The BEST Way to Spend Valentines Day in Paris in 2024

Last updated on January 23rd, 2025 at 10:12 am

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Ready to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day in Paris?

Does it get any more romantic than spending Valentines Day in Paris? Probably not, and for good reason.

Paris goes by many names, but the two it’s most known for are the City of Light and the City of Love. And, in my opinion, they are both very apt.

I’m lucky enough to live just two hours by train from Paris, so I go regularly. I’ve spent many happy hours discovering those hidden gems only the locals know about.

A serene breakfast setup on a Parisian balcony with a view of historic domed buildings, featuring a table with a vibrant green metal chair, fresh croissants, a pot of coffee, and glasses of orange juice, capturing the essence of a Paris morning.

And, of course, I’ve also indulged in the touristy bits too. But one of my favorite things is to take the Funiculaire de Montmartre at night.

It’s a lift that takes you from the bottom of the hill up to the Sacré Cœur in Montmartre.

And at night, it’s magical, so definitely one to add to the list of romantic things to do in Paris.

Luxurious interior of the VIP Paris Yacht Hotel with elegant dining settings, featuring a panoramic view of the illuminated Eiffel Tower at night through the curved glass windows, accentuated by ambient purple lighting for a romantic atmosphere.

BOOK YOU STAY

VIP Paris Yacht Hôtel

Spend a night in the only floating hotel in Paris. Sail down the Seine River and stay in one of the suites with your own private jacuzzi and sauna. It’s romance at its best.

Does Paris Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Yes, Paris definitely celebrates Valentine’s Day. How could it not when it’s known as the city of love?

From a dinner for two at the top of the Eiffel Tower or chocolate tasting with master chocolatiers to a stroll through the Tuileries Garden or a photo in front of the Wall of Love in Montmartre, Paris has Valentines Day covered.

A nocturnal view from Montmartre's steps overlooking Paris, with a line of glowing street lamps leading down the hill, their warm light contrasting the amber cityscape below, evoking the charm and romance of a Parisian night.

Fun Things To Do As A Couple in Paris on Valentines Day

No 1 – Take the Funicular to Montmatre

I first went on the Funicular to Montmatre on a walking tour I took with my daughter (30+ Top Paris Sights Walking & Metro Tour).

Our guide, Yasmin, said we’d thank her later as it saved us from climbing up approximately 300 steps to get to Sacre Coeur.

She was right, and we enjoyed it so much that we went back that evening. It was different at night as the cable cars were lit up, and we had the car to ourselves.

A cobblestoned square in Montmartre, Paris, at night, illuminated by a classic lamppost and twinkling blue fairy lights on bare trees, with the warm glow of nearby cafes inviting a cozy ambiance in the artists' quarter.

There was something magical about seeing Sacre Coeur lit up at night and walking through the cobbled streets to Artist’s Square.

Unlike during the day, when all the artists had their easels set up, and it was full of people, at night, it was quieter.

We had a lovely meal at the very cosy Au Cadet de Gascogne, where we could look out at the square from our warm table inside.

📌 TOP TIP! You can ride on Funicular for free when you have a Metro Day Pass.

Find out more about the Funicular here >>>

A vibrant orange tuk-tuk parked by the Seine River with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background, offering a unique way to tour the streets of Paris as advertised on the vehicle's side panel.

No 2 – Enjoy a TukTuk Ride Through the Streets of Paris

If you’re looking for a fun, environmentally friendly way to see Paris, a TukTuk ride is the perfect option.

This private, personalised tour is a great way to avoid the crowds and stay warm and cosy in the winter months. All the usual attractions are included, such as the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe etc., but you also have the option to choose your locations.

It’s the perfect way to spend 2.5 hours whilst seeing the sights of Paris.

The tour was wonderful! Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We saw all the sights we really wanted to see.
GAIL (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for a TukTuk ride here >>>

A couple stood in front of the Eiffel Tower. The man has a grey beanie and scarf and the woman has a cream scarf and beret. There are clouds in the background with a blue sky.

No 3 – A Couple’s Photoshoot with a Professional Photographer

As good as our smartphones are, there is nothing like having a professional photographer on hand to capture those romantic moments.

So why not spend an hour on Valentine’s Day enjoying a photo shoot with your partner against the backdrop of Paris?

Come rain or shine, it’s an unforgettable experience where even the most camera shy will feel relaxed. Your photographer takes care of everything, including a rainy day backup plan, leaving you with wonderful memories of your trip.

