Oh la la, Paris! Where better to visit than the French capital when you are in love? Start planning a dream Parisian escapade with your better half and experience the most romantic city in the world when the pandemic is finally over.
This article aims to serve you as the ultimate guide to planning the perfect couple trip to Paris – complete with food, wine, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower. Look for an Airbnb or hotel for your stay in the 7th arrondissement, one of Paris’s most iconic and luxurious areas.
Here’s an important note: keep in mind that if going up the Eiffel Tower and dining at their famous restaurant, make a reservation and purchase your tickets three months in advance to ensure your spot. Now that this crucial info is out of the way – sit back, relax, and enjoy the list of the best places to eat French food near the Eiffel Tower!
Best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower
Casual dinner at Les Cocottes
The world-famous French chef Christian Constant owns three restaurants near the Eiffel Tower. Les Cocottes is our favorite, both for the quality of their dishes but also the atmosphere. Food and ambiance are bistro-style, but with a chic twist. It’s the ideal place for a relaxed and delicious traditional French dinner.
Feel like a movie star at Le Jules Verne
The first place you’d think of for a romantic dinner in Paris is at Jules Verne, the restaurant located on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor. It’s the restaurant of choice for many looking to pop the question or enjoy the fantastic lights show that happens at the start of every hour.
Modern Parisian elegance at Les Ombres
If you are looking for something less touristy, I highly recommend Les Ombres right next door to the Eiffel Tower. In my opinion, the rooftop restaurant Les Ombres makes for the perfect combination of Paris essence, wine, and romance. Located at the top of the Musée du Quai Branly, it has a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower!
And if you’re up for a more adventurous night out, check out how to find the perfect cocktail bar or the hottest speakeasies!
Best French pastries near the Eiffel Tower
Best baguette: Boulangerie Julien
Trying to impress your better half? Grab them by the hand and guide them towards the best baguette in the arrondissement at Boulangerie Julien, as if you were another knowledgeable local.
Best patisserie: Pralus
For those with a sweet tooth, Pralus is the place to go. Located at the charming rue Cler, Pralus is a go-to for authentic French classics. Treat yourself to their amazing homemade macarons – I recommend getting an assorted box, so you get to try all the different flavors! If you would like to take some home as a gift, make sure to grab them at the end of your trip, as fresh macarons expire just after three days. While you’re there, you must taste their delicious praline brioche. They also have an incredible selection of dark chocolate from different cacao farms across the world.
Our favorite French dessert: Canelés Lemoine
A specialty from Bordeaux, the best way to describe the canelé is a little dome of happiness! Made using French pancake batter with vanilla and a drop of rum, the boutique smells incredible when they’re fresh out of the oven. They might even be warm for you! These are perfect for sharing too.
Best wine and cheese near the Eiffel Tower
For wine lovers: Les Petits Domaines
At the wine shop Les Petits Domaines, you will meet Isabelle. She is passionate about French wine and will be happy to answer all your questions in perfect English. This shop is great if you are looking for organic wine from small wineries in France. Pick a Sancerre or, if the weather’s nice in Paris, a fresh bottle of Champagne! Perfect for a couples picnic in the park under the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars garden.
For cheese addicts: Fromagerie de Grenelle
Let me introduce you to the French cheese shop Fromagerie de Grenelle. The owner, Pascal, is from Corsica, like Napoleon! A little more relaxed than the Emperor, he loves cheese more than anyone I know. He’s proud of his work and very talented too. It’s is the best place to get a piece of delicious truffle Brie cheese. What’s more, you can pair it with the Champagne you bought at Isabelle’s wine shop next door!
Feel like a local in Paris by strolling Rue Cler
Are you and your partner looking for authentic Paris experiences? Make sure to pay a visit to rue Cler, the most charming street in the area, located right by the Eiffel Tower. A quiet pedestrian street, it makes for the perfect place to spot locals on the weekends while on their market runs or sipping on their morning coffee at the terraces. Lined by short buildings, traditional small businesses, and colorful facades, it almost feels like a small French village when you’re there.
If you are in the mood for a drink, mingle with locals on the boats by the Seine river. Young adult Parisians enjoy their summer nights in peniches on the river, often with stunning views over the city. Faust and Flow are popular spots for a drink or find a secret hip Jazz bar!
Last but not least, this guide wouldn’t be complete without adding the most romantic museum and garden in the neighborhood: the Musée Rodin. The museum, built inside the famous artist’s luxurious home, is ideal for a romantic cultural walk. If you’re not into sculpture, here’s a list for off the beaten path museums in Paris.
I hope you enjoyed this list with my mandatory addresses for the perfect romantic trip to Paris. Don’t hesitate to comment below your Paris favorites!
by Maria Pasca