Paris in February: Spending Valentine’s Day In La Defense

Wondering what to do on Valentine’s Day when February rolls around? Take a trip to the city of Lights and Love, where you will find plenty of romantic things to do with your other half this February. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris. 

1. Board a Romantic cruise of Paris

Our first choice for date idea on Valetine’s Day in Paris is an Old Paris cruise on the Canal St Martin, taking you from the Paris-Arsenal marina to the Parc de la Villette or vice versa.

It’s the perfect way to see this historic canal lined with century-old trees and crossed by elegant footbridges. Alternatively, join a Valentine’s Day cruise with dinner and champagne – a truly special way to see the sights and lights of Paris at night. 

2. Go on a chocolate and pastry walking tour

Celebrate your love with the food of love by going on a chocolate and pastry walking tour. Your guide will lead you along the French capital’s cobblestone streets to Left Bank chocolatiers and patisseries, where you can indulge in sweet delights while soaking up the history and atmosphere of Valentine’s in Paris. 

3. Attend the Love Evening at the Rodin Museum

Follow a special route and numerous activities such as dance, music, and poetry while exploring the sensual works of artist and sculptor Auguste Rodin, such as Le Baiser, at the Rodin Museum’s Love Evening on 14^th February from 6pm to 11pm. 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. 

4. Enjoy dinner and cabaret

Watching a cabaret and enjoying dinner at Montmartre’s Moulin Rouge is one of the most popular things to do on Valentine’s in Paris, which can make it difficult to get tickets. Le Crazy Horse cabaret is a great alternative for burlesque dancers, magic and variety acts, music, and a delicious dinner. 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris.

5. Dine at romantic restaurants

Enjoying a special lunch or dinner with your partner is one of the quintessential things to do on Valentine’s in Paris. Here are a few of our favourite romantic restaurants in the city.

• O’Mazette: Colourful, warm, and bathed in natural light, O’Mazette is one of the loveliest restaurants in Paris La Défense. This restaurant located in the Mgallery Nest offers a generous and enticing French menu of elevated bistro dishes. You’ll find a tempting list of cocktails at the elegant central bar. 34 Cours Michelet, 92060 Paris La Défense Cedex.

 

• Laurent: Comfort and serenity are the watchwords at this restaurant in a 19th-century former dance hall. The cuisine of chef Alain Pégouret is a celebration of creativity and savoir-faire, while the cellar’s 20,000 bottles of excellent wines are another highlight of Laurent. 41 av. Gabriel, 75008 Paris.

 

• Le Grand Véfour: One of Paris’ most famous and historic restaurants, Le Grand Véfour has welcomed the likes of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, Victor Hugo, and Jean Cocteau. This restaurant is all about the food, of course, and chef Guy Martin’s spectacular creations do not disappoint. The service is elegant, the wine cellar impressive, and the surroundings exquisite. 17 rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris.

6. Shop ‘til You Drop

Spoil your partner with some Valentine’s Day shopping in the city’s top shopping locations.

Les Quatre Temps La Défense Shopping Mall: Wander through France’s second biggest shopping mall, where you’ll find 220 shops including French and international brands, 48 restaurants, and 24 movie theatres. 15 Parvis De La Défense, 92092 Puteaux.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Head to the Left Bank neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you’ll find some of the world’s finest art, antiques, décor, and fashion, as well as oodles of literary history. Paris in winter can be cold, so stop for a coffee and pastries at the charming Café de Flore.

Fancy doing some sightseeing on Valentine’s in Paris? Head to these stunning locations.

7. Pay a visit to the ‘I love you’ Wall

Located near the metro station of 'Abbesses,' the 'I Love You Wall' (Le Mur des je t’aime in French) is adorned with expressions of 'I Love You' in hundreds of different languages. During your visit to the wall, the area surrounding it is beautiful and well worth exploring.

If you're in the mood for a romantic walk around Montmartre and beyond, a Montmartre Self-Guided walking tour is highly recommend. On this tour, you'll discover the hidden windmills of Paris, learn about Place Dalida, and visit some of the places that inspired artists such as Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh! 

8. See the view from La Défense arch

Enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Paris from the top of the Grande Arche in La Défense. While there, enjoy a bite to eat at La City, the restaurant on the 35^th floor of the arch. 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux. 

9. Marvel at Sainte-Chapelle

Notre Dame Cathedral is still closed for repairs, but that doesn’t mean you’re deprived of soaking up gothic splendour on Valentines in Paris. Head to the 13^th century Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité and marvel at the royal chapel’s breath-taking stained-glass windows soaring almost 50 feet above you. 10 boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris. 

10. Spend the day at Versailles Palace

Touring Versailles Palace, 12 miles southwest of the city, is one of the most romantic things to do on Valentine’s in Paris. Exploring the sumptuous building and grounds - it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.

11. Visit Romantic Museums of Paris

There's even a museum in Paris dedicated to the romantic life — Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of the Romantic Life) stands at the foot of Montmartre in a mansion with a greenhouse, a courtyard, and a lovely small garden. The pretty pink and green mansion was once the home of the Romantic painter Ary Scheffer (1795-1858). Although the museum celebrates the art and literature of the Romantic Era of the early 19^th century. After a delightful exploration of this charming museum, take a leisurely stroll uphill to uncover the captivating streets of Montmartre.

12. Stay in a cosy hotel this Valentine’s Day 

When it comes to romantic locations and escapes from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Paris in February offers no shortage of destinations for loved-up couples. Some of the best romantic hotels in the city include the ever-so-stylish Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense, ideally located near the best things to do on Valentine’s Day in Paris.

Our hotel in Paris’ financial centre offers comfortable, beautifully designed studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, as well as amenities such as a lobby bar, breakfast room, fully equipped gym, and a business corner and meeting facilities. Contact us, and start planning a memorable Valentine’s in Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Valentine's Day in Paris

What to do for Valentine’s Day in Paris?

There’s plenty to do on Valentine’s Day in Paris. See the sights such as Sainte-Chapelle and the Grande Arche La Défense, enjoy romantic experiences such as a chocolate and pastry walking tour, dine at exquisite restaurants such as O’Mazette, go shopping, or escape to Versailles for the day.

Is Valentine’s Day a popular holiday in France?

While not a big commercial event, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by 70% of the city’s adult population, so many restaurants, venues, and other establishments cater for this special day.

What are the best places to eat in Paris on Valentine’s Day?

We recommend O’Mazette, Laurent, and Le Grand Véfour.