Simply put outstanding! From the second I booked, Isabelle and Alberto communicated incredibly. They made excellent spot choices and easily manoeuvred a highly congested area around the Eiffel Tower to get the best shots possible.
cortney (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for a Couple’s Photo Shoot >>>

A horse and carriage on the Champs elysee in Paris lined with green trees and a drive in a red coat sat in the front of the carriage

No 4 – Horsedrawn Carriage Ride Down the Champs Elysee

For the romantics out there a horsedrawn carriage is the perfect way to relax and indulge in a little bit of old-fashioned glamour. And you can even upgrade to include a bottle of bubbly.

As a Sex and the City fan, it was my chance to enjoy a French version of Carrie and Big’s carriage ride in Central Park, New York. And it didn’t disappoint.

This was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone wanting to see Paris in style.
ann (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for a Romantic Carriage Ride >>>

Focused chocolatier meticulously adding finishing touches to handcrafted chocolate bonbons on a tray, using a small brush for detail work, showcasing the precision and care in artisanal chocolate-making.

No 5 – Make Your Own Choccies at a Chocolate Workshop

France is known for the quality of its chocolate, and Paris has plenty of chocolatiers you can visit. But what about learning how to make your own chocolate? It is an aphrodisiac after all.

Spend an hour in the workshop of Edwart Chocolatier, an award-winning chocolate artisan in the heart of Paris. Take home the recipes and the chocolate you make so you can recreate those memories again.

You’ll even get a diploma to say you’ve completed the workshop, but for me, the best bit was eating the chocolates I’d made afterwards.

We had so much fun here. She was so patient and informative. The chocolate was so good!
cooper (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for the Chocolate Workshop >>>

The image highlights the grandeur of the Palais Garnier's interior, featuring the ornate staircase and classical sculptures under the glow of elaborate chandeliers, with a painted ceiling above. The architecture facilitates a luxurious ambience for visitors to admire the surroundings and each other.

Romantic Tours and Valentine’s Day Love Stories

No. 6 Discover the Secrets of the Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the big love stories set in Paris at the Palais Garnier. On my last visit to Paris, I did the Phantom of the Opera tour and even visited the Phantom’s special box, Box No 5.

A visit to Palais Garnier gives you a look inside an opulent opera house with grand architecture and intricate interiors where everything that glitters is gold.

Enjoy exploring the lavish halls and auditorium, where the Phantom’s love story and mystery come to life.

Nick, the tour guide, was excellent! Very knowledgeable, accommodating and personable. Highly recommend!
jeff (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for the Palais Garnier Tour >>>

A man and a women smiling at the camera stood outside the gold gates of the palace of Versailles in France

No 7 Walk in the footsteps of royalty at the Palace of Versailles

If it’s romantic grandeur you’re after, then a day spent at the Palace of Versailles on this VIP tour with lunch is perfect.

Versailles is always crowded, but on this tour, you’ll skip the queues with private access to places the public can’t go.

Explore the King and Queen’s apartments, be dazzled in the Hall of Mirror and spend time wandering around the grounds at the Grand and Marie Antoinette’s private estate, Petit Trianon.

And no VIP tour of Versailles would be complete with a 3-course gourmet lunch at “La Flotille” restaurant.

The best way to see Versailles! Julian was incredibly knowledgeable. We learned some amazing new history. The lunch was delicious. Everyone agreed it was our favorite day!
elizabeth (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for a private VIP Tour of Versailles >>>

Inside the atmospheric 'Le Cave de Louvre' in Paris, a wine lover's haven, with an array of wine-filled beakers and bottles meticulously arranged for a tasting session, accompanied by a wine evaluation sheet, inviting an immersive experience into French viticulture.

No 8 Discover the Wine Cellar of Louis XV with Wine & Cheese Tasting

It doesn’t get grander than tasting wine and eating cheese in the wine cellars of a king, and that’s what you get to do on this tour.

This wine cellar is a hidden gem in Paris and not widely known by tourists. It was originally built in the 18th century by King Louis XV’s sommelier and has a series of underground tunnels that run as far as the Louvre. It was a way for the Palace to receive wine orders discreetly without everyone knowing what the King was ordering and drinking.

As part of your tour, you’ll enjoy ten different wines, five white and five red, each paired with a French cheese, all in the setting of a royal cellar underneath the streets of Paris.

