Top 10 Romantic Activities in Paris for a Perfect Couples Getaway

My husband and I visited Paris for 3 days with another couple, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many activities we were able to fit in! Tickets were simple to book, the big attractions were easier to navigate than expected, and even dinner reservations were easy to plan. It felt as if Paris wanted us to enjoy ourselves.

That’s what makes Paris so perfect for couples. You can walk along the Seine River together, climb the Eiffel Tower, go on a dinner cruise, and suddenly you’ll see why Paris is named the city of love.

If you’re planning a trip with someone you love, these were our favorite romantic activities in Paris, including some you might already know and a few surprises from my own itinerary.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower and Enjoy a Glass of Champagne

We will start with the most common activity! Start your Paris trip with the city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. I recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the long lines. You can purchase tickets on their official site, or, if you want a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Eiffel Tower, I recommend booking one of the tours below. A tour is also a good option if your dates are sold out on their site.

Most tickets are available 60 days in advance if you want to take the lift up. If you prefer to take the stairs, which is a cheaper ticket, those are available 14 days before the visit date. Access to the Esplanade is FREE, but you will need to go through a security check first.

We opted to purchase the 2nd-floor lift tickets. This includes only a lift up to the second floor and a lift back down. You will want to look for Piller North when you get in to redeem your ticket. We took the lift up but ended up taking the stairs back down because of the long line.

There was a champagne and Macaron bar, gift shops, and a food/drink cafe on the 2nd floor. Our friends went up to the summit, and there is also a Champagne Bar up there. There’s something special about standing there with the city below you with a glass of bubbly in your hand, and sharing the moment with someone you love.

2. Arc de Triomphe Rooftop

You can climb to the top for sweeping views of the city and the star-shaped street layout below. There are lots of stairs to get to the top, 284 to be exact. A lift is available only to those who need it.

Individual ticket prices are €22 in the summer months from June to September, except if you’re visiting on a Wednesday, when they are €16. Prices from October to March are also €16. It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance on their official site.

The stairs up to the top are brutal on a hot summer day, but they did have a water refill station toward the top by the boutique. I liked the views here more than at the Eiffel Tower. It also didn’t seem as crowded.

3. Seine River Dinner Cruise

End one of your days in Paris with a Seine River Dinner Cruise. This dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches was my favorite thing we did! You get to see lots of landmarks as you make your way down the Seine River.

We booked the Prestige dinner option, and it included champagne to start, followed by 4 courses and wine. We were also seated right by the window! The best part was getting to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! Many cruises depart near the Eiffel Tower, so after the cruise, you can walk closer to the Eiffel Tower and watch it sparkle every hour until 1 AM.

This is, in my opinion, one of the most romantic things you can do in Paris. This is the one activity I would recommend to every couple. If you only do one thing from this list, make it this.

If you want a more budget-friendly option, you can book a sunset cruise that includes a drink of your choice! This cruise is about $35 per person, and you still get to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the Seine.

4. Tulieries Ferris Wheel

The Tuileries Ferris wheel is now located at the Tuileries Gardens on the rue Saint-Roch. If you happen to visit the gardens, it’s worth adding to your day. I first noticed it when we walked through the festival, and it felt like the kind of thing you do spontaneously just because it’s there.

Paris ferris wheel tickets are 15 euros for adults and can be purchased on the day of, no need to plan ahead for this one! The ride itself is simple, but the elevated views of the Louvre, the gardens, and the long pathways of central Paris are great! It’s especially fun in the evening when the city lights start to sparkle.

5. Explore Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic district known for its cobblestone streets and artistic legacy. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the most visited sites in Paris and also one of the city’s highest points. It has some of the best panoramic views of the city. This would be the perfect spot to grab a bottle of wine and watch the sunset!

Place du Tertre is a few streets away, where artists set up their easels and sell their work. It’s a great place to stroll and admire some of the artwork.

