Arguably, Paris is the most romantic city in the world, so what better place to have a honeymoon? Here’s a selection of tips for honeymooners in the City of Love:
- Check out the Latin Quarter, particularly the St. Germain des Pres area where philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre used to hang out. This place hasn’t changed much since the mid 20th century, and it’s a great place to grab a coffee, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the world go by. You’ll notice that all the seats outside a typical Paris cafe face outwards: Parisiens love to people-watch!
- The Palace of Versailles has to be seen to be believed. On the outskirts of the city, this magnificent chateau was built on the instructions of King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. Versailles was added to by each subsequent King Louis until the French Revolution (when the French got bored of the monarchy and had them executed). Besides the Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Versailles has magnificent grounds and is the perfect place to picnic.
- The Pont Neuf bridge is a good place to cross the River Seine and take in the views of the city. “Pont Neuf” means “New Bridge”, but don’t let that put you off: it’s the oldest bridge in Paris.
- From the Pont Neuf it’s only a five to ten minute walk to the Louvre Museum, where you can see the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Unfortunately you’ll have to see it through bullet-proof glass (the latest estimates put the value of the painting at well over half a billion dollars), but it’s awe-inspiring nevertheless.
- If you’re looking for something to do at the end of the day, why not take a romantic boat tour on the Seine at sunset? There aren’t many better ways to see Paris’ sights than from a glass boat with a glass of wine in your hand.
- And if you want a good spot for dinner, try La Belle Epoque, a genuine Parisian cabaret with can-can girls and an orchestra. A candlelit dinner here is an experience you won’t forget.
- Did you think we’d forgotten? You can’t honeymoon in Paris without stopping by the breathtaking Eiffel Tower. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but the view from the top is fantastic.
- The area surrounding the Eiffel Tower is also worth exploring – the Place Contrescarpe is one of Paris’ most famous squares. Ernest Hemingway used to live just round the corner.
To enhance your experience in Paris, try to learn a few words and phrases in French, and the Parisiens will appreciate your efforts. Au revoir!