Affectionately termed as the city of love and romance, Paris is a dream come true for honeymooners. The city is dripping with 19th-century charm – Watch the raging River Seine flow by as you walk the olden boulevards running through the city, visit the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and click a picture at the world-famous Eiffel Tower.
The French city has much more to offer than its quaint vibes. The contemporary fashion and art will blow away your mind, the designer boutiques will rouse the inner-fashionista in you and the cafe culture will make you fall in love with the French coffee. For those of you seeking an idyllic spot for your honeymoon in France or a place for a valentines day trip, Paris is the perfect destination.
Popular Honeymoon Packages
5 Night Paris Honeymoon Package
France & Italy Honeymoon Package
Best Time Of Year For A Honeymoon in Paris
Summertime in Paris is an absolute joy. From June to August, witness the sun-kissed, warm days, and happily wander around. However, the city tends to get quite crowded as it is the high season, and not to mention, expensive. If you want a pleasant weather combined with low rates and seclusion, plan your retreat in the fall during the months of September and October.
What to Pack For Your Parisian Honeymoon
Apart from the essentials, you don’t have to pack much as you must go on a shopping spree in Paris! Try avoiding the touristy look and dress up in sophisticated pastels and subdued clothes. Keep a pair of shades, your best-fitting jeans and a couple of scarves!
Where To Stay During Your Honeymoon In Paris
When looking for a place to stay location is important, but with Paris’s metro, getting around is pretty easy. Your budget is probably the biggest determining factor. Even on a low budget, you should be able to find adequate accommodations, but if you can, a honeymoon is a perfect time to splurge one of the luxury hotels in Paris.
Hotel Le Littre – $$ (From $160 euros/night)
Located between Montparnasse & Saint Germain des Prés, Hotel Le Littre is a family owned hotel that recently finished renovations, resulting in an elevated experience. Included in your stay is an exceptional breakfast each day as well as several other amenities including a top of the line sauna. We loved staying at Hotel Le Littre and found the staff to be top notch. For an added bonus, the top two floor have a few suites available with a private balcony and view of the Eiffel Tower
Shangri-La Hotel – $$$ (From $617 euros/night)
Formally the private residence of Napoleon, the Shangri-La offers a historical context with grand stairways and a wedding-cake façade. The bedrooms and suites are classically Parisian, some even with rooftop terraces with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Hotel Vernet – $$ (From $205 euros/night)
Considered to be one of the hip design hotels in Paris, Hotel Vernet offers a spectacular experience with a modern twist. With its colorful interior, it definitely should enliven your stay.
Hotel D’Aubusson – $$ (From $220 euros/night)
This 17th century themed establishment envelopes the cultural class of Parisian life. With rooms with high ceilings and tall windows, the rooms are sized well for their price. This place will allow you some financial flexibility while still immersing yourself in an authentic Paris.
Hotel Mathis – $$ (From $134 euros/night)
Located near the Champs-Elysees, Hotel Mathis provides a unique opportunity to stay close to one of Paris’ most cherished landmarks and shopping centers. Each of their 23 rooms is designed with a unique color scheme and mood. Their stylish rooms are a mix of vintage features and modern luxuries. Best of all, you do not have to sacrifice location for the price.
Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris – $$$ (From $586 euros/night)
This hybrid of retro and contemporary styles will bring an artistic flare among its eclectic lamps and tables. Don’t forget the cascade of chandeliers in their stairwell. The ambiance or Le Royal Monceau Raffles will add some colorful charm to your honeymoon.
Hotel Grand Amour – $ (From $60 euros/night)
Hotel Grand Amour is an ambitious boutique hotel in the upcoming 10e district. It attracts a fashionable crow with their retro-chic decorated rooms. Definitely, a place to check out if you’re an urbanite couple that wants an interior décor that really reflects a pop-smart lifestyle.
Hotel Da Vinci & Spa – $$$ (From $315 euros/night)
For those looking to treat themselves, this destination offers you a hotel stay by the river with exceptional service. Though their rooms might be on the small side, forget your stresses with a massage and a spa treatment, then you can head back to your room with a bottle of wine waiting for you.
Things To Do On Your Honeymoon in Paris
Eiffel Tower at night
I was honestly surprised by how impressive the Eiffel Tower was. Going to the Eiffel Tower at night is my #1 vote for romantic things to do in Paris. First, the structure itself is a marvel. Standing underneath the tower, it is amazing to see the steel beams that seem woven together. It is the only way to really get a sense of the grandeur of the structure. As you go to the top, you can’t help but be a little nervous as the packed elevator with glass windows goes higher and higher. It is a perfect experience to share with someone you love.