📌 TOP TIP! This tour is also included in the Go City Paris Pass which you can get here >>>

Great experience! Plenty of wine and cheese! Would highly recommend it! Close to the Louvre so can explore the Louvre in the morning and do this in the afternoon. Perfect!
heidi (read more reviews)

Check rates & availability for the Wine & Cheese Tasting in the Royal Cellar >>

A French chocolate shop window with an old bicycle and cart outside

No 9 Indulge in a Chocolate Walking Touring

What’s not to love about a walking tour of Paris that includes six of the best chocolate shops in the city?

Enjoy walking through the streets of the right bank, take in the beautiful Haussman buildings and learn more about the history of chocolate in France.

You’ll visit six chocolatiers, two of whom have won “Best Craftsmen of France” and the “World Pastry Champion”.

And you’ll end the day in one of the chicest tearooms in Paris to enjoy a luxury chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).

This tour is a great and magical experience – walking in the beautiful streets of Paris while sampling luxury sweets. What a such good and nice morning activity!
sally (read more reviews)

Check rates and availability for the Chocolate Tour of Paris >>>

A cruise boat on the Seine River at night with purple lights and a cream building on the right hand side of the river

Where To Eat on Valentine’s Day in Paris

No 10 – A romantic dinner cruise on the River Seine

Sail along the River Seine and take in the magic of Paris on a luxury Bateaux Parisiens riverboat.

Indulge in a 3-4 course gourmet meal on this sightseeing dinner cruise with live entertainment.

Sip champagne, eat great food and watch the city of Paris pass by as you enjoy your evening on board.

Outstanding experience celebrating the birthdays of our 16 and 18-year-olds. Highly recommend window seating, amazing food music and views!!
chris (read more reviews)

Check availability & reserve a table on a Luxury Dinner Cruise >>>

Elegant dining setup for 'Dinner and a Show' at the Moulin Rouge, featuring a gourmet dish, flutes of sparkling champagne, an ornate red lamp, and the iconic Moulin Rouge program, all set against the backdrop of the venue's distinctively decorated interior.

No 11 Dinner and a Show at the Moulin Rouge

It doesn’t get more iconic than a night at the Moulin Rouge. I treated hubby to this package to celebrate his birthday a couple of years ago, and it was fabulous.

I’ve always wanted to go, ever since watching the movie with Nicole Kidman, and it didn’t disappoint.

However, I was surprised when, towards the end of the show, the dancers performed topless. I hadn’t realised this was still a thing.

Sitting in our seats and looking around, I couldn’t help but think about where it all started and how the Moulin Rouge would have looked in the time of Charles Zidler.

The show was excellent, the champagne fizzed wonderfully, and the food was good. I can’t recommend this enough.

The show and dinner were spectacular! The food was great and really enjoyed the dance and acrobatics of the show!
peter (read more reviews)

Check availability & reserve a table at the Moulin Rouge >>>

Intimate and rustic dinner setting in a stone-walled cellar, adorned with fine wines and spirits, crystal glassware on the wooden table, and ambient lighting that highlights a portrait of Chef Jean-Yves, a Masterchef Winner, creating an exclusive gastronomic atmosphere.

No 12 Dinner with a Masterchef Winner

With great food, a romantic setting, and an intimate atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to dine on Valentine’s Day.

Your host for the evening is “MasterChef” winner, Chef Jean-Yves, and you’re invited to dinner in a former wine cellar near Le Marais. The food is a fantastic fusion of French and Asian cuisine, and numbers are limited to 12 to keep the atmosphere intimate and personal.

And if you enjoyed your meal, he’ll even share the recipe with you so you can recreate the dishes at home.

Wow….This was hands down one of the most amazing experiences I have ever done. I am dreaming of this meal days later.
rosa (read more reviews)

Check availability & reserve your spot at the table >>>

The contemporary interior of Madame Brasserie Restaurant within the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with a wall of geometric glass panels offering a unique perspective of the tower's intricate metalwork, paired with elegant, modern furniture for a sophisticated dining experience.

No. 13 The Best Seats in Town at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant

It’s probably the most famous landmark in Paris, and at night, when it sparkles, you can see it from all around the city.

So dinner at the Madame Brasserie Restaurant is likely to be a spectacular affair. Set on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, you have floor to ceiling views of the city as you enjoy a three-course meal.

Also included are lift tickets and plenty of time for taking pictures at the top of the tower.

Amazing experience… beautiful view. The staff was very friendly. The food absolutely rocked. This is a must add for your visit to Paris!
deborah (read more reviews)

Check availability & reserve a table at Madame Brasserie Restaurant >>>

The Best Romantic Hotels in Paris to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

VIP Paris Yacht Hôtel

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on a yacht, you’ll love the VIP Paris Yacht Hôtel, the only floating hotel in Paris.

