Romantic Weekend in Paris in Style

What could be more Oh La La than a weekend of fine dining and strolling hand in hand through some of the most iconically romantic landmarks, well on earth!

From intimate late night jazz clubs, candle lit dinners and gothic architecture, here’s my guide to a weekend in Paris for lovers.

Getting There

Arrive from London on the Eurostar at midday, the Gare de Nord itself quite spectacular as stations go and close to the centre of Paris, so you can really get into the lux vibe immediately. Although I had been thinking about all the food I was about to get my gourmand on with this weekend, I can’t deny a fondness for a French Mc Donald’s, I refrained, I didn’t come here for that.

Where to stay

A quick 15 min Uber ride took us to our hotel Hotel Balmoral on the Champs Elysees, a boutique 4 star residence in a quiet Rd, an ideal location for seeing all the sights with delightfully French balconies, even in the bathroom, and a huge comfy bed. With rooms from 180 per night it’s very reasonable for such spacious rooms by Paris standards.

Hotel Balmoral

Lunch Time

A short stroll past the Arc de Triomphe took us to celebs favourite and perfect people watching restaurant L���Avenue. Sit on the terrace and enjoy Asia tuna tartar or French snails served by a team of impossibly beautiful waitresses while elegant Parisian women walk past, petit dogs under arm, and really soak up the Parisian atmosphere. It’s not the most authentic French food but perfect if you enjoy the see and be seen atmosphere.

L’avenueAvenue

See the sights

After lunch stroll or hop in a cab down to the River Seine for a romantic boat ride, taking in the historic sights and smooching under bridges. You can hop on a sight seeing 1 hour tour boat and take in all the iconic sights, the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Of course it’s cliche but Its still probably the best way to see the splendour of city.

River Seine

Dinner Time

After a quick or leisurely nap back at the hotel and an outfit change dinner was at the delightful Le Grand Colbert, this restaurant dates back to 1900 and aches with Parisian old world charm. High ceilings, mirrored walls, ornate decor and deep leather booths. You can enjoy a fresh seafood platter and traditional French fare with friendly service at a reasonable price.

Le Grand Colbert

Late Night Drinks

For the wow factor stop by the Hotel Plaza Ath��n�� for a night cap. I opted for a hot chocolate and although it was 20 euros it was the most decadent I’d ever had. Imagine pouring pure chocolate from polished silver ornate jug and topping it with warm, frothed milk on a warm terrace under the stars.

Plaza Athena Palace

Day 2

Breakfast

An early morning stroll down the Champs Ellesees before shops open and streets are full of tourists, shows off the beautiful lines and architecture that Paris is famed for. Window shop in the designer stores while you work up an appetite, when you do feel hungry, stop at a little brasserie for a pastry and coffee. 

See the sights

Arrive early to beat the queues at Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, you can go inside and take in the gilded interiors and enjoy a French mass. Outside are spectacular sweeping views of the capital which are worthy of the visit alone.

Sacre Coeur

From here take a long, down hill stroll through Paris, stopping for an ice cream or a glass of wine at a brasserie along the way. You will arrive almost directly at the Post Neuf, Paris oldest bridge, perfect for a spot of picture taking. You are moments from a visit to the Louvre and Notre-Dame or the spectacular Saint Chapelle, with it’s magnificent stained glass interior that will really bring out the love in each others eyes.

Saint Chapelle

Dinner Time

The restaurant at Hotel Costes is dark and sumptuous, full of beautiful people and even lap dogs on velvet chairs companioning their owners for a plate of foie gras and glass of Champagne. The atmosphere is as louche and extravagant as the clientele.

Don’t be surprised if you spot a film star as you canoodle in the candle light, the brothal like ambience makes it rude not to.

Hotel Costes

Late Night Drinks

The final stop of the night, and no trip to Paris would be complete without a night of Jazz. Duc Des Lombards is an intimate and classy jazz club in the heart of Paris. We were greeted on arrival by Duc himself and welcomed into the dimly lit establishment and shown to a table in front of the stage. A saxophonist was playing with an amazing house band and musicians from around the world who took to the stage and played throughout the night. A perfect way to end a weekend in Paris.

Duc Des Lombards