How to Plan a Dreamy Honeymoon in Paris: Romantic Things to Do + Tips

Dreaming of a honeymoon in Paris, complete with cozy walks along the Seine, romantic views from world-class monuments, and delicious meals served in tiny restaurants?

You’re not alone: it’s hard to imagine a better city for a honeymoon than the City of Love!

Paris has been rightfully tempting lovers from around the globe for centuries, and you absolutely can’t go wrong by starting your marriage off with a honeymoon in Paris.

We’ve visited Paris as a couple many times, starting with our first-ever trip to Europe many years ago, and have never stopped finding it a place of boundless romance.

Our Paris honeymoon guide is designed to lead you to the coziest spots and most romantic places in Paris, as well as ensure that the logistics take up as little effort as possible (after all, you’re busy enough planning a wedding–who wants to worry about a honeymoon as well?).

Here’s how to plan a honeymoon in Paris that will be at least as magical as your wedding day!

selfie of kate storm and jeremy storm after climb the arc de triomphe paris with eiffel tower in the background
Arc de Triomphe views on a romantic getaway in Paris!

Romantic Things to Do in Paris

Watch the sunset (or the sunrise) at the Eiffel Tower.

The Trocadero Gardens, with their impressive view of the Eiffel Tower, are the first stop for many lovers on their trip to Paris, for very good reason.

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Sunset lovers will get to see the tower twinkle once the lights go down, and early birds willing to rise with the sun will get to enjoy the romantic setting of having the view (almost) all to themselves.

We will never forget walking hand-in-hand along the terrace at the Trocadero Gardens the first night we saw the Eiffel Tower sparkle: there’s nothing that says “hello, you’re in Paris” quite like that!

Paris in August: Eiffel Tower

Take in amazing views over Paris.

A honeymoon in Paris can’t be considered complete without exchanging a smooch while visiting at least one of Paris’ most iconic viewpoints!

Our personal favorite views of Paris are from the top of Notre Dame (having the gargoyles in the foreground is spectacular), the roof of the Arc de Triomphe, and from the top of Sacre-Coeur (especially at sunset).

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The Montparnasse Tower also has incredible views, which are certainly improved by the fact that the tower itself isn’t part of the view. One of my friends even had her wedding photos taken there!

Other popular viewpoints over Paris include the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette (which is free to visit!), the view from Centre Pompidou (Paris’ modern art museum), and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Many visits to Paris later, though, we still haven’t been up the Eiffel Tower: we enjoy having a view of it in the panorama too much!

3 Days in Paris Itinerary: View from Notre Dame

Stroll along the banks of the Seine.

Peruse les bouquinistes (the pop-up bookshops). Admire the river. Cross the stunning Alexander III Bridge. Check out views of Île de la Cité from across the river. Go find the Louvre. Stroll around Île Saint-Louis, Paris’ less-famous island located right next door to Île de la Cité.

A walk along the Seine is an endlessly entertaining and will always be one of the most romantic things to do in Paris, so be sure to make room for at least one stroll on your Paris honeymoon!

If you’re looking for a good place to start, the walk from the Louvre to Notre Dame takes less than half an hour, is lovely, and hugs the Seine most of the way.

Second Trip to Paris: Books on Banks of the Seine

… and enjoy views from the water with a romantic Seine river cruise.

To be perfectly honest, it took us many trips to Paris before we signed up for this Seine river cruise… and after taking it, we can’t believe that we waited so long!

Yes, they’re a bit touristy, but there’s nothing quite like admiring Paris and its many gorgeous monuments from the water. Add in the company of your partner and the possibility of a sunset, and the view is even better.

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We absolutely loved it and fully expect to cruise the Seine several more times in the future!

Want to turn up the romance a bit more?

You can even sign up for a full dinner cruise, complete with live music, if a standard one-hour cruise doesn’t sound like quite enough time on the Seine (or you just want a bit more elbow-room).

Sign up for a sightseeing Seine river cruise or a romantic dinner cruise with music today!

kate storm and jeremy storm on a seine river cruise in paris in november

Admire some beautiful houses of worship.

