24 January 2023
Paris has emblazoned itself in the minds and hearts of millions if not billions of people around the world as the city of romance, so where better to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner? Use our guide to plan the perfect Valentine’s in Paris La Défense and other parts of the beautiful French capital. Discover where to dine, unforgettable experiences to share with your significant other, where to shop, and what sights to see on 14 February, the day dedicated to love.
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 bistronomy 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.
Enjoy an unforgettable time with your beloved by treating yourselves to these great things to do on Valentine’s in Paris.
Board a Valentine’s Day cruise: Our first choice 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.
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.
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 February from 6pm to 11pm. 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris.
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.
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.
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 bistronomic restaurant on the 35th floor of the arch. 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux.
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 13th-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.
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 also is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.
Choose a good location that’s conveniently close to the best things to do on Valentine’s Day in Paris for your extended stay in this unforgettable city. Stay at Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense. 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, book your stay, and start planning a memorable Valentine’s in Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
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.
We recommend O’Mazette, Le Ballon d’Alsace, Duke & Janette, and El Karim.
We recommend O’Mazette, Le Train Bleu at Gare du Lyon, Laurent, and Le Grand Véfour.