go to Musée de la Vie Romantique. This museum is in a house of a painter named Ary Scheffer, and it dates back to the 1830s. On the ground floor, you will find a collection for George Sand, which includes historical pieces. It has portraits, furniture, and jewelry from the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, you will find Ary Scheffer’s paintings and contemporary works on the first floor.

Not only that but, the Musée de la Vie Romantique also organizes two annual temporary exhibitions for everyone. Apart from that, they also put up concerts, readings, and activities for children. Meanwhile, you may also spend your time in their garden where you can find a tearoom—Rose Bakery. Here, you may also grab some tasty French snacks!

BUDGET (for Paris Musées card):

LOCATION: Hôtel Scheffer-Renan – 16 rue Chaptal – 75009 Paris

OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS:

Take note that Musée de la Vie Romantique is closed on Mondays.

7. WATCH SUNSET AT THE EIFFEL TOWER

Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash

Besides the fact that the Eiffel Tower has been the best marriage proposal spot, the sunset here is best, too! If you and your partner are for an intimate and peaceful time together, watch the calming sunset here. The views of the city with the touches of orange and yellow tones and cotton candy skies above are lovely. In addition, seeing the City of Love lit up slowly is just captivating. Indeed, sunsets are joyous with the one you love. Everything will smoothly seem and feel perfect.

 8. RESERVE A SEAT AT A FINE-DINING RESTAURANT

Photo by Arno Drucker on Flickr

Of course, a date night in a fine-dining restaurant is one of the most romantic scenes between lovers. That is why booking a reservation would always be a great idea. Especially when you are in the City of Love, and you will eat excellent Fresh dishes. In connection with that, when in Paris, reserve a seat at Kei restaurant. It is in the center of the City of Love, between Louvre and the Palais-Royal.

This restaurant serves creative and refined French cuisine. There is no wonder why it is a three Michelin-starred restaurant. Furthermore, you can choose five to eight courses for lunch here, and eight courses for dinner.

BUDGET: ranges from 82.85 USD to 353.34 USD

LOCATION: 5 rue Coq Héron – 75001 Paris

OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS:

BEST TIME TO GO TO THE CITY OF LOVE

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The best time to go to the City of Love is from June to August and September to October. The daytime temperature from June to August ranges from 21°C to 26°C, which gives comfortable weather to bear. That said, you can stroll around the whole city without needing to endure hot weather. Besides, with the given temperature, you can also enjoy yourself at French cafés any time of the day. However, since these months bring pleasant weather, you also have to deal with such a crowd outside your hotel room. Not only will you come across Parisians but thousands of tourists as well. Moreover, during these months, hotel rates and flight deals rise, too. So, it is better to book your flights and reservations early.

Meanwhile, free outdoor movie experiences and concerts are some other things that you may enjoy these months. If you want comfortable weather on your trip to the City of Love, June to August is for you.

On the other hand, September to October brings mild to chilly weather. In connection with that, these two months bring different daytime temperatures. In September, the average daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 21°C. While in October, the temperature goes down from 5°C to 10°C. That said, during these months, there are fewer crowds. You will not have to deal with long lines at the City of Love’s tourist attractions. If you want fewer crowds, then book your flights here from September to October.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE CITY OF LOVE

Photo by Hotel Maurice Hurand on Flickr

HOTEL PLAZA ELYSÉES

Location: 177 Boulevard Haussmann, 8th arr., 75008 Paris, France

Hotel Plaza Elysées offers accommodation at the center of the City of Love. Here, you will have soundproofed rooms, complete with air-conditioning, a 32-inch LCD TV, and free Wi-Fi internet access. In addition, all rooms also have en suite bathrooms with a hairdryer and Japanese toilet. There is also a laundry area available for you. And, if you love coffee or tea, they have a service for it as well.

Meanwhile, this hotel is just three minutes away from George V Metro Station. That said, Hotel Plaza Elysées gives you direct access to Opéra Garnier and Disneyland Paris. The room rates in this hotel start at 171.29 USD per night for two guests.

HÔTEL DE BUCI

Location: 22, rue de Buci, 6th arr., 75006 Paris, France

Hôtel De Buci is a four-star, classical-styled hotel in the Saint Germain area of the City of Love. It offers luxuriously decorated rooms with antique furnishings. Moreover, this hotel has soundproofed guest rooms with velvet curtains and antique wooden furniture. The rooms are also complete with a cable TV and a minibar. Hôtel De Buci serves a buffet breakfast daily, and it also has a 24-hour bar.

On the other hand, you may also visit some of the City of Love’s top tourist attractions from this hotel. You may choose from Louvre and Luxembourg Gardens, which are both less than ten minutes by foot from the hotel. What more is that Hôtel De Buci also has a concierge service for guests who need travel information.

Meanwhile, the room rates in this hotel start at 271.58 USD per night for two guests.

HÔTEL LES DAMES DU PANTHÉON

Location: 19 place du Panthéon, 5th arr., 75005 Paris, France

Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon is in the heart of Latin Quarter. It is set in an 18th-century building, offering elegant guest rooms. The rooms have a classic French décor, and some of them have views of the Panthéon. In addition, each room is complete with air-conditioning, a TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. Furthermore, Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon also serves a buffet breakfast. You can enjoy it either in the dining room or in the comforts of your room. Also, in this hotel, you can grab drinks at their bar.

Meanwhile, this hotel in the City of Love is also just minutes away from famous tourist spots. The Luxembourg Garden, for instance, is just four minutes away from the hotel property. Additionally, Cardinal Lemoine Metro Station is 650 meters away from here.

On the other hand, the room rates in this hotel start at 291.19 USD per night for two guests.

TRAVEL TIPS WHEN IN THE CITY OF LOVE

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1. Explore the city on foot. There is no better way to see every corner of the City of Love other than taking a walk through it.
2. Wear proper clothes. Your sense of fashion must be close to the Parisians’. Wear clothes with primary colors or neutral-colored ones.
3. Shop at local markets for good finds. If you want a budget-friendly remembrance from the City of Love, try going to the stores on Mondays and weekends.
4. Indulge in French croissants and coffee on your breakfast in the City of Love.
5. Enjoy the City of Love’s nightlife and city lights with Parisians at Quai Saint-Bernard. You will have fun as everyone dances salsa, swing, tango, and traditional French folk dances.
6. Find some free-of-charge museums in the City of Love.
7. Go on bicycle tours. In that way, you will see the City of Love in a more relaxing way.
8. Print a map of the City of Love. It will be helpful for your tours.
9. Know some French terms. Bring a pocket French phrasebook with you.
10. Beware of travel scams and always look after your belongings.

VISIT THE CITY OF LOVE NOW!

Paris is on the list of must-visit cities in France. And being in Paris — the City of Love truly brings you that lovely feeling. Of course, it gets even better when you are here with someone you love romantically. Perhaps, when you think about the City of Love, you only think of the Eiffel Tower and eye-tearing marriage proposals. But there is a lot more to think of about the City of Love.

The intimacy that the City of Love has, for instance, and peaceful walks at Luxembourg Gardens. Sunsets, night cruising, and midnight adventures in the city. All the sweet treats and fine-dining cuisine, and a whole lot more! Without a doubt, all things in the City of Love will shower your heart with genuine satisfaction.

Paris is perfect, whether you think of declaring your love to someone or promising eternal love to your partner. Let us also say that Paris is ideal for everyone who loves truthfully. And if you want to shower and receive more love, visit Paris — the City of Love now.