France is a country of romantic cities, towns and villages. From the south to the north, the east and the west, there’s an intoxicating number of ways to celebrate romance from sitting at a terraced cafe watching the world go by to holding hands wandering cobbled streets or lazing on a beach, letting the silky sand slip through your toes…
Blissful Blois in the Loire
Situated on the banks of the Loire River, Blois is dominated by its legendary chateau, the scene of love affairs and dastardly deeds. The cobblestone streets are brimming with delightful restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and boutiques. You’ll find opportunities to buy at vibrant city street markets most days (except Monday).
A trip to the Loire Valley is to discover a land of historic Châteaux, gorgeous gardens, fabulous vineyards and picturesque villages. Va va voom for a dizzying dalliance.
Woo-hoo: You’re spoiled for choice in Blois but don’t miss a trip to the chateau, the former home of 7 French Kings. In summer there’s a fabulous son et lumiere show in the spectacular courtyard.
Wine and dine: L’Hote Antique (5 rue Pont du Gast) is great for lunch or dinner. Comfy armchairs, exposed beams, friendly ambience and best of all the menu is fabulous. Downstairs is lively and fun but book a table on the mezzanine floor for a more intimate atmosphere amongst the chandeliers and lamp posts.
Romantic Reims Champagne
There’s not much that beats drinking Champagne in the capital of Champagne. This effervescent small city is bound to entrance you. There’s loads to do from tasting the fizz at some of the most renowned Champagne houses (don’t miss GHMumm, it’s intoxicating), to museums, the extraordinarily beautiful Cathedral of Reims where French Kings were crowned for centuries, a thriving café culture, fabulous shops and seductive chocolatiers, plus easy access to the famous vineyards.
This is the ultimate weekend destination and at less than an hour from Paris it’s an easy get away from it all destination.
Woo-hoo (or where to woo your loved one): At a terraced café, watching the world go by while you toast your love with bubbles.
Wine and dine: Brasserie Flo (96 Place Drouet d’Erlon). Located in a fabulous mansion house, decorated sumptuously, this is a restaurant to indulge in fabulous food made with passion by the friendly chef and of course drink Champagne.
Pucker up in Paris
You can’t put a list of the most romantic places in France together without including the city of love.
Strolling along the seine or the cobbled streets of Montmartre, browsing the second hand book stores, buying a bouquet at the beautiful flower market as the bells of Notre Dame toll, sipping hot chocolate at an iconic café, there are endless opportunities to soak up the atmosphere.
Woo-hoo: No doubt you’ll find your own special place but the Jardin de Luxembourg is one of the most romantic gardens in France and the perfect place to hold hands and dream.
Wine and dine: For somewhere very special, head to Les Ombres, a restaurant tucked away at the top of Musée du Quai Branly with incredible views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s an expensive restaurant (lunch is cheaper than dinner) but the view makes it truly memorable.
