How to Spend Valentine’s Day in the City of Love

Paris has long been synonymous with romance, making it the ultimate destination for Valentine’s Day. From candlelit dinners drifting along the Seine to shopping for exquisite jewelry, flowers, and perfumes, and from moonlit drives through glowing streets to champagne toasts beneath illuminated monuments, the City of Love sets the stage for a holiday filled with heart-fluttering moments.

Our carefully curated experiences and intimate hotels elevate Valentine’s Day beyond a single celebration, transforming it into an unforgettable love story written in true Parisian style.

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How to Spend Valentine’s Day in the City of Love

Romantic Activities in Paris

Iconic landmarks, storybook neighborhoods, and thoughtfully crafted sensory experiences come together to reveal Paris at its most enchanting. Whether you’re planning grand romantic gestures or savoring quiet moments for two, each experience is an invitation to linger, connect, and celebrate love.

Cruise down the Seine and soak in the city

There’s no better way to experience the heart of Paris than from the water. After dark, the city softens into a shimmering dreamscape illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Relax as you glide past beloved Parisian landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Grand Palais, the Musée d’Orsay, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Dinner Cruise on the Ducasse sur Seine
Savor an unforgettable evening aboard Alain Ducasse’s Ducasse sur Seine, the most prestigious boat on the river. This two-hour cruise features the seasonal four-course Menu Nuit Étoilée, accompanied by champagne and fine wines. While this specific dinner cruise is unavailable on Valentine’s Day itself, it’s the perfect indulgence for another evening during Valentine’s weekend or any romantic occasion throughout the year.

Find the perfect bouquet of flowers at a local fleuriste

Embrace the timeless Valentine’s tradition of gifting flowers in the City of Love. Nearly every Parisian flower shop creates special holiday bouquets bursting with red roses, countless shades of pink, and romantic accents. With so many beautiful options, finding the perfect arrangement to say je t’aime feels effortless.

Record your love with a private photoshoot

Paris provides a picture-perfect backdrop at every turn, and a private photoshoot makes sure that your romantic moments don’t fade once the chocolates are gone. Embrace by the Eiffel Tower, at the Palais Royal, or in the Jardin des Tuileries as a professional photographer captures your love story frame by frame.

Private photo session in Paris
Enjoy a one-hour private photoshoot led by a professional photographer. You’ll stroll by iconic landmarks and down charming cobblestone streets while candid moments unfold naturally. Your professionally edited images will be delivered via a private online gallery within one week, including 30 high-resolution digital photos to download and print.

Shop for jewelry — for yourself or as a gift

Paris is home to some of the world’s most illustrious jewelers, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, and Mauboussin. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to select a meaningful gift for someone special or treat yourself to a timeless piece with a Parisian backstory.

Fine Jewelry Atelier at Place Vendôme
Go behind the scenes at Place Vendôme, where legendary maisons have shaped the world of high jewelry for more than a century. During this two-hour experience, you’ll discover innovative techniques, signature styles, and the heritage that has made these houses internationally renowned.

Flâner through Paris’ most charming neighborhoods

No trip to Paris is complete without spending some time as a true flâneur, wandering the streets with no set plan and soaking in the city’s sights, sounds, and scents. Browse independent boutiques in the Marais, people-watch and café-hop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or explore the historic streets of Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis as you fall even deeper in love with Paris.

Enjoy a dazzling drive around the City of Lights

Paris by night feels tailor-made for romance, as gowing monuments and illuminated avenues transform the city into a glittering postcard. Pass iconic sights such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. Then, take in sweeping views of the city from Montmartre.

Illumination Tour in a Vintage Citroën 2CV
Discover Paris after dark during a two-hour private tour in a classic open-top Citroën 2CV. This experience includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a glass of champagne. This nostalgic journey through Paris’ grand avenues and monuments offers an intimate and unforgettable way to experience the City of Light.

Relax over a picnic

If Valentine’s Day weekend brings sunshine, then be sure to take advantage of it with a classic Parisian picnic. Whether nestled in manicured gardens or along the banks of the Seine, this leisurely experience invites you to slow down, savor local flavors, and enjoy each other’s company outdoors.

Gourmet Picnic in Paris
Indulge in a beautifully curated picnic featuring fine French culinary specialties: cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, a warm baguette, buttery pastries, seasonal fruits, refreshing lemonade or juice, plus a bouquet of fresh flowers. This charming experience captures the essence of French art de vivre in an idyllic outdoor setting.

Find your signature scent

Searching for the perfect new perfume or a Valentine’s Day gift that awakens the senses? France is the birthplace of modern perfumery, and Paris remains the ultimate destination for fragrance lovers. Long after your trip ends, your signature scent will bring you back to this romantic getaway.

Private Perfume Experience
During this immersive three-hour experience, you’ll explore a collection of over 1,000 exceptional fragrances across four distinct olfactory worlds. Once you’ve discovered your scent identity, your chosen perfume will be delivered directly to your hotel or home.

Where to Stay in Paris

La Réserve
As the smallest Palace hotel in Paris, La Réserve offers unmatched privacy and indulgence. Lavish interiors, bespoke service, and a serene spa create an intimate retreat designed for celebrating love in the most luxurious way.

San Régis 
Chic, discreet, and refined, the San Régis feels like a private Parisian residence just steps from the Champs-Élysées. Elegant rooms, warm hospitality, and an intimate atmosphere create a romantic cocoon ideal for couples seeking understated luxury.

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Valentine’s Day in Paris is about savoring meaningful moments together rather than rushing from landmark to landmark. With French Side Travel’s curated experiences and hand-selected romantic hotels, every detail is thoughtfully designed, transforming your time spent in the City of Love into memories you’ll treasure long after returning home.

You may be interested in our Wintertime in Paris or Exploring the Wonders of the City of Lights trips.

We’d also be delighted to help you design a personalized romantic escape for Valentine’s Day — or any special occasion. Contact us to begin planning a dreamy getaway that you’re sure to fall in love with.