Sail down the Seine River and stay in one of the suites with your own private jacuzzi and sauna.

Enjoy an aperitif on the rooftop as you watch the sights and sounds of Paris go by. Then go down below to the Thalattata restaurant for a gourmet dinner with live music.

It doesn’t get more romantic than spending a night on the Seine in Paris.

A refreshing change from a typical hotel stay. Highly recommended! Liked everything about the property! Dinner cruise itinerary was so thoughtfully planned an executed.
rebecca (read more reviews)

Check rates & availability at Paris Yacht Hotel >>>

Terrass” Hotel

Montmatre epitomises romance, and since 1911 the Terrass” Hotel has been an iconic landmark in the heart of it. Just a short stroll from the Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and Artist’s Square, the bohemian world of Montmatre is yours to discover.

Each room is designed to represent an artist’s dressing room in keeping with the hotel’s artistic surroundings with studio lamps, director’s chairs and period lights.

The rooftop bar and restaurant offer panoramic views of Paris, where you can sip a signature cocktail or enjoy an aperitif.

For a full pampering package, indulge yourself with a facial and massage at the Spa Nuxe.

I loved my stay at Terass Hotel! The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, the breakfast was great with an excellent view.
jessica (read more reviews)

Check rates & availability at the Terrass” Hotel >>>

Le Bristol Paris

Walk in the footsteps of Kim Novak, Rita Hayworth and Charlie Chaplin with a stay at Le Bristol Paris. Opening its doors in 1925 in the heyday of the roaring Twenties this prestigious address offers everything you could need for a romantic break in Paris.

Their special Valentine’s Day offer includes a bottle of champagne and a chocolate box from their onsite Chocolaterie.

Known for their many partnerships with Parisian art galleries, you’ll be in good company as the latest collaboration with Opera Gallery showcases the work of Marc Chagall, Manolo Valdés and Tony Cragg.

Relax in the rooftop pool with views of Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower, or enjoy some pampering in Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie.

Worth every penny. A place to stay as many times as possible.
david (read more reviews)

Check rates & availability at Le Bristol Paris >>>

La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa

Spend the night in a private mansion in the 8th arrondissement hidden away just off the Champs-Elysées. Step back in time to 19th-century Paris at La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel with just 40 suites and rooms.

Indulge in the Spa at La Réserve Paris with an indoor pool, hammam, and treatment rooms which exclusively use NescensSwiss products.

Enjoy an intimate dinner for two at La Pagode de Cos, headed by Michelin-star Executive Chef Jérôme Banctel.

And don’t forget to try the signature Chocolat Chaud in the Duc de Morny Library.

Nothing is left to chance, with every detail covered. Beautiful hotel, with amazing service.
neil (read more reviews)

Check rates & availability at La Réserve Paris >>>

FAQS: What to do on Valentines Day in Paris

How can I have a romantic day in Paris?

Spending a romantic day in Paris involves exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a scenic Seine River cruise, and dining in intimate, gourmet restaurants. Strolling through neighbourhoods like Montmartre adds a romantic touch to the experience.

What do you wear on Valentine’s Day in Paris?

On Valentine’s Day in Paris, what people wear isn’t really much different to what they would normally wear during the day. If you’re going out in the evening, things get a bit dressier, as you would expect, but there is no dress code as such. Warm layers are advisable due to the February chill.

Is Valentine’s Day a big deal in Paris?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated with enthusiasm in Paris, known as the city of love. It’s marked by romantic gestures, special events, and themed offerings in restaurants and hotels, making it a notable occasion in the city.

What is the love lottery in France?

The love lottery, or “loterie d’amour,” was a historical French tradition where singles paired off in houses facing each other. Those not chosen gathered later for a bonfire. While no longer practised, it’s a part of France’s romantic history.

Final thoughts spending Valentine’s Day in Paris

Whether you’re spending time at the Palace of Versailles, having a Picnic in Luxembourg Gardens, or exploring the art exhibits in the Louvre, Paris is one of the most romantic places to spend Valentine’s Day.

And you don’t have to blow the budget. A walk through the beautiful backstreets of the city or indulging in the cafe culture in one of the many coffee shops Paris offers is equally romantic. And if you’re looking for smart valentines gifts for couples, a travel voucher to the city of love could be just the thing.

Plus, February is a great time to visit Paris as it’s less crowded, which means easier access to everything.