15 Last-Minute Romantic Things To Do In Paris | 2025
Paris is also known as the City of Love and one of the most popular destinations for couples.
With a reputation like that, you know there are so many romantic things to do in Paris!
I lived in Paris, so I’ve done most of these activities several times.
From strolling the cobblestone streets of Montmartre to candle-lit dinners in upscale restaurants, I’ll show you Paris date ideas for every budget!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
1. Stroll Along The Seine
The promenade along the Seine River is one of my favorite areas of the city, and it is perfect for a romantic stroll with your partner.
France is expensive, but there are many romantic things to do in Paris on a budget.
Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes, and make it a walking date!
You can take a stroll at any time of day, but walking from the Louvre toward the Eiffel Tower at sunset is especially magical and you get there in time to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling.
2. Have A Couples Portrait Made In Montmartre
Montmartre, also known as the Artists’ Quarter in Paris, is the perfect neighborhood for a fun and romantic date.
I love strolling the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, admiring the architecture, and listening to the street performers in front of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.
Head to Place du Tertre to browse the artwork in the square and maybe pick a painting to take home to remember your trip to Paris.
Make the experience even more special by having your portrait done by one of the artists!
It’s a great last-minute date idea, as the artists are usually available, and you can sit for a portrait on the spot.
3. Take A Seine River Dinner Cruise
A Seine River Cruise is one of the most unique ways to see the city, and pairing it with dinner can make it even more special.
Dinner Seine River Cruise usually departs right before sunset, so you also get to enjoy the vibrant colors of the sunset over Paris.
I enjoyed my river cruise even though I went for the one without dinner. I’m vegan so it’s more complicated for me, but if you’re not I’m sure you’ll love their dinner options.
4. See The Eiffel Tower Sparkle
Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle is one of the top activities on every Paris itinerary, and it makes for quite a romantic setting.
The Eiffel Tower starts sparkling about 10 minutes after sunset and sparkles on the hour for five minutes until 11 PM.
So, you’ll have more opportunities to see it sparkling if you visit France in winter as the light shows start earlier.
If you’re visiting Paris during warmer months, you can also enjoy a drink or a picnic across the Tower on Port Debilly.
5. Go On A Wine Tasting Tour
France is known for its wines, and joining a wine-tasting tour is a fun way to learn more about the art of winemaking in a romantic setting.
Most wine-tasting tours are small groups, but you can also book a private wine-tasting tour for a more intimate setting.
I’m not a wine expert, so if you’re like me trying different local wines might help you find your new favorite!
If you’re a wine lover on a budget, you can also organize a DIY wine tasting. Grab a few French wine bottles from the supermarket and create your own pairings with snacks.
6. Ride The Paris Ferris Wheel
Escape the crowds—literally—by taking a ride on the Grande Roue de Paris.
The Ferris Wheel occasionally changes location, but it is currently located in Tuileries Gardens, in front of the Louvre Museum, and it’s open from early morning until the evening.
You can go for a ride at any time of the day but is especially charming for sunset. The view is great and the Wheel is one of the best viewpoints in Paris.
The ride costs about 15€ and you should buy the tickets at the booth in front of the Wheel.
7. Share A Dessert In A French Patisserie
Ok, you can’t come to Paris and not enjoy their world-renowned deserts.
You’ll have so many options even as a vegan in France like me!
While I suggest sharing a dessert, that most certainly doesn’t mean you should only get one. I suggest getting as many as you can and sharing them so you can try all of them!
If you want more structure to your food adventure, you can join a Chocolate & Patisserie Walking Tour!
Some of the iconic French desserts you should try are tarte citron meringuée, macarons, and eclairs.
My favorite places for vegan desserts in Paris are:
- VG Pâtisserie
- Land&Monkeys
- Cloud Cakes
- Aujourd’hui Demain
🥐 Book a Chocolate & Patisserie Walking Tour here!
8. Watch The Sunset From One Of Paris Bridges
There is something so romantic about watching the sunset with a person you love, and I made it a mission to watch the sunset at every new place I visit.
Paris is the perfect destination for sunset lovers, as there are so many charming sunset viewpoints around the city!
