Paris, Je T'aime!
The food, the style, the architecture, the history, the culture, the music, the shopping, (did we mention the food?) there is nothing about this iconic city we don't love.
Last week we brought you some of the more alternative cities in the world to visit for your honeymoon, but when it comes to total, hopeless, unbridled romance, Paris is the honeymoon heavyweight.
Photo by Aneta Mak via Bridal Musings
We just have to close our eyes and think of Paris and we can hear the Amelie soundtrack in our heads, we can almost taste the patisserie, and we've already start plotting outfit ideas!
And while we'll deal with the latter tomorrow (with Bené's super chic Parisian style guide), today we're talking where to sleep, eat, and go while honeymooning in Paris.
Stick on a little Yann Tiersen, fetch yourself a pain au chocolat and read away…
Photo by Emm and Clau via Praise Wedding
Where To Stay
The Blow-Out: The Penthouse at The Four Seasons Hotel George V
Why climb all the way up the Eiffel Tower for dinner when you can sit opposite it, taking in its iconic beauty with fine dining on your very own terrace? Utterly opulent, entirely grand, and with 360 views of the city; this is doing Paris in style.
The Boutique: L'Hôtel
If you plan to spend as much time held up in your boudoir as you will exploring Paris, then this Left Bank boutique hotel is the place for you. Moody hues, silk cushions and velvet drapes, this hideaway of a hotel has that bohemian arty vibe, that vintage glamour, and that charming nostalgia that makes Paris so special.
The Budget: Romantic Studio via Air BnB
Enjoy a Champagne breakfast in bed before hitting the streets and exploring the city. Air BnB's Parisian listings are loaded with cool little studios, charming balconies, and shady terraces. If you're the kind of travellers who want to hit the ground running and find your own way, live like a Parisian in your very own pad.
Photo by Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography via Style Me Pretty
What To Eat
A Baguette at Folks & Sparrow. This too-cool cafe was recently featured in this super chic boho shoot, and since then we've been dreaming of its unpainted walls, well-worn furniture, and tasty baguettes. French Vogue are fans and so are we!
Coffee at 10 Belles. This is place to go in Paris for real barista buffs. Sit outside on stools and people-watch like Parisians.
Steak Frites at Chez George. Enjoy a tasty classic, in an old-school Parisian bistro. This charming restaurant was adored by Julia Child herself, and still retains its authentic feel will avoiding the bulk of tourist traffic.
Macarons at Laduree. Okay, okay, perhaps it's a cliche, and perhaps it's there are better macaroons in Paris (but probably not!) but we don't care. A Parisian rite of passage, wile away an afternoon in this stunning salon.
Pizza at Pink Flamingo. People don't go to Paris to eat pizza, but trust us when we say you need to make this awesome retro pizzeria, a pitstop on your Parisian honeymoon. Make your order, grab your (pink!) balloon, and go sit by the canal where they'll deliver your pizza!
Lobster and Caviar at Le Ciel de Paris. Every honeymoon needs a big, epic, blow-out dinner, so why not have yours over-looking the most romantic city in the world? This swanky fine dining restaurant has unparalleled views, incredible food and flowing Champagne.
Photo by French Grey Photography via Style Me Pretty
What To Do
Follow a Film. Paris is the setting of some of the most enchanting movies, think Before Sunset by the Seine, Amelie in Montmartre, and Midnight in Paris, well, everywhere. Following in the footsteps of one of your favourite characters is a novel way to take in the sights and sounds of the Paris you'd always imagined.
Montmartre, Photo by Ruggero Poggianella
Take Your Vows. Love locks are a growing trend in cities all over the world, but while it's only a recent phenomenon in the city, Paris is perhaps the most iconic setting for them. There are locks on bridges all down the Seine but Pont de l'Archevêché is the most famous one. Another cliche perhaps, but we just adore the idea of closing a love lock together and tossing the key in the Seine forever.
Mini Museums. Of course Paris is full of incredible museums and art galleries, but with legendary works of art, come long queues, and if waiting in line doesn't sound like your kind of honeymoon, try somewhere smaller instead. Get around the likes of Passage de Retz, The Edith Piaf Museum, The Fairground Art Museum, and Musée Nissim de Camondo in the time it would take you to get into The Louvre.
St-Ouen flea market via The Glamourai
Find a Flea. Designer boutiques on the Champs-Élysées might be more your bag, but digging around some of Paris' prettiest flea markets is such a fun way to discover the city. The fringes of town have the biggest ones, Marché Biron, St-Ouen flea market, and Vanves are among the most renowned.
A Cool Cabaret. The Moulin Rouge might be the most infamous, but finding an authentic cabaret experience in Paris will take a little more digging. Aux Trois Mailletz and Le Cabaret des Filles de Joie come highly recommended.
Photo by Aneta MAK via Style Me Pretty
When To Go
Spring Paris in the spring might be the most iconic time of year to visit the city, but does it live up to the hype? Yes! The flowers are blossoming, the city is buzzing, and cafe culture resumes. Perfect trench coat or cool blazer weather, it's prime time to explore the city and look chic doing it!
Summer As Paris heats up for summertime, it only gets more fun! Join local cool kids dining and drinking by canals, take to the city's rooftops for cocktails, or venture out of town and discover what's so great about Greater Paris.
Carousel at Sacre Coeur, Photo by Brittany Mahood via Entouriste
Autumn As the city turns orange, rust and gold, Paris in fall is positively picturesque. Enjoy exciting new exhibition launches, hit Paris' stunning gardens and cemeteries, and sip chocolat chaud on the terraces and take in the turning hues.
Winter One of the most romantic times of year for a trip to Paris, see the City of Lights light up even more! Spend your days in cosy cafes or small boutiques, then take in a snowy stroll by the Seine after dark.
Photo by Aneta Mak via Bridal Musings
Oh all we want to do is hop on a train/plane/boat and take ourselves to Paris this second!
Have you got any recommendations for a honeymoon in Paris? Don't forget to share them in the comments below. And stay tuned for our style guide for what to wear on your Parisian honeymoon tomorrow!
Check out more unique honeymoon ideas here.