By going at night time, you also get to enjoy the tower as it lights up every hour and you avoid the long lines and heat of the day. We went on a September night around 8 and only waited around 20 minutes. Make sure you explore the entire tower, stopping at all 3 stories on the way up or down, taking time to enjoy your date.
Enjoy a Picnic
The beautiful parks of Paris lend themselves perfectly to a picnic. You can easily grab a sandwich, drink, chocolates or cheese near one for the many parks and have a relaxing meal. For an even more unique experience, there are several services that make the date even easier to plan by setting up a romantic picnic for you.
Visit The Louvre
The Louvre is best known for the size of its art collection and as the largest museum in the world and its unique venue, a former palace. We went to the Louvre on a weekday in the evening and found that there were very small crowds and enjoyed wondering the halls. I highly recommend going in the evening and traveling offseason. Don’t focus on seeing everything in on a visit, but what you are interested in. I was also truly impressed by the building itself and was sometimes distracted by the ceilings and architecture instead of the art itself. If you plan on going to a few other museums, get the Paris Museum Pass to save some money.
Splurge on a Michelin Restaurant
When in France, there are so many more Michelin restaurants to choose from compared to any city in the US. Take advantage of it to splurge on a meal for you and your sweetheart. As a former chef, I always try to dine at least once at a Michelin restaurant when I go to a city that has one.
It is a totally unique dining experience that I think everyone should try at some point, and why not try while going on a date in Paris?
When I try to pick out a restaurant I look for good locations for a lunch date. I have always been able to find a Michelin restaurant with a 3-course lunch menu at less than $50 per person. As a heads up, this will be a very fancy meal. If this is your first time, tell the person taking your reservation that this is your first time at a Michelin rated restaurant and ask for any tips they suggest that will make you feel more comfortable. When you get there, do not worry so much about what other people are doing and what is the right thing to do. Just own what you do and know it does not matter. You may feel like all eyes are on you and the wait staff is judging you, but in reality, they likely do not even notice or want to make your comfortable anyway.
Seine Sunset River Cruise
Taking a river cruise on the Seine is a great way to see the city and spend time together. We took the cruise that departs from Pont Neuf, but I made that decision based on the departure location and I would recommend the same to you. There are a few different companies that run cruises constantly, just make sure you take the change to kiss under Pont Marie, the lover’s bridge.
Take a Cooking Class Together
Learn to cook and bake the things Paris is known for. Some of the most popular cooking classes are for learning to cook macaroons, baguettes, and crescents.
Go Dancing
Take couples dancing classes or enjoy dancing on the banks of the Seine. In the evenings at Port Saint-Bernard from June until the end of August, people gather and dance at Jardin Tino Rossi.
Paddle Boats at Versaille
Not actually in Paris but close by, you should make a trip to Versailles. First, tour the property together. Then make your way to the Grand Canal where you can rent paddle boats to complete your date. Before heading back to Paris, enjoy a crepe at Ble Noir.
Have a Spa Day
Take some time to relax for a spa date. After all the walking around you will be doing to see all the sites, take some time to enjoy a couples massage or other treatments together.
Go For A Night Time Stroll
Paris is really a beautiful city at night. Just go for a stroll at night to admire the sites lit up in the night.
Visit Notre-Dame
Pay a visit to the medieval Catholic cathedral and be awestruck by its glorious beauty. Built centuries ago, the renowned church is one of the best examples of French Gothic structures in the world. It is located at the eastern end of the Île de la Cité, one of two remaining natural islands in the Seine within Paris. Take a guided tour and stumble upon the hidden structural gems such as gargoyles and Chimeras and find out the truth behind the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Go up the tower via a narrow staircase and be received by a spectacular view of the city. Look at the river, Eiffel tower, meandering groups of tourists and rooftops of houses. You will leave the cathedral filled with wonder.
Tour Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel housed inside the medieval Palais de la Cité. Boasting Gothic splendor of Rayonnant-style, the chapel was once a revered holy site now known for its phenomenal aesthetics and architecture. Richly embellished, the highlight of the Sainte-Chapelle is the hundreds of stained-glass windows which depict tales from the Old and New Testament. Once you have explored the interiors, check out the exteriors and click some pictures. To avoid waiting in long queues, purchase a skip-the-line ticket.
