Paris has long been called the “City of Love”. Its charm is found not just in the famous sights but also in the quiet corners where you can slow down and enjoy the moment together. The Eiffel Tower often takes center stage in every postcard and travel guide, but it is far from the only place that inspires couples.
Walk through Paris and you’ll quickly notice how love is woven into its streets, gardens, and riverbanks. A simple stroll along the Seine at dusk, a shared pastry in a neighborhood café, or a quiet bench in a historic square can feel just as magical. These are the moments that often leave the deepest memories.
Beyond the tower’s bright lights, this guide reveals 11 romantic places that show another side of Paris, away from the obvious crowd.
Pont des Arts Bridge
The Pont des Arts is one of Paris’s most famous pedestrian bridges. It connects the Louvre Museum to the French Institute across the Seine River. For many years, the bridge became famous for the “love locks” tradition, where couples would place padlocks on the railings and toss the keys into the river as a symbol of everlasting love. Although the locks were removed in 2015 to protect the bridge, the romance of the spot has never faded.
Today, the bridge is a favorite place for couples to stroll together, especially at sunset when golden light sparkles on the river. Street musicians often play here, giving you a soundtrack to your walk. Come in the morning if you want peace and quiet, or in the evening for twinkling lights and a dreamy atmosphere. Fans of Emily in Paris may also recognize it, as the bridge was one of the filming locations in season 2.
Best of all, the bridge is free to visit and easily accessible by metro.
Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is a 60-acre romantic park in the heart of Paris’s 6th district. The gardens were first created in 1612 for the French Royal family. Today, they feature perfectly manicured lawns, tree-lined paths, and over 100 statues, and are open to everyone. This green space is a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Paris.
You can find many romantic spots in the gardens. The central octagonal pond is a favorite spot where you can pull up a chair and watch children sail small toy boats across the water. Just a short walk away is the Medici Fountain, a peaceful grotto-like setting perfect for quiet conversations. You can also wander through the rose gardens, which bloom with colorful flowers from spring to fall.
There are tennis courts, chess tables, and even puppet shows to enjoy throughout the day. The park also has a café where you can enjoy coffee and pastries together. Free WiFi is available throughout the gardens. The park is open daily from 7:30 AM to dusk, with extended hours in summer. Metro stations Odéon and Saint-Sulpice provide easy access to this romantic retreat.
Montmartre District
Montmartre feels like a little village perched on a hill, even though it is right in the heart of Paris. Think winding cobblestone streets, ivy-covered houses, and the kind of cafés where you can imagine artists sketching on napkins. Once home to legends like Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh, the area still carries that creative spirit. You will see street painters at work, wine bars, and small galleries around every corner.
Place du Tertre is the square where artists paint portraits, a lovely idea for couples who want a romantic souvenir. Wandering hand in hand through Montmartre’s maze-like streets, you never quite know what you’ll stumble upon next: a hidden staircase, a quiet bench, or a rooftop glimpse of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Of course, no visit is complete without climbing (or taking the funicular) up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from the top is pure magic, especially at sunset when the city glows below and the basilica itself shines in the night. And just nearby, you’ll find the world-famous Moulin Rouge. You can easily reach Montmartre from anywhere in Paris by taking the Metro Line 12 to Pigalle or Abbesses stations.
Seine River Cruise
A Seine River cruise is one of the most romantic ways to fall in love with Paris. As the boat glides along the water, the city unfolds around you, with famous sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre passing by. It feels like Paris is showing you its best side from the water.
You can choose between different types of cruises. Daytime cruises are perfect for sightseeing, with recorded commentary to help you catch all the details, while evening trips feel more romantic with Paris lit up around you. For something even more special, dinner cruises serve multi-course French meals with wine as you float past monuments glowing in the night. Many boats even have glass roofs, so you can enjoy the views in every season.
Boats depart from several locations, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Pont Neuf. We recommend advance reservations, especially for dinner cruises and weekend trips.
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is one of the most romantic spots in Paris and a favorite for both Parisians and visitors. This beautiful canal runs through the 10th arrondissement and stretches for about 4.5 kilometers. Built in the early 19th century, it was once used to supply the city with fresh water, but today it is a peaceful place to walk, sit, and enjoy the atmosphere.
The most beautiful part of the canal lies between Rue Dieu and Rue des Récollets, where you’ll find old iron footbridges, tree-lined banks, and quiet corners.
Couples often come here for a stroll or a picnic. Pack a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine, and you have all you need for a dreamy picnic along the canal. Locals love to gather here. While tourists often head to the Seine, Canal Saint-Martin is a different side of Paris. It is less formal, more local, and still very romantic.