Paris is home to some absolutely stunning churches, so be sure to visit a few during your honeymoon in Paris!

Notre Dame is, of course, the most popular, with Sainte-Chapelle coming in a close second (and as it’s one of my absolute favorite churches in the world, I highly recommend visiting).

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Sacre-Coeur is also lovely, dominating the hill of Montmartre, and has a beautiful interior.

For fans of the movie Midnight in Paris, you can find St. Etienne du Mont, the church where Owen Wilson got picked up for his time-traveling escapades, in the 5th arrondissement.

Don’t miss the beautiful Grand Mosque of Paris (complete with a tea room and hamman), either!

A few other churches that we’ve enjoyed in particular include the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, and the Church of Saint Sulpice (famous, convenient, yet never crowded).

Stained Glass of Sainte-Chapelle with rear window of stained glass in the center--this chapel belongs on any Paris itinerary, and you should definitely visit during your Paris weekend trip!

Spend a day escaping to Versailles.

As one of the most opulent and famous palaces in the world–not to mention the location of plenty of sordid betrayals and gritty revolutionary acts–it’s no surprise that Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris.

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But Versailles isn’t just a house museum, it’s a bit of a historical playground!

On your Paris honeymoon, consider rowing a boat together in the Grand Canal, getting lost in the maze of the gardens, or relaxing for an afternoon at the (comparatively) quiet retreat of the Queen’s Hamlet.

Visiting Versailles from Paris: kate storm Near Petit Trianon

The quiet and (comparatively) smaller palaces of Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon are worth a look, too.

And, of course, don’t forget to keep hassle at a minimum and romance at a maximum by pre-booking your timed-entry tickets before you go!

Book your visit to Versailles today!

Planning a Paris honeymoon a budget?

This more affordable ticket includes only the palace itself and limited access to the gardens (depending on the date), as opposed to the whole complex, and can be great option for some visitors.

Visiting Versailles: Hall of Mirrors

… or visit a lesser-known French palace.

Versailles is stunning and iconic–both for historical and aesthetic reasons–but it’s far from the only château near Paris that’s worth a visit!

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Options like Château de Chantilly, Château de Fontainebleau, and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (which actually inspired the construction of Versailles) are also phenomenal.

A bit further away in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau are two other amazing options.

And, of course, palaces aren’t the only incredible day trip options from Paris! Here are 17 of the best day trips from Paris, ranging from the iconic to the more obscure.

Exterior of Chateau de Chantilly as seen from across the pond, one of the best paris day trips

Spend an afternoon baking French pastries together.

French pastries are an absolute delight–and what better way to add a little teamwork to your Paris honeymoon than learning to bake, say, France’s famously finicky macarons together?

We adored our time learning to bake macarons with Le Foodist (and the all-out macaron binge that we had for the following several days with the leftovers).

For couples with less of a sweet tooth, learning to bake croissants is also a delightful option.

Book your macaron baking class or croissant baking class in Paris today!

Paris Honeymoon: Baking Macarons in Paris with Le Foodist

Walk hand-in-hand through some of the world’s most impressive art museums.

While the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are absolutely magnificent and worth visiting, for an art-loving couple on a Paris honeymoon, they’re just the beginning.

If you and your beloved happen to be art buffs, consider also exploring the Musée de l’Orangerie, which is one of my favorite museums in Paris. It’s home to lots of Renoir and Matisse, as well as Monet’s Water Lilies and countless other incredible works.

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The Cluny Museum, focused on medieval art, is also fantastic and generally uncrowded.

Other incredible options include the Musée Rodin (sculpture), Petit Palais (a large, varied collection that is free to visit), the Picasso Museum, and Centre Pompidou (modern art).

Shop Paris museum tickets today!

Interior of Musee d'Orsay--if you love impressionist art, definitely add this place to your Paris travel budget!

Enjoy a multi-course Parisian meal.

From the most exquisite Michelin Star meals to more affordable Parisian favorites like Bouillon Chartier in the 9th, Paris is bursting with exquisite food.