Go by the Conciergerie
Sprawling with its fortresses and arches, the building is right across River Seine. It was formerly a prison where many notable figures including Marie Antoinette spent their last months before being executed. Today, Conciergerie is now a must-visit landmark in Paris. It does have a bloody history with dingy jail cells but otherwise, its enchanting beauty will deceive you! It is ironic how it contains both the terror and beauty within itself.
Check Out Montmartre
With an overlook the breathtaking cityscape, you can take your significant other on a journey through the narrow street of Paris walking through the neighborhoods where Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and many other renowned artists used to have their studios.
Go On A Food Tour
Paris is full of iconic foods. One way to sample them all in one afternoon is with a food tour. We took the tour with Secret Food Tours and were able to try macarons, eclairs, crepes, baguettes, French wine, and a selection of cheeses and meats.
Where to Eat & Drink
Astier – Make your honeymoon special with an authentic classical and casual French dining experience. For $35 (euros) per person, you’ll get an app, main course, dessert, and a cheese course. I’m thinking of fitting in some escargot somewhere in there.
Treat your sweet-tooth with some gourmet macarons. No one does them better.
Dillettantes – How could anyone say no to champagne tastings?
Septime – If you’re more into a gastronomic experience this is definitely the place that’ll blow your mind. This restaurant has acquired innovative chefs that like to think they’re alchemists. You’ll have to book at least three weeks in advance.
Derriere – This place offers you a modern French experience. The chill vibe of this establishment wants you to play table tennis or sit on the side of the bed while the cooks create a deadly serious meal to indulge yourself in.
Note: Tips are usually already included in your meal.
Grabs some Crepes, they are everywhere. We enjoyed crepes from a street vendor late one night. They were the cheapest ones we had and we loved them. We also had crepes at La Crêperie de Josselin and Breizh Café
Where to Shop
Au Printemps & Rue du Faubourg Saint – Honore
These two places will give you the best Paris shopping experience. You’ll find why all the celebrities come here in search of their most coveted designer goods.
Le Marais
For a more bohemian feel, check out the shops in the Le Marais neighborhood. They feel more Parisian and are full of variety. Avoid Mondays when most shops are closed.
Day Trips From Paris
After spending a few days in Paris you can venture out a bit to see some of the surrounding cities.
Versaille
Just ten miles from the center of Paris and a 30-minute train ride, Versailles is an easy trip to add to your trip. The Palace served as a palace for the French monarchy up till the French Revolution. At first, the land had little more than a hunting lodge used by the kind, but later a palace was built surrounded by beautiful gardens, sculptures, and fountains.
Today, the Palace and grounds are open as a museum. You can tour the palace and walk the manicured gardens and even enjoy a boat ride or horseback ride. I recommend purchasing tickets before going or buying the Paris Pass, which will get you into many of Paris’s museums and attractions and arrive early.
Fontainebleau
Famous for its opulent structures and the Fontainebleau Palace built by French royalty, Fontainebleau is a small town located southeast of Paris. One of the best ways to get to the classy town is taking a train from the Gare de Lyon. The journey is only 40 minutes long and brimming with sublime vistas! Once you have reached Fontainebleau, the fresh breeze, immaculate gardens, beautiful lakes, and sculptures will greet you. There are amazing rock-climbing opportunities, and you two can take a stroll in a picturesque setup bordered by Fontainebleau forest. Hardly ever crowded in the fall, you still need at least a day to explore it completely.
Lille
Hop onto a train in Paris and make a beeline for Lille, the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. The city has a historical district featuring whimsical brick town-houses, olde-worlde cobbled streets and the Grand Palace dating back to 17th century. If you two would like even a bigger dose of history, visit Palais des BeauxArts, a huge museum featuring works by Monet, Raphael, van Gogh, Donatello and many more! Have coffee and meals in one of the many cutesy roadside restaurants and catch up. Lille is a wonderful spot for shopaholics so don’t forget to splurge and gift each other some memorabilia.
Reims
The hub of Champagne and wineries, Reims lies at Grand Est region of northeastern France. It houses the famous cathedral where royal coronations took place for almost 10,000 years. Check out the treasury, villas, fine arts museums and Champagne houses and palaces. If you and your spouse love cars, you must check out the Musée Automobile Reims Champagne which has up to 230 unique cars on display. To visit Reims from Paris, catch a train and be there in 40 minutes!
Quick Tips:
- There’s a metro, so getting around is fairly easy.
- Europe is known for their pickpockets. Always be careful and aware of your surroundings and your valuables.