The world is wide, and many cities are known for being romantic destinations, places lovers enjoy sweeping off to for days of cuddling, cozy picnics, and sweet hand in hand strolls. Rome, of course, trades on its reputation for being the home of romance–it’s right in the name! And New York has so many romantic comedy films using it as a backdrop, it certainly has made a name for itself in the field of amour.
However, there is only one city in the world where you’ll hear it called the City of Love, and that is the dreamy, iconic, legendary lovers’ destination of Paris, France. Over 47 million people made their way to Paris in 2023, and it stands to good reason that a large number of them were coupled up with each other, ready to canoodle on picnic blankets, gaze at each other over candlelit dinners, and otherwise enjoy sweet romantic bliss.
But what is it, exactly, that makes Paris the City of Love? Oh, so many things! Let’s have a look…
Why is Paris Called the City of Love? 8 Reasons
1. World-Renowned Cuisine
They do say that the way to one’s heart is through their stomach, and of course Paris is legendary in terms of cuisine. There’s so much variety in Parisian restaurants that it can be impossible to know what to eat… but know that nearly anything you choose will be delicious.
Some luxurious dishes, like oysters, rich pâtés, and sparkling French champagnes, are closely associated with love and romance, so of course Paris would be an excellent place to indulge in these aphrodisiac delights. But there is also something to be said for exchanging kisses over a pot of fondue or feeding each other from a charcuterie board. The French focus on fresh, local ingredients and the best quality meats and cheeses mean that your meal will be excellent no matter your level of luxury.
Whether you want the best runny cheeses and a fresh baguette or a simple yet exquisitely roasted chicken, your romantic meals together will be a memorable part of your ultimate Paris getaway. And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, why not take a cooking workshop together?
Beyond its delicious food, Paris offers countless stunning backdrops for your romantic adventures. Discover some of the most picturesque spots in the city of love.
2. Dreamy Scenery
Gardens and parks of all sorts are dotted all through the Parisian landscape; indeed, it’s said that some of the best parks in the world are those in Paris. They vary in scope, from the very tiny jumble of shade and greenery that is Jardin de la Nouvelle in the 8th Arrondissement to the beautifully manicured and sculpture-studded expanse of the Tuileries in the 1st.
Whichever aesthetic you prefer, there’s no doubt that a hand-in-hand stroll through a garden is one of the great free things for wallet-conscious sweeties to do in Paris. And our pro tip? Up the romance to eleven by browsing a street market for picnic supplies to take along so you can enjoy a delightfully cuddly meal on a blanket spread over the grass.
3. The French Language
French is, fittingly, in the Romance family of languages; many consider it to be the ultimate langage de l’amour. And certainly many things do sound better in French. Why, even the humble potato is elevated if you call it la pomme de terre, isnt it?
When visiting Paris, you’ll of course be surrounded by the French language wherever you go. But consider, perhaps, that one of the most romantic things you can do in Paris might just be to find a French jazz club and listen to a sultry singer performing in their native language. It will be a soulful and otherworldly experience. Our favorite venue is 38Riv, an intimate hidden gem of a jazz bar tucked away in a 13th-century cellar in Le Marais.
4. Incredible Wine and Chocolate
Rich, full-bodied, and legendarily delicious, French wine is in a class of its own. And when you’re off for a romantic weekend in Paris, there is nothing more divinely inspired than getting your hands on an excellent Bordeaux and some truly decadent, rich French chocolate. When you and your beloved are tucked away in a beautiful jewel box of a Parisian hotel room, feeding each other delicious treats and sipping from a shared glass of incredible wine… there’s nothing at all that beats it.
We recommend going to a wine shop and asking for suggestions; these are the people who know their stuff, after all, and they can get you sorted out with a wine that suits your tastes and your budget. They’ll even open the wine for you if you ask nicely!
As for chocolate, well, there’s no shortage of truly magnificent chocolatiers in Paris; these are artists and they take their craft seriously. We particularly like Jean-Charles Rochoux, whose tiny little shop in the 6th arrondissement is a chocolate lover’s paradise. The truffles here are particularly toothsome, available in a deliciously diverse array of flavors both standard and unique.
5. The Eiffel Tower
La Tour Eiffel has been an icon and emblem of Paris since her unveiling in 1889. She is also a symbol of great love, having featured in many a romantic film on the silver screen. Dozens if not hundreds of times a year, loved-up couples journey to the imposing iron feet of the Tower and, while thousands of fairy lights bring her to glittering life, experience the glorious once in a lifetime joy of an Eiffel Tower proposal. This is, perhaps, peak Parisian romance.
Perhaps a proposal isn’t on your radar, but you still want a sweet getaway with Eiffel Tower flair? Some of the most romantic hotels in Paris are the ones with Eiffel Tower views, and are therefore absolutely incredible for your cozy couples’ escape. Isn’t it heaven to imagine yourself snuggling in bed, feeding each other buttery croissants and fresh coffee while you enjoy the spectacular Tower view? Nothing could be more iconically, ardently perfect.
Read more: Where to Stay in Paris
6. Bateaux Mouches
Dinner in Paris is already romantic, having it under the stars makes it magnificent, but there’s nothing more fitting in an epic love story than dinner in Paris under the stars while sailing down the Seine, don’t you think?
The glass-topped bateaux mouches have been an integral part of Paris’ romantic fabric for several decades. They are primarily tour boats, but you can find some that offer lunch and dinner cruises, and these are the ones that we champion for the sweetheart set. Picture yourself in your best gorgeous getups, sipping wine and eating fine cuisine, all while sailing slowly down the Seine as beautiful music fills the air. It’s honestly a recipe for a magical evening of love.
7. Romantic Art and Culture
Of course Paris loves art and literature; popular museums like the Louvre–which saw around nine million visitors in 2023–and the Pompidou have been repositories of cultural treasure for centuries. And Paris itself is a deeply woven thread in the cultural landscape of the world, given how many movies it’s featured in! There are, however, some pockets of culture that specifically cater to the lovers among us, and when you’re in Paris, what a treat it will be for you to seek them out.
The Musée Rodin pays tribute to sculptor Auguste Rodin’s life and work–this is where you will find the iconic sculpture Le Baiser, or The Kiss, making it a must-see for romantics. Too, Paris is home to the Museum of Romantic Life, which mostly focuses on Romantic author George Sand and her life, but also includes lots of dreamy art and literature that evoke sweet and tender emotions. And the lovely Musée Jacquemart-André cannot be missed, as it is the home of a stunning art collection put together by banker Édouard André and his wife, painter Nélie Jacquemart. We don’t really have any proof they loved each other, but oh, their genuine love of beautiful art cannot be disputed, and isn’t that quite romantic in its own way?
8. Festoons of Flowers
Paris is a city that values beauty, and one of the simplest and quickest little aesthetic perk-ups is fresh flowers. In every street market, you’ll find flower stalls selling bouquets of blossoms; come springtime, which just about everyone considers to be the best time to visit Paris, most of the wrought-iron balconies will be a riot of color and foliage as the pots and boxes on them burst into bloom. And of course Paris’ many public gardens, such as the one at the Musée Rodin, become enchanting fairylands, with hydrangeas and roses in full glorious flower, their perfume filling the air and coloring your very thoughts with love. Any place where there are flurries of flowers is one of the most romantic places in Paris, no question.
Je t’aime, Paris, La Ville de l’Amour!
In Paris, love is always in the air, and it’s everywhere you look. This is what makes it so special, and why it’s so renowned as the best destination for romance. Lovebirds, it’s time to let yourself be swept off your feet by the uncountable charms of the City of Love!