Known as the city of love it is no wonder that Paris is the most visited location for Valentine’s day!
I hope you have googled ‘’where to eat in Paris for Valentines day’’ and stumbled across us. However, our post takes a different angle and is intended to guide you away from the ‘’cliché’’ restaurants and point you to the hidden gems dotted in and around the most iconic and romantic tourist attractions!
These classic French brasseries scream authentic and intimate and won’t trick you with overpriced set menus, bad service and the tightly packed tables of some establishments.
Like many you might find yourself in the vicinity of Paris’ best known attraction of the Eiffel Tower. If this is the case then Les Marches is not to be missed. It is a true Parisian bistro like those you imagine. Hidden between the Seine and the museum of Modern Art, and at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, it offers traditional and generous dishes. The authenticity is endorsed by the red and blue logo of “Les Routiers”, an institution known by food lovers for its restaurants scattered along the roads of France. As their motto says : “A stop at Les Routier is the guarantee of a good yet affordable meal!”
Or perhaps you plan to lock in your love at The Pont des Arts, a bridge famous for the romantic tradition associated with it. Visitors to the bridge attach personalized padlocks to its railing and throw the keys away in the Seine River, symbolizing the love is sealed.
Centrally placed for access to both the left & right banks of the seine you can take a leisurely stroll up the river and absorb all the city of love has to offer.
If you opt for the left bank then we suggest La Rotisserie D’Argent near to the iconic cathedral Notre Dame de Paris. Or continue on to St. Germain for an intimate dinner in Bistrot d’Henri on the quintessential Rue de Princesse to treat your date like royalty. Or walk a little further for shopping in Le Bon Marché and step into The Crying Tiger where Asia meets Paris.
Should you lean right and aim for the right bank you will quickly stumble upon the Louvre Museum, another must see in the city. We recommend a stop at Le Fumoir, a venue steeped in history and decadent in décor.
Following a path on the right bank you will come across more incredible buildings, monuments and beautiful streets. There are 3 routes I recommend.
Head north to reach the Palais Garnier (aka The Opera) and continue on to Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur. If you take this route then make sure you add flowers to your Valentines weekend with a fine meal Sacrée Fleur (sacred flower!).
If you head slightly to the west you will come across the Grand Palais, Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Whilst here you can’t not visit Publicis Drugstore and try one of their two dining options: Le Drugstore and the iconic Atelier Etoile by Joël Robuchon.
If the wind takes you east you will find yourself in an area known as the Marais. It is the epicenter of Paris with idyllic streets and home to the stunning square of Places Des Voges. This area is thriving with bars and restaurants but two of my favorites include Jaja and for Valentines day the aptly named Grand Coeur (Big Heart).
You and your Valentine will be swooning over each other and these delicious dishes! Bon Appetit!