Place des Vosges in Le Marais
Place des Vosges is the oldest and most beautiful planned square in the Marais district of Paris. It is romantic, historic, and always welcoming. Built in the early 1600s, the square features red brick buildings, arched walkways, and a peaceful garden at its center.
You can relax by the fountains, sit on a bench, or enjoy a picnic on the grass. Around the square, small shops, art galleries, and cafés make it a pleasant place to wander. Victor Hugo, the famous author of Les Misérables, once lived here, and his house is now a museum you can visit.
The square is easily reached by metro lines 1, 5, and 8 at Bastille station, or line 1 at Saint-Paul station.
Île Saint-Louis
Île Saint-Louis is a small island in the Seine River, right next to Île de la Cité. The island feels calm and quiet, almost like a small village in the middle of Paris. Only about 1,000 feet long and 350 feet wide, it is perfect for a romantic stroll.
The main street, Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Île, runs through the center. Here you will find art galleries, antique shops, bakeries, and small restaurants. Berthillon ice cream shop has been serving ice cream since 1954 and is famous for its special flavors, including rose petal and Grand Marnier.
Many of the streets are lined with 17th-century mansions. Their stone walls, tall windows, and iron balconies show the history of Paris. Along the edges of the island, you can walk by the Seine and see Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Right Bank across the water. Moreover, the island is home to boutique-style hotels, casual bistros, and French cuisine restaurants. You can easily get to this romantic spot by bridge from the Marais or the Latin Quarter.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
If you are looking for a secret romantic spot in Paris, then you’ll love Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Located in the 19th district, the park gives different vibes from the city’s more formal gardens. The park was built in 1867 on the site of an old quarry, which gave it its steep hills, high cliffs, and winding paths. Walking here feels like stepping into a hidden corner of nature, right in the middle of the city.
At the center of the park stands the Temple de la Sibylle, a small Roman-style temple perched on top of a 100-foot rock. You can reach it by crossing a suspension bridge or a stone bridge, and once at the top, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of Paris. From here, the Sacré-Cœur and even the Eiffel Tower can be seen in the distance.
The park also has caves, waterfalls, lakes, and plenty of spots to sit and relax. Families often come here for picnics, while couples enjoy strolling through the paths. With cafés, restaurants, and peaceful scenery, Buttes-Chaumont offers romance and adventure away from the usual tourist crowds.
Le Mur des je t’aime (I Love You Wall)
One of the most romantic spots in Paris is in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. It is called the I Love You Wall (le mur des je t’aime in French). This artwork was created in 2000 by two artists, Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, as a meeting place for lovers and a tribute to love in all its forms.
The wall is made of blue tiles with the words “I love you” written in 311 different languages. The idea started when Baron asked friends, neighbors, and strangers to write the phrase in their own language. The collection grew until it included more than 300 expressions of love.
This spot is not grand or flashy, but it’s moving and meaningful. It was even shown in Emily in Paris season 3 as a proposal location. The best part is it’s free. You can sit on a bench, admire the wall, and take a photo with your special someone before continuing your walk through Montmartre.
Musee Rodin
The Musée Rodin is one of the most romantic places in Paris, about 20 minutes from the Eiffel Tower. Set in an 18th-century mansion, it feels more like a château than a museum. Inside, you can see some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, such as The Thinker, The Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, and Balzac. Walking through the galleries gives you a close look at his creativity and style.
One of the highlights is the outdoor rose garden, where sculptures are surrounded by flowers, trees, and shaded paths. Shaded paths, blooming roses, fountains, and quiet corners make it a favorite spot for couples to wander hand in hand.
It is a peaceful place to walk hand in hand. Rodin himself lived in this building when it was a hotel, and his preserved room adds a personal touch to the visit.
Pont Neuf
Despite its name, Pont Neuf (“New Bridge”) is actually the oldest bridge in Paris. It connects Île de la Cité to both sides of the Seine and offers wonderful views of the river and the city.
Walking across the bridge, especially in the evening, feels magical. You can see the city lights reflecting in the water and watch boats pass below.
There’s also a small park at the tip of the island, called Square du Vert-Galant, which is perfect for sitting quietly by the river. Pont Neuf is simple but full of Parisian charm.
The Final Takeaway
Paris is full of romantic places beyond the Eiffel Tower. These 11 places show the city’s romantic spirit through the artistic streets of Montmartre, the peaceful canals, beautiful gardens, and quiet corners along the Seine. If you have the right person beside you, every location and each moment can become special. These places show a softer, more intimate side of Paris worth discovering. The bonus is that many of these places are free to visit and easily accessible by public transport.
So, which of these romantic spots will you visit first? Or will you plan to see them all and create your own Paris love story? We’d love to hear from you.