Valentine"s Day day-trips to Paris
For centuries, Paris has been renowned the world over as the 'City of Love'. Charming streets, candlelit bistros and the majestic River Seine all contribute to the overwhelming atmosphere of romance and beauty that the French capital oozes in spades. So it's no surprise that Paris is such a popular choice for Valentine's Day breaks. If you're short on time but want to impress your partner, a day trip can be just as romantic as a whole weekend away - here are a few tips on how to sweep him or her off their feet in Paris on February 14th.
First, make sure you start early - catch an early flight or train from London to Paris and get there for breakfast. For most Parisians, breakfast is not a major meal and a cup of black coffee and a croissant will usually suffice. However, on a Valentine's Day break, you've got a good reason to push the boat out. Treat your partner or spouse to a leisurely, romantic breakfast at a patisserie that includes a spread of coffee or tea and a selection of pastries, from traditional French brioche to melt-in-the-mouth pain-au-chocolat.
Next on your Parisian romantic hit-list is a panoramic view of the city from one of its most famous monuments. And unless you want to spend most of your day stuck in a queue with other besotted couples and tourists, the Eiffel Tower is probably best avoided. Instead, climb up the Arc de Triomphe. The likelihood is that the queues to get to the top will be shorter, so your time will be more wisely spent. Some even say that its view - which looks down the majestic Champs Elysees Boulevard and across the city - is even more romantic than the Eiffel Tower's. Notre Dame is another great option for those seeking an aerial view of the city, with the romantic Gothic addition of the cathedral's famous stone gargoyles.
Paris is crawling with couples on Valentine's Day, so if you haven't booked ahead then it could be difficult to find a free table at a romantic restaurant or bistro on your day trip. A great meal in Paris is often worth the wait, whether it's a croque monsieur or escargot. But if you'd rather not stay in line for a table, grab some cheese, wine and a fresh baguette from the nearest market and have a romantic picnic by the River Seine. February might not offer ideal picnic weather but the Seine is enchanting at all times of year. Digest your lovers' picnic by taking a stroll along the river's most picturesque bridges. Many consider the Pont Alexandre III to be the most beautiful bridge in Paris, but the Pont des Artes is a must-see for Valentine's Day-trippers. It's traditional for couples to place a padlock on the bridge and throw the key into the Seine as a declaration of their love, and it's one of the city's most amorous landmarks.
As it gets dark, round off your Valentine's Day day-trip with a romantic drink at one of Paris' many cosy bars before heading home. The train from London to Paris takes a little over two hours, so a day trip is perfectly possible for couples who want to cram some romance and relaxation into their busy schedules. However, if you have the leisure to spend a weekend in Paris, be sure to visit to the Palace of Versailles and one of the many beautiful central gardens in this passionate city.
First, make sure you start early - catch an early flight or train from London to Paris and get there for breakfast. For most Parisians, breakfast is not a major meal and a cup of black coffee and a croissant will usually suffice. However, on a Valentine's Day break, you've got a good reason to push the boat out. Treat your partner or spouse to a leisurely, romantic breakfast at a patisserie that includes a spread of coffee or tea and a selection of pastries, from traditional French brioche to melt-in-the-mouth pain-au-chocolat.
Next on your Parisian romantic hit-list is a panoramic view of the city from one of its most famous monuments. And unless you want to spend most of your day stuck in a queue with other besotted couples and tourists, the Eiffel Tower is probably best avoided. Instead, climb up the Arc de Triomphe. The likelihood is that the queues to get to the top will be shorter, so your time will be more wisely spent. Some even say that its view - which looks down the majestic Champs Elysees Boulevard and across the city - is even more romantic than the Eiffel Tower's. Notre Dame is another great option for those seeking an aerial view of the city, with the romantic Gothic addition of the cathedral's famous stone gargoyles.
Paris is crawling with couples on Valentine's Day, so if you haven't booked ahead then it could be difficult to find a free table at a romantic restaurant or bistro on your day trip. A great meal in Paris is often worth the wait, whether it's a croque monsieur or escargot. But if you'd rather not stay in line for a table, grab some cheese, wine and a fresh baguette from the nearest market and have a romantic picnic by the River Seine. February might not offer ideal picnic weather but the Seine is enchanting at all times of year. Digest your lovers' picnic by taking a stroll along the river's most picturesque bridges. Many consider the Pont Alexandre III to be the most beautiful bridge in Paris, but the Pont des Artes is a must-see for Valentine's Day-trippers. It's traditional for couples to place a padlock on the bridge and throw the key into the Seine as a declaration of their love, and it's one of the city's most amorous landmarks.
As it gets dark, round off your Valentine's Day day-trip with a romantic drink at one of Paris' many cosy bars before heading home. The train from London to Paris takes a little over two hours, so a day trip is perfectly possible for couples who want to cram some romance and relaxation into their busy schedules. However, if you have the leisure to spend a weekend in Paris, be sure to visit to the Palace of Versailles and one of the many beautiful central gardens in this passionate city.
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