For your second day sightseeing, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House, followed by a visit to Café de la Paix, for some delicious food for two, before a shopping trip to the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann department stores. Window shop to your heart’s content along the Champs-Élysées, up to the Arc de Triomphe.
And, before you set sail on your dinner cruise, why not treat yourself to a glass of champagne at a bar in one of the district’s grand hotels?
© Oéra National de Paris JP Delagarde
To experience all the splendour of the Second Empire, don’t miss the palais Garnier Opera House. It is a wealth of architectural treasures and has a superb auditorium where operas, ballets, concerts, and operatic workshops are staged. Highlights of the visit: the majestic Rotonde des Abonnés (rotunda) and climbing the spectacular Grand Escalier staircase together.
The highlight of this immersion into 19th-century high society has to be the visit to the auditorium with its beautiful ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. What could be more romantic than strolling around a venue that inspired the famous love story of the Phantom of the Opera!
© François Daburon
At Galeries Lafayette, share a romantic shopping trip! After admiring the spectacular cupola (1912) in the main store, lingerie shopping is a good way to spice up the afternoon. From the panoramic terrace on the 7th floor, the breathtaking view of Paris is the idyllic backdrop for a romantic kiss.
After a gourmet snack at Pierre Hermé or Angelina, head to the men’s store where your man can choose a fragrance from the great selection available. Last stop is the Bordeauxthèque (with some 1,200 Bordeaux wines), where you can choose the perfect bottle of wine to pair with your evening meal.
© OTCP
The Printemps department store is an essential shopping address on boulevard Haussmann. With 27 floors spread over 3 stores (Beauty & Home, Menswear and Fashion) you can easily spend a few hours here. Couples out for a walk in Paris will enjoy browsing around the different departments and shopping together. At Printemps Fashion, check out the display cases of jewellery or luxury watches to choose a special gift. At Printemps Beauty & Home, choose from a range of interior design objects.
The panoramic terrace on the 9th floor provides a spectacular view of the city’s top monuments and a romantic moment … especially at sunset.
© DR
The famous Café de la Paix, located on Place de l’Opéra since 1862, is a genuine institution for gourmet Parisian food. Couples can sit on the terrace and enjoy a delicious lunch for two with an impressive view of the Palais Garnier Opera House's facade. For those who prefer some quiet and intimacy, opt for a table inside. The Napoleon III decor inside this luxury Haussmann building offers an idyllic setting for an exceptional dining experience. The Café de la Paix serves great classics of French gourmet cuisine. For those wanting something quick before more sightseeing, an express menu is also available.
© OTCP
Founded in 1934, Studio Harcourt specializes in black and white photography, encircled by an inimitable ring of light. But at several hundred euros a shoot, these legendary portraits have until now been reserved for cinema stars.
Good news! Studio Harcourt has launched a range of ‘luxury’ photo booths where you can get your star portrait for just €10: the perfect gift for your loved one to remember your weekend in Paris together. Among the photo booths located around the city, the one at MK2 Bibliothèque even offers couples a portrait photo together.
© OTCP Amelie Dupont
Take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, known as the most beautiful avenue in the world, and you will reach Place Charles de Gaulle, otherwise known as ‘Place de l’Étoile’, with the monumental Arc de Triomphe at its centre.
Built in 1806 to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory at Austerlitz, it is decorated with famous sculptures and is home to La Tombe du Soldat Inconnu (the tomb of the Unknown Soldier), where the flame is relit each evening at 6.30pm. Inside, visit the museum retracing the history of this famous monument and at the top enjoy an unrestricted view of Paris, day and night, as it is open until 10.30pm or 11pm depending on the time of year.
© Le Royal Monceau
Just like Paris’s other palace hotels, the 5-star Royal Monceau – recently redecorated by Philippe Starck – is not only open to those lucky enough to have booked a suite there.
Non-residents can have breakfast there, refreshments in the lounge or garden, and an evening drink in the bar. Experience a taste of palace life with your loved one.
The Spa My Blend by Clarins, restaurants La Cuisine and Il Carpaccio, and Le Bar Long where you can enjoy a cup of tea, tapas, or cocktails: it’s all there for you to enjoy!
On a sunny day, these areas share an exquisite interior garden and terrace.
© Puppets
At 8.30pm, board this entirely glassed-over boat for a 2hr30 cruise along the Seine, departing from the foot of Eiffel Tower.
During you cruise, admire the City of Light’s most famous monuments whilst enjoying a dinner for two with impeccable service. Authentic and delicious cuisine is prepared on board under the watchful eye of the chef.
A selection of vintage wines is also available. If you have a grand gesture to make to your beloved, this is the time!
