Why not here? Why not now?
What better place than Paris to dream?
- from the movie Ratatouille.
Paris is really like that bella, So romance, so extraordinarily intriguing how do they say? I am speaking to you as a person who has lived there for a few months now: In my opinion, yes.
Each street, each bridge, each small café on the side of the street has its own unique charm, at any time of day or night. It is a city to discover, where beauty is truly "lurking" in every canton, always new and never predictable, and every arrondissement has its own. Walking through the streets sometimes does not even seem to be in a metropolis: each neighborhood, with its squares and streets, small museums and large ateliers, has its own very specific character, its own identity. All together they form Paris. Every detail seems perfect (even if it may not be) and every familiar smell, even that of freshly baked baguettes and croissants. The sunsets are special, especially when admired from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or simply from one of the bridges over the Seine: here one often gets the impression that anything can happen, and if this is not magic...
In short, you understand how I think: Paris releases beauty and romance throughout the year, and in all seasons! Here are five very romantic places to visit in Valentine's day.
Montmartre
Stroll to Montmartre it has a taste all its own: get lost in its streets and you will travel through time, catapulted into a parallel dimension. Here it is the Paris of impressionist paintings, bohemian poets and penniless musicians! Every restaurant, every café, every single lamp has its own magic. Montmartre does not disappoint, and is one of the most popular places for both tourists and Parisians. A tip: during the day it is besieged by tourists, so be sure to arrive early in the morning, and opt for a very Parisian breakfast near the Place des Abbesses, near the metro stop. Or arrive before sunset, and walk the staircase that leads from Pigalle to the top of the hill: from here you can admire an amazing view of illuminated Paris, right at the foot of the Sacred Heart Basilica.
Where: in the 18th arrondissement, metro Abbesses
Pont des Arts
Another great classic of the most iconic and romantic Paris: the Pont des Arts. Mostly known for being the padlock bridge, today it is practically an en plein air atelier for painters, street artists and performers. The bridge leads straight to the Louvre Museum, and has a particularly daring history: designed and built in the time of Napoleon I, it was the first metal bridge in all of Paris. Destroyed during the war and rebuilt in the 80s, today it has returned to its former glory, with its benches and wooden planks immersed in a truly unique atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic walk on the Seine, and why not, to take the classic photo with locks in Paris! What's wrong with being a little more romantic on Valentine's Day? :)
Where: in the 6th arrondissement, metro Pont Marie o Louvre Rivoli
Ile de Saint Louis
The Ile de Saint Louis is the smaller of the two Seine islands. The largest, the Ile de la Cité, is where Notre Dame is located, and steals the whole show. A pity, because the Ile de Saint Louis it is very picturesque and romantic. There is not one thing to do in particular, apart from getting lost in its narrow streets: it is simply a small masterpiece that contains history and tradition, with quaint little shops and typical restaurants and where life flows at a different pace from the rest of Paris.
Where: in the 4th arrondissement, metro Pont Marie
Parc Monceau
Here is a little known but extraordinarily beautiful place: Parc Monceau. With its statues, pyramids and picturesque ponds it is simply enchanting. I discovered it by chance, a few months ago, for the simple fact that I live near it! The statues, scattered here and there in the corners, give a magical and poetic atmosphere. The pond is very pretty, surrounded by weeping willows, ducks and other colorful bird species. A walk here is also a blast from the past, thanks also to the vintage carousel and cast iron swings, in pure style belle époque.
Where: in the 17th arrondissement, metro Heap
Canal St. Martin
Last but not least, here is my favorite place here in Paris! Many know him, because he is seen in one of the most famous and romantic films ever shot here in Paris - The fabulous world of Amélie - yet not many people visit it. I'm talking about the Canal St Martin, that fabulous it really is: adored by Parisians, who come to have picnics along its banks in the summer, it is a place with a very high rate of charm and romance. Along its tree-shaded embankments, there is an energetic, young and retro atmosphere: here you can walk hand in hand for hours! The ideal is to come on Sunday, because it is closed to traffic, and there are special menus brunch in the rooms overlooking the river. You can also take a stretch of the canal by boat: starting from the embarkation on the Seine from Place de la Bastille, the tour lasts about a couple of hours and is very nice because you also cross the canal locks. Wonderful to see Paris from another point of view.
Where: from the 10th arrondissement onwards, metro Republic o Goncourt