At least once on your honeymoon in Paris, be sure to settle in for a multi-hour, multi-course meal that will leave you infatuated with French food, French wine, and, as always, your new spouse.

Options can be found for just about any budget, but if you have your heart set on splurging on an upscale Michelin experience, be sure to schedule reservations far in advance and to pack clothes appropriate for the venue!

le progres cafe in montmartre at night

Have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens.

There are a thousand beautiful places in Paris for a picnic–but the Luxembourg Gardens, with their gorgeous palace, beautiful fountains, and lovely spots to pull up a patch of grass on the southern lawn (where picnicking is allowed) are one of our favorites.

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Duck into several specialty shops along Rue des Martyrs, browse the food market at Rue Cler, or simply duck into a grocery store for some basic French picnic supplies.

Think cured meats, several French cheeses, a baguette, some olives, fruit, and of course a pastry or two for dessert, and you can have the perfect picnic on your Paris honeymoon.

Bear in mind that bringing your own alcohol to the Jardin du Luxembourg is forbidden, however, many locals will ignore this rule and be discreet–if you choose to bring along some wine, proceed at your own risk.

Honeymoon in Paris: Luxembourg Gardens

Get lost in Paris’ many beautiful neighborhoods.

Wandering through Paris’ beautiful and idyllic neighborhoods and watching the atmosphere and architecture change as you move between them will always be one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.

If you’re hoping to stroll a bit aimlessly through a beautiful part of Paris on your honeymoon, the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, Île de la Cité, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre are all gorgeous places to start that feel distinctly different from each other.

kate storm in a red dress on rue de l'abreuvoir, one of the best places to visit in montmartre paris

Let out your inner child at Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris isn’t just for kids–and indulging your inner child can definitely be a fun addition to the celebration of your new marriage!

If you and your partner are theme park fans and want to spend a day indulging in a very different kind of tourist experience, visiting Disneyland Paris (AKA Euro Disney) is a great option.

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Enjoy the nostalgia of the incredibly well-themed rides, check out the (ridiculously impressive) dragon under the castle, watch the fireworks show, indulge in some sugary snacks, snap selfies in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and let your most free-spirited selves out to play!

If you’re familiar with Walt Disney World in Orlando, you can expect Disneyland Paris to feel like visiting the Magic Kingdom and MGM Studios (it’s a copy + paste in many spots, though with a distinct and incredible castle).

Shop Disneyland Paris tickets today!

kate storm and jeremy storm posing with the pink sleeping beauty castle at disneyland paris

Discover a Parisian neighborhood through a food tour.

Paris’ neighborhoods are a large part of its magic, and each one has a distinct flavor–sometimes literally!

Dive deep into a neighborhood of your choice–popular options include Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Montmartre–through one of the best and most endlessly entertaining ways to explore a culture: food.

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We absolutely loved our experience in Le Marais on the Paris Ultimate Food Tour with Devour Tours, who run some of our favorite food tours in Europe.

Award-winning pastries and macarons, delectable meats and cheeses, a memorable soup, and much more were featured on our delicious (and extremely filling) food tour.

We have no doubt that we’d be enamored with their Montmartre Like a Local and Latin Quarter Food + Wine Tour as well!

Book the Paris food tour we loved today!

interior of cured meat shop in le marais paris
We stopped in so many small shops, bakeries, and restaurants as part of this tour!

Indulge in a wine tasting.

Sipping delicious French wines while learning the ins and outs of what makes them special with a sommelier is an excellent way to spend part of your honeymoon in Paris–and you might find that it gives you new knowledge about ordering wine in restaurants, too.

This wine and cheese class is a popular option in the city–or if you’re a champagne fan, consider booking a full day trip through the region!

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Find a wine you like?

Consider bringing some home to enjoy on your first anniversary!

Book your French wine and cheese class with a sommelier today!

Want to make a day of it? This day trip to the champagne region makes for a memorable day!

vineyards in the champagne countryside near reims france, one of the best paris day tour ideas

Duck inside cozy bookstores.

