If you’re one of those very lucky people who are jetting off to Paris with their other half for a weekend in Paris, we’re very, very jealous of you! Our Valentine’s Day won’t be quite as chic!
Putting our jealous aside, we’ve picked the ten best things to do in Paris over Valentine’s weekend!
1. Lock a padlock onto the Pont de l’Archevêché.
If you’ve ever been to Dublin, you’ll be familiar with the idea of writing initials or names on a padlock and locking them onto a bridge–the bridge in question being the Ha’Penny Bridge. In 2013, Dublin Council actually removed all the locks and further removed 300kg of locks from the bridge and surrounding area! Which doesn’t bode well for the symbolism of eternal love!
The Pont de l’Archevêché works much the same: the tradition revolves around writing your names and the date (in this instance: February 14th!) onto a padlock, locking it the bridge, and chucking the key into the Seine, which symbolises your love’s immortality. Just make sure you and your partner intend to keep going beyond the weekend, or you’ll be back on the bridge with a pair of wire-cutters!
2. Climb the Eiffel Tower.
Because what list about romantic things to do in Paris is complete without a mention of one of the most iconic romantic buildings ever? The queue will be long on Valentine’s Day, but don’t let that deter you: set out towards nightfall, climb the tower, and watch the sun set, or bathe in the gorgeous glow of the stars on the Champ de Mars.
3. Watch a film, Paris-style.
This one is for any cinephiles reading our blog. La Pagode is the heart of Paris’ city of cinema and on Valentine’s, you’ll be guaranteed a romance or rom-com will be playing. La Pagode isn’t quite like your regular cinema, but much more chic: make sure you and your partner snag the velvet seats in the Japan Room. La Pagode dates back to the 19th Century, so it’s the perfect mix of history and quiet romance.
4. Watch the sun set over Paris.
Popular spots include the top of the aforementioned Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the Sacré Couer. Paris is gorgeous and so are sunsets so why not put the two together and watch the sun set over Paris from one its more beautiful spots? Checklist: you, your partner, nice wine, a blanket, a picnic, and an umbrella–just in case!
5. Have a picnic in the Place des Vosges.
If you’ve skipped the picnic part of watching the sunset over the Seine, then consider this: a stroll along the Seine, past the Marais, and into the Place des Vosges–which is probably one of Paris’ most beautiful spot. Grab a bench, some wine, and lunch and relax in all the beauty with your other half.
6. Go for champagne at Flûte.
Flûte is retro and feels it too: all red velour and warm fireplaces and intimate snugs to hide in for deep conversation with your other half. Flûte is a little hidden: set off a street near the place de l’Etoile, it’s easy to miss, but it’s well worth a visit for great champagne, appetisers or les petits faims en Francais, and jazz if you happen to land there on a Wednesday.
7. A Chocolate Massage at the Paris Four Seasons.
Everyone loves chocolate and spa treatments, right? Right! Which is why the Four Seasons George V hotel offers chocolate-based spa treatments ranging from chocolate-mint body scrubs to a deep tissue massage with cocoa oil. There’s also a toffee body wrap, which sounds far odder than it actually is. You’ll leave your Chocolate Massage feeling wonderfully relaxed.
8. Propose!
We’re joking! Maybe. Plenty of proposals have happened in Paris and it’s easy to understand why. Paris is magic for romance. If you are planning on proposing, why not consider Paris?
If you’re spending Valentine’s Day somewhere sunnier than Paris, be sure to check out our awesome kids UV swimwear range: the girls’ products are right here and our amazing boys’ are here.
In the meantime, let us know how you’ll spend your Valentine’s Day on Twitter or Facebook.