You can also walk by the Wall of Love, which is a mural featuring the phrase “I love you” written 311 times in more than 250 languages!

6. Dinner at French Bistro

Two great areas for dining are the Latin Quarter and Le Marais, both packed with cozy bistros and lively streets. Try Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, or Le Petit Pontoise for homestyle roast meats, grilled fish & regional wines.

After dinner, you can take a stroll down the Seine for a more relaxed evening, or stop by a terrace for a nightcap before heading back to your hotel.

This mix of classic French food and local nightlife gives you a true taste of a romantic Parisian evening.

7. Les Caves du Louvre Wine Tasting

Since you already know I love wine, it won’t surprise you that wine tasting in Paris is a must for me. There are tastings everywhere, from cozy cellars to more formal classes where you learn how to taste like a pro.

We did the wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre, and it was really cool! It’s a multi-sensory experience, learning all about wine from the grape vine to the bottle. The best part is, you get a crash course on the major French wine regions from their sommelier, too!

It’s a great activity for couples because it encourages conversation and discovery. You start sharing favorites and noting little differences, and before you know it, you’ve bonded over new smells. It’s the perfect experience after walking the Louvre!

8. Cabaret Show-Moulin Rouge

A trip to Paris isn’t complete without seeing Moulin Rouge. The performance itself is lively and theatrical, filled with bright lights, music, and the signature cabaret style that dates back to the late 1800s when Moulin Rouge first opened its doors in Montmartre.

As a quick disclaimer, you are not allowed to take photos or videos of the show because it includes topless women dancing. It is a part of the traditional French cabaret format, so it’s good to know what to expect before you book.

We had a lot of fun at this event! Tickets sell out quickly, especially for the 9pm showing. There is a show only ticket that includes a half-bottle of champagne, and a dinner show ticket that includes a 3-course meal.

We decided to go with just the show ticket with champagne. It was very entertaining, and they kept the champagne flowing all night. If you want good seats, I would try to get to the venue as soon as the doors open for your showing. You will also have to coat check any large bags or jackets, which is included.

Day Trips from Paris

9. Palace of Versailles

Versailles has a different kind of romance. Although the palace is grand, the magic for me was in the gardens. Entry tickets are essential for getting inside the palace and gardens. There are also group tours available that include transportation from Paris. Make sure to check what your ticket includes!

The Hall of Mirrors was probably my favorite room in the palace. The palace was packed full of people, but once you step into the gardens, everything slows down. The pathways stretch in every direction, and there are fountains around every corner. The flowers and tree-lined paths make you feel like you’ve stepped into a peaceful retreat far from the city.

Couples can wander for hours, sit by the Grand Canal, rent a rowboat, watch the fountain show, or explore smaller groves that feel private. Versailles gives you the space to enjoy a slower, more relaxed part of your trip together.

10. Reims & Epernay

Our day trip to Reims and Epernay was one of the most memorable parts of our Paris trip, and I’m so glad we did it! The train ride is quick, the town is charming, and the champagne houses offer such rich history. Walking through centuries-old cellars and tasting champagne at the source is such a cool experience!

The trains and logistics of going to several champagne houses from Paris can feel overwhelming at first, but that’s why I created The Perfect Day Trip to Reims and Epernay from Paris guide to help you! If you have time and want something truly romantic, planning a day in Champagne is unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Paris earns its title as the city of love because it gives couples endless ways to connect. You can watch the sun fade from the Arc de Triomphe rooftop, toast with champagne high above the skyline, drift down the Seine watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, wander the gardens of Versailles, or simply share a quiet bistro dinner that stretches into the night.

Paris gave us so many beautiful moments, but the Seine River Dinner Cruise easily became our favorite experience as a couple. The stillness of the water, the glow of the city, and the calm pace of the evening made it something we’ll always remember. If you’re planning a romantic trip to Paris, make time for this. It’s the one thing I’d recommend again and again.