Paris is full of beautiful bookstores, so if you and your new spouse are bookworms, be sure to hit up at least a few for browsing and perhaps some Parisian souvenir shopping.

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By far the most popular English-language bookstore in Paris is Shakespeare & Company, where the cashiers will stamp every book you purchase with a souvenir stamp.

The store itself is also gorgeous: be sure to climb to the top floor for a beautiful view of Notre Dame through the window and to say hi to the resident cat!

If you’re looking for another English bookshop option, the nearby Abbey Bookshop is also beautiful and worth a look, as are Smith and Son and San Francisco Book Company.

Honeymoon in Paris: Abbey Bookshop

Revel in the opulence of the Palais Garnier.

Sure, the famous Phantom of the Opera story is definitely not a version of romance that you want to emulate in your marriage–but the Palais Garnier still brings to mind romantic grandeur!

If your Paris honeymoon falls during the right time of year, consider taking in a show–but either way, be sure to tour the building, complete with its magnificent Hall of Mirrors that is reminiscent of the one at Versailles.

Get tickets to visit the Palais Garnier today!

Honeymoon in Paris: Palais Garnier

Ride a carousel.

We’re big fans of letting our inner kids out to play, and where better to do that than on a carousel in front of the Eiffel Tower?

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There are several beautiful carousels in Paris, but the one in the Trocadero Gardens with the Iron Lady in the background is definitely among the most popular.

It’s the perfect spot for a colorful selfie on your honeymoon in Paris!

Looking for another option with an incredible setting? The Saint-Pierre Carousel at the base of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre is hard to beat.

Kate Storm in a red dress standing with a caroseul and Sacre Coeur in the background--this is one of the most instagrammable places in Paris!

Where to Stay (Romantic Paris Honeymoon Hotels)

When it comes to booking a romantic honeymoon hotel in Paris, the rule is simple: anything (within reason) can be romantic, because you’re in Paris!

That being said, at the top end of luxury you’ll find options like the Four Seasons Hotel George V and Hôtel Plaza Athénée, which in this day and age, you’ve probably seen the inside of more than once via social media!

And while those options (and others like them), are luxurious, you certainly don’t need to shell out quite that much to have a fantastic honeymoon in Paris.

kate storm and ranger storm standing on the banks of the seine with eiffel tower in the background

Assuming you’re looking for a lovely but less spendy honeymoon hotel in Paris, we love and highly recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement) or the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) to travelers visiting Paris for the first time.

Paris is famously divided into 20 arrondissements, or neighborhoods, that are named via a number system that starts with 1 in the center of the city (where you’ll find the Louvre) and circles outward like the shell of a snail. The 5th and 6th are gorgeous, convenient, and classic, making them excellent options for a romantic Paris getaway.

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In these areas, you’ll be within walking distance of attractions like Île de la Cité (home of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle), the Seine, the Luxembourg Garden, the Louvre, and many more.

Here are a few hotels we’ve personally stayed in and loved in the 5th and 6th during couples trips to Paris, arranged more or less from most budget-friendly to most luxurious (though if it’s Parisian charm you’re after, this one is the clear winner).

view of il de la cite from pont des arts during summer in paris planning a trip

Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain (Centrally Located & Cozy)

We love this cute boutique hotel in Paris, mostly because of its truly unbeatable location less than a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame and therefore an easy walk away from many of the attractions of Île de la Cité (and a metro stop, of course).

Despite the super central location, the streets outside were still quiet at night, a huge benefit, and the views during the day were lovely.

The customer service was excellent, the bed cozy, and the room, while still very small by global standards, was a bit roomy compared to what we’ve gotten used to in Paris.

We’d be happy to stay again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain!

Photo of a Parisian Street looking out a window at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain with red flowers in the foreground--this is a great pick if you're looking for somewhere to spend your weekend in Paris!
View from our window at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain.

Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris (Classic Parisian Charm)

Located on a quiet street less than a block from the Seine and Île de la Cité, Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris offers all the advantages of a central location while maintaining its peace and quiet.

