Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée
For nature lovers and a peaceful start to the day. The hotel is situated where urban Paris meets the Bois de Vincennes, and is well connected to the city’s attractions by metro and tram.
A romantic weekend in Paris for two: two days full of magical moments
It is not for nothing that Paris is regarded as the city of love:
Between the Seine, street cafés and world-famous art, romance is practically right on the street – sometimes next to a flower stall, sometimes on a café terrace, and sometimes simply in the decision to stroll a little further.
We’ll show you the city’s most romantic experiences and, with our separate 48-hour itinerary, provide you with a route that leaves plenty of scope for spontaneous detours. You’ll also find the perfect Motel One hotels for your time together in Paris.
Why is Paris the perfect destination for a romantic weekend?
If you want to understand Paris, you have to look beyond the boulevards. The greatest stories are written in all those little alleyways: where the paths narrow and your pace slows. Amidst hidden boutiques, historic bridges and cosy courtyards, the city reveals its very own charm. A stroll along the Seine, a glass of wine in a bistro or the light show at the Eiffel Tower on the hour – Paris flirts unabashedly.
What are the 10 most romantic experiences for couples in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame are a must on any first trip to Paris. But the most romantic moments often await in places that no guidebook highlights.
1. Greet Paris at dawn by the Seine
Early in the morning, the Seine still belongs to the first boats, the joggers and you. Start at the Pont des Arts or on one of the quieter riverside paths and watch as the light slowly creeps up the façades. Afterwards, that first croissant will taste twice as good.
Best time: Early morning, before the banks get busier
2. Find three words on the ‘Je t’aime’ wall
On Montmartre hill lies a place that makes no secret of its message: ‘I love you’ is written on 612 blue tiles in around 250 languages – and that says it all.
Good to know: The entrance is at Square Jehan-Rictus, near Place des Abbesses
3. Stroll through Montmartre to Place du Tertre.
Montmartre is more than just the Sacré-Cœur and the spectacular view. Amidst small art studios, bakeries and the easels at Place du Tertre, you’ll discover a neighbourhood that’s well aware of its romantic reputation, but doesn’t need to constantly emphasise it.
Ideal for: art, small boutiques and exploring together
4. Stroll along the Coulée verte René-Dumont
Paris even turns an old railway line into a place to fall in love with. Just a few minutes from the Bastille, this green promenade begins, featuring flowers, viaducts and small gardens. Here, you walk right through the heart of the city yet still feel a little removed from it.
Best time: Late morning or as a peaceful afternoon stroll
5. Sharing a park bench in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Amidst the chestnut trees, statues and the large pond, even a short break becomes a highlight of the day. Grab a drink, find a spot amongst the greenery and watch the city go about its business at a slower pace. Sometimes, a park bench under the trees is the most beautiful spot in Paris.
Ideal for: a break without a to-do list and long conversations
6. Combining art and gardens at the Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin is the perfect destination for those who don’t want to choose between art and fresh air. After admiring the sculptures, the path leads into a garden where roses, trees and major works of art come together in harmony.
Good to know: Check the current opening times and tickets for the museum and garden
7. Discover
the bouquinistes and bridges of the Seine At the bouquinistes’ green book crates, you’ll find old posters, second-hand books and little souvenirs with a touch of patina. Combine your stroll with a walk across the bridges between Île de la Cité and the Left Bank, and keep glancing out at the water from time to time.
Ideal for: book lovers, flâneurs and those looking for little souvenirs
8. Tracing stories at Père-Lachaise
A cemetery as a romantic experience? At first, it sounds rather like black humour. At Père-Lachaise, however, amongst the graves of Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf and Jim Morrison, it quickly becomes clear: there’s plenty of poetry in the air here.
Best time: In the morning, when the paths are still particularly quiet
9. Looking out over Paris from the Parc de Belleville
Amidst terraces, vines and green spaces, you can briefly escape the city centre without actually leaving Paris. The sunset here can easily last a few minutes longer.
Ideal for: views, sunsets and a break from the hustle and bustle
10. Waiting for the Eiffel Tower to sparkle on the banks of the Seine
When the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle, even the Seine seems to flow a little more slowly for a moment. You’ll have a particularly atmospheric view from the Port de Debilly or the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. With wine, cheese and fresh baguette, a simple evening turns into a real highlight.
Best time: Just before dusk until the first lights come on
If you can manage just three things:
Choose a stroll through Montmartre to see the ‘Je t’aime’ wall, a peaceful moment in the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Coulée Verte, and an evening by the Seine with a view of the Eiffel Tower. This way, you’ll experience three sides of Paris: poetry, tranquil greenery and the grand city skyline.
How can you explore Paris at a leisurely pace in 48 hours?
We’ve put together a selection of the best experiences for you. The rest is down to your feet, chance and your spontaneity.