However, some might be better than others depending on what time of the year you visit.
This winter in Paris I found the sunset from the Pont Neuf absolutely magical!
Also, Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Coeur are great Paris sunset spots year-round.
9. Stay In A Hotel With Eiffel Tower View
If you’re spending a night in Paris, I highly suggest staying in a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view.
Sure, it is more expensive than getting a hotel without a view, but it makes the world of a difference.
Imagine waking up, opening your curtains, and seeing the Eiffel Tower feeling like the main character in a movie.
Also, going to sleep while watching the Eiffel Tower Sparkle? Iconic!
Here are the best hotels with Eiffel Tower views to consider:
- TOP Pick: Hôtel La Comtesse
- Luxury Option: Hôtel Plaza Athénée
- Mid-range Option: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
TOP TIP: These hotels have many rooms, so make sure to book the one that says Eiffel Tower views!
10. Take A Boat Ride In Bois De Boulogne
If river cruises sound too boring and crowded for you, how about taking a wooden boat ride in Bois de Boulogne?
Bois de Boulogne is one of Paris’ hidden gems, and it’s a great palace to visit if you want to enjoy nature in the heart of Paris.
The boat rental is only open during the warmer months, so this is a fantastic activity if you’re visiting Paris in the summer.
You can rent one of the wooden boats, and paddle around the lake with your partner for an hour.
The official opening hours are 10 AM to 6 PM, but they’re not always strictly followed. To be safe, I recommend visiting between 12 and 3 PM.
11. Have A Picnic In Front Of The Eiffel Tower
Having a picnic quickly became one of my favorite activities ever since I moved to France.
While Paris has several maintained parks and green areas that are popular for a picnic, having a picnic on green grass in front of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic activities.
I suggest grabbing everything you need in one of the bakeries in the area or a supermarket.
My picnic essentials are a baguette, cherry tomatoes, hummus, and olives. If it’s the summer season, don’t forget to grab some berries!
12. See a Moulin Rouge Show
The Moulin Rouge show is one of the most popular things to do in Paris for couples, especially if you opt for a dinner show.
At first, I was a bit skeptical about seeing a cabaret show with my boyfriend, but we absolutely loved it!
These shows are very popular and you’ll want to book in advance, especially if you want a more affordable option of the show + champagne.
13. Have A Romantic Dinner
Now if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Paris in winter, a picnic is probably not the best option.
However, Paris has no shortage of romantic restaurants with delicious local and international cuisine.
Remember, one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Paris is not making dinner reservations—right after not checking reviews and just walking into the first restaurant you see!
Some of my favorite spots for a romantic vegan dinner in Paris are Le Potager de Charlotte, L’Embuscade, and brEAThe.
14. Visit the Wall of Love (“Le Mur des Je t’aime”)
The Wall of Love is a large art installation made of blue tiles, featuring “I love you” written in languages from all around the world.
What better way to say “I love you” to someone than saying it in hundreds of different languages?
The Wall is one of my favorite spots in Paris, and while it is far from being a “hidden gem” it is certainly worth a stop.
15. Book a Paris Photoshoot
Finally, let’s be honest, how many of you are not satisfied with your travel photos?
I know I usually only have selfies and awkward photos taken by strangers to remember the trip when I travel with my boyfriend.
So, how about getting a professional photo shoot in Paris?
Paris is one of the most photogenic places in the world, and I can’t think of a better place to do it!
There are many photographers in Paris, but I liked the style of this photoshoot the best!
Getting a photoshoot with a professional photographer is great, even if you’re not very confident in front of the camera.
They know exactly which poses and angles work best, so they’ll instruct you and give you ideas to make sure your photos turn out perfect.
Summary: Things To Do In Paris For Couples
Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and its many activities certainly live up to its reputation.
Whether you’re visiting on a budget or splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to France, there’s something for everyone!
From strolling along the river and watching the sunset over the city to enjoying a romantic dinner cruise and staying in an upscale hotel with an Eiffel Tower view, you’re in for a treat!
So, which of these Paris date ideas is your favorite?
