Are you thinking of gifting your loved one a romantic getaway for you to take later this year on Valentine’s Day? If the answer is yes, where better place to take your partner to than the city of romance: Paris! So of course, there’s the obvious attractions such as the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs- Élysées and Musée du Louvre. Which are fantastic, but also involve queues for days, crowds and expensive price tags. So, why not do something a little different? Here are our favourite alternative activities that will have you saying ‘merci beaucoup!’

Alternative Date Ideas For A Romantic Trip To Paris

Escape to a Secret Hideout

What better way to escape crowds of tourists than at a hidden bar? There are a few great ones to choose from sprinkled throughout the city. If you like a hipster vibe, head to Candelaria, secretly tucked behind a Mexican food stall. If you’re after a more elegant ambience, Moonshiner is the one for you. Walk through a bustling pizzeria and pull on the walk-in freezer door to uncover the secret entrance to this 1920’s style bar.

Take a Stroll

If the weather is treating you to some sunny spells, why not take a romantic walk around one of Paris’ biggest parks? The Parc des Buttes Chaumont is located in the north of the city and has 25 hectares of green space for you to explore. It has beautiful woodland, caves, waterfalls, bridges and birds as well as resting spots for you to grab a coffee and a bite to eat. Plus, it’s free!

Pack a Picnic

Holidays to France aren’t complete without sampling the local cuisine! Head to one of the city’s famous fromageries to buy a range of cheeses, cured meats, jams and breads and pack a picnic. La Ferme Saint Hubert is the perfect one-stop shop to source tasty treats located in the heart of the city. Once you’ve filled your basket, take a walk along the Seine to the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. Sit back and admire the red brick buildings and green garden.

Relax and Unwind

What better way to spend quality time with your loved one than at a luxurious spa. Choose somewhere which offers private spa suites specifically for couples, where you can relax side by side during treatments or take a dip in a bespoke duo bathtub. Try a signature treatment, such as a Parisian Experience – a deep tissue massage which helps you to re-energize and recover from physical exertion after a hectic day of shopping!

There are some amazing alternative activities to enjoy during your trip to Paris that aren’t on the usual tourist itinerary. Have fun exploring, I’m very jealous! If you’re looking for further bucket list places to go in France, why not check out these tips.