Day 1: Montmartre, the Seine and an evening with a view of the Eiffel Tower
Time | Station | Why it’s a good fit |
|---|---|---|
09:00 am | Breakfast at the hotel or in a café | Start the day at a leisurely pace and check your itinerary over breakfast in a café. That way, you’ll stay flexible in case Paris tempts you to take your first detour straight away. |
10:30 am | Montmartre and the ‘Je t’aime’ wall | Visit Square Jehan-Rictus, stroll through the Abbesses and take time to explore the little art studios and bakeries. |
01:00 pm | Lunch in Le Marais | Head towards the city centre and find a table at Chez Julien or a casual spot for some French nibbles to share. |
02:30 pm | Bookstallers and bridges over the Seine | Stroll along the riverbank, discover the green book stalls and cross the Seine with no particular destination in mind. |
05:30 pm | Break at the hotel | Pop back for a moment, take off your shoes, and catch your breath together. Paris isn’t going anywhere. |
07:00 pm | Dinner date | Book a table at Les Antiquaires, Le Procope or somewhere that suits the atmosphere you’re after for the evening. |
09.15 pm | Port de Debilly or Pont de Bir-Hakeim | Find a spot with a view of the Eiffel Tower and wait for the moment when Paris begins to light up. |
Day 2: Art, the Jardin du Luxembourg and a leisurely evening
Time | Station | Why it’s a good fit |
|---|---|---|
09:00 am | Musée d’Orsay or the Louvre | Choose a museum and book your tickets in advance. Less art, but more time to enjoy it, is better suited to a relaxed weekend. |
12:30 pm | Lunch in Saint-Germain or on the left bank of the Seine | After the museum, it’s time for a French lunch break. At Le Gourmet, you’ll find something to suit you even if you can’t agree on a particular type of cuisine. |
02:30 pm | Quartier Latin and Jardin du Luxembourg | Stroll through the neighbourhood, sit in the park and let the afternoon slow down a little on purpose. |
05:30 pm | Coulée Verte or a break at the hotel | Depending on how much energy you have left, you can head for the green promenade or back to the hotel. Either option is a good choice. |
07:00 pm | Final dinner and a stroll | Share a bottle of wine, order something French and round off the day with a short stroll through the illuminated streets. |
10:00 pm | Back to the hotel | The best way to end the second day is somewhere where it’s a pleasantly short walk to bed. |
Where can you enjoy a romantic meal and a drink in Paris?
In Paris, restaurants are more than just places to eat. They are meeting places, stages and living rooms all in one. Bon appétit.
| Address | Occasion | Neighbourhood | Price | Why it’s a good choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rose Bakery at the Musée de la Vie romantique | Cakes and quiche | Nouvelle-Athènes | €€ | Homemade, seasonal treats in an idyllic garden – a particularly lovely break between the museum and Montmartre |
| Les Antiquaires | Bistro dinner | Saint-Germain / 7th arrondissement | €€ | Classic French bistro cuisine, period features and a terrace near the Musée d’Orsay |
| Le Gourmet at Galeries Lafayette | Lunch to share | Opéra / 9th arrondissement | €€ | French specialities and international delicacies |
| Chez Julien | Dinner with a terrace | Le Marais | €€€ | Art Nouveau charm, French cuisine and a lovely view of the Église Saint-Gervais |
| Le Procope | A special evening | Saint-Germain-des-Prés | €€€ | A historic café-restaurant with grand French flair and an exclusive atmosphere |
Price guide: € = fairly affordable, €€ = mid-range, €€€ = special occasion. Menus, closing days and booking arrangements are subject to change; please check before visiting.
Which hotel is best for a romantic weekend in Paris?
Every great love story needs a place where it begins. With these two hotels, you can kick off your romantic weekend in a prime location.
Practical tips for Paris
Check the latest ticket information and opening times.
For the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and popular special exhibitions, you should book tickets as early as possible. Opening times and access arrangements may also change seasonally at smaller museums, gardens and cafés.
Use the Île-de-France Mobilités app
The metro will get you around Paris quickly, whilst the Île-de-France Mobilités app helps with routes and digital tickets. Allow a bit of time for changes – not every station is equally straightforward when you’re carrying a suitcase or have tired feet.
Combine walking with Vélib’
Many romantic spots are closer to one another than the map suggests. Combine the metro, walks and, weather permitting, a Vélib’ bike, so you can experience Paris not just from station to station, but also in between.
Allow some extra time for journeys
Paris is both compact and sprawling. It’s best to allow a little extra time between two fixed appointments, especially if you’re travelling from the eastern or south-western outskirts into the centre. That way, you’ll have time for an unplanned stop at a café.
Frequently asked questions about a romantic weekend in Paris
Conclusion: In Paris, every detour is somehow romantic.
Whether it’s culture, fine dining or simply the pleasure of strolling hand in hand through one of the world’s most beautiful cities – Paris offers countless opportunities for a romantic getaway. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the grand boulevards are just as much a part of a romantic weekend as aimless strolls that reward you with a particularly pretty alleyway. Just go with the flow.
Choose the Motel One that suits your weekend now, and use our 48-hour itinerary as a loose guide. Let the rest happen spontaneously – including extra coffee breaks and forgotten plans.
