With the most romantic settings in the world, France offers and helps you create exceptional and unforgettable moments to share with your loved one. Despite the excitement and the vibrant atmosphere cities can offer, nothing compares to the feeling of a more snug setting. With some of the most beautiful seaside, countryside, and mountains, dive into a more captivating and immersive side of France. Here are 5 good reasons to fall in love in France!
Reason 1 : The City of Love
Love is in the air. People come from all corners of the world to enjoy the city of love’s romantic atmosphere. From romantic dining spots, and charming tea houses to hotels facing the Eiffel Tower and breathtaking views of the Seine, there are many ways to enchant your loved one. The French capital is a must for a romantic rendezvous.
Gift the elegance of the Parisian palaces to your true love, for a night, a meal, a drink, or a spa day. These distinguished establishments infuse French know-how and the spirit of luxury in all of their services. Not to mention their superb décor!
For a breathtaking view, the Hôtel Palace Le Shangri-La is a sublime Parisian Palace established in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte and overlooks the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. The hotel's restaurant, the Chang Palace, is the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in France.
The retro and chic atmosphere of the Hôtel Molitor Paris is also a dream setting for lovers: a former Parisian art deco swimming pool tastefully renovated as though we traveled back in time. Its magnificent Clarins spa, the largest hotel spa in Europe entirely dedicated to treatments, is a temple of beauty and well-being!
Admire the beauty of Paris from the Don Juan II, the only Michelin-starred restaurant on the Seine. With the gentle sound of the waves, enjoy a 2 hour candlelit dinner afloat with a backdrop of the city lights at night.
Fall in love with the cozy Art Deco decor of the restaurant La Suite Girafelocated in front of the Eiffel Tower, its private panoramic terrace overlooks the whole of Paris. Finally, for a bucolic city break, the Chalet des Îles in the Bois de Boulogne offers a romantic Sunday brunch in a peaceful haven.
Combine culture and love at the musée de la Vie Romantique and its charming Rose Bakery tea room. The museum is dedicated to the emblematic artists of 19th century in Paris and is the ideal place to be inspired by the romanticism of that era.
Reason 2 : Cities and villages with unforgettable landscapes
The perched villages and small towns of France offer breathtaking and romantic settings. Enjoy these excellent opportunities to connect as a couple and discover places that remain unchanged.
Annecy, the little Venice of the Alps The adorable city of Annecy, located in the Alps, is a go to place lovers for its historic center with pastel facades and winding canals. The lake and the mountains are beautiful in any season. The Relais & Châteaux Le Clos Des Sens hotel, located in front of the lake, has an open-air Nordic bath, heated to 27°C (80.6°F).
Rocamadour, is a medieval village perched high up in the Dordogne Valley
Set against an impressive cliff, Rocamadour guarantees love at first sight. Classified as a Unesco heritage site, the beauty of this village is surreal. On one side is the medieval town with its buildings nestled within the rocks and on the other the Alzou canyon and river, an exceptional natural site with substancial views of the valley below.
Cassis, a Provencal village facing the Calanques and the Mediterranean Sea__. The fishing port of Cassis, in Provence, with its vineyards and majestic creeks overlooking the Mediterranean, feels like stepping into a postcard. It's an ideal starting point to explore the Parc national des Calanques and its beautiful views punctuated with the green of the pines and the blue hues of the sea.
Bonifacio, the mythical citadel of the island of beauty Spectacular white cliffs against the blue sea makes Bonifacio in Corsica the perfect setting for a getaway for two in the sun. With mild winters, the town and surrounding areas offer up a calm and warm atmosphere perfect for a romantic escape.
Reason 3 : The many amazing experiences for two across the country
France offers an exceptional choice of adventures for two due to its geographical diversity and unique cultural heritage found in each of its regions. From cultural to culinary experiences, adventure, sports, arts and crafts, there are a thousand and one ways for couples to experience France.
In Alsace, the Wine Route surprises and inspires couples at every turn. Along the way, they will marvel at the small villages nestled in the vineyards, the cuisine and delicious wines. Explore Strasbourg, its canals, and succumb to the charm of the very romantic Colmar and its half-timbered houses.
For the artists at heart, expressing oneself through hands-on activities and crafts with your partner is an enriching and romantic experience. In Grasse, Provence, you can immerse yourself in the creation of perfumes and learn about the flowers that compose them by walking in the scrubland. In Landes, next to the charming resort of Hossegor, you can learn to create your own ceramics, an experience to be combined with long walks hand in hand on the superb beaches and forests of Landes.
The île de Ré is the perfect place. Enjoy a stroll by the sea or ride the bicycle paths across the island following the sandy beaches and oyster bars. Another way to find inspiration is in one of the villages of the Alps or the Pyrenees. Experience the beauty of the snow-covered mountains and enjoy fun activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the great outdoors.
Reason 4 : Unique accommodation in the heart of nature
France offers a wide variety of unique lodging that provide guests with idyllic and bucolic settings. Experience divine connection with nature by living under the stars, close to flowers and birds.
The surprising Village Flottant de Pressac in New Aquitaine welcomes lovers in the middle of a lake to sleep lulled by the gentle motion of the water. The domain of Nids des Vosges, offers a canopy experience with a village of ultra cozy chalets perched at the top of the trees in the Vosges Massif. For an even greater change of scenery, Le Bruit de L'eau, the Baie de Somme in the Hauts-de-France, offers romantic Japanese suites opening onto a landscaped garden. Finally, for an unusual exploration, the Wapa Lodge, immerses its visitors in the Amazonian forest to explore the breathtaking biodiversity of French Guyana.
Reason 5 : The amazing French châteaux inspiring lovers around the world
What could be more romantic than spending the night, in a richly decorated room with a four-poster bed overlooking sumptuous French gardens? A stay in a French castle is the best way to feel like royalty with the one you love.
The Chateau de Chambord, in the Loire Valley, hosts the Relais de Chambord in its gardens with windows overlooking the majestic castle built by François I. Experience France’s rich history and trace the footsteps of her kings. Another Royal gem is the Château de Saint Jean in Auvergne, which offers its guests a Renaissance décor of rare elegance as well as unique gastronomic exeriences with the audacious cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Olivier Valade.
Further south, the Bordeaux region and its superb chateaux surrounded by vineyards seduce epicurean couples who love exceptional heritage. The Château Prieuré Marquet near Saint-Emilion, an elegant 15th century charterhouse in the heart of a 40-hectare park of vineyards and gardens, offers themed stays for couples: vineyard visits and tastings, culinary and gastronomic courses, horseback or bicycle rides along with cultural discoveries.
By Florence François Denos
Travel writer with a passion for nature, slow tourism and authentic discoveries. florence@headerpop.com