… and it does all that while still managing to have one of the most charming interiors we’ve experienced in a Paris hotel!

The ceilings, wallpaper, and overall decor never let you forget that you’re in the City of Light, and we loved every second.

The breakfast is also delicious, served at the table, and includes a generous selection of pastries as well as fruit, cheese, orange juice, coffee, and tea.

Check rates & book your stay at Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris!

interior of paris hotel room in st germain, one of the best places to stay during your first time in paris france

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris (Modern Amenities + Kitchens on the Seine)

Located right on the Seine in one of the most convenient locations in Paris, the crisp and modern Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris offers ease at every turn.

And that includes the fact that studios and apartments here include kitchens or kitchenettes!

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from sightseeing in Paris, a chance to enjoy an occasional dinner of cheese and baguette you picked up at the market, and a bit more elbow room than is traditional in the City of Light, this is the place for you.

We loved our stay here–and, thanks to the hotel being pet-friendly, so did Ranger.

Check rates & book your stay at Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris!

Paris in One Day: Conciergerie

Tips for Taking the Perfect Paris Honeymoon

Please, don’t leave a lock anywhere.

Several years ago, love locks were all the rage across Europe–but nowhere more so than Paris.

Though the trend has died down, you can still find love locks in virtually every European city, most of them unwanted and uninvited.

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While the sentiment is nice and all, there’s nothing romantic about vandalizing a bridge or tossing unnecessary metal into a river, and there are far better ways to express your devotion to each other (like the marriage ceremony that you just had!).

The original love lock bridge, Pont des Arts, and some others like the Pont de l’Archevêché, have actually been fitted with anti-love lock plastic guards to keep the lovers at bay these days–which sadly still isn’t enough to stop some of the most determined visitors.

view of the seine river near il de la cite with a boat passing by, a romantic view to seek out when looking for the most romantic things to do in paris france

Learn a bit of French before you go.

Parisians have a reputation for being rude and abrupt that is frankly undeserved–what some interpret as rudeness is better described as a reserved and formal culture with strangers.

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Honestly, once you get used to it, it can be quite refreshing for introverts like us!

Any concerns about rudeness can be lessened significantly by learning a bit of French before heading off on your honeymoon in Paris–even so much as a “Bonjour, parlez vous anglais?” (“Hello, do you speak English?”) can help get you off on the right foot.

Most people working in tourism, such as hotel receptionists and waiters, will speak at least a little English–and the more polite you are, the more likely they will be to use it with you!

Kate Storm in a gray dress standing in Rue de l'Universite in Paris with the Eiffel Tower behind her

Follow basic courtesies in a boutique.

Formal manners in Paris continue into boutiques!

In small shops, it’s customary to greet the shopkeeper when you arrive and leave (“Bonjour” / “Merci, au revoir”), and to request to touch or try on any items instead of simply reaching for them.

Galerie Vero-Dodat--come to secret passages like this when exploring Paris off the beaten path!

Waiting in line isn’t romantic: book tickets ahead of time where you can.

The lines for major tourist attractions in Paris can get incredibly long, so we recommend booking tickets ahead of time instead!

It often doesn’t cost a penny more, and will make your Paris honeymoon go much smoother. It’s also increasingly expected or even required, especially for the most crowded attractions (and this is the case in much of Europe these days, not just Paris).

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At the very least, we highly recommend booking tickets or a tour in advance for the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, the catacombs, and the Eiffel Tower if you choose to go up it.

Personally, I’d recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time for Sainte-Chapelle (my personal favorite church in Paris) and the Palais Garnier as well. As of the time of writing, there’s no extra charge, and it makes things that much simpler when you arrive.

Paris Honeymoon: View of Paris
View of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe!

Run the numbers before buying the Paris Pass.

On our first trip to Paris, we bought The Paris Pass… and then promptly didn’t use it enough to get our money’s worth out of it.

Unless you are planning to spend a large portion of your honeymoon in Paris in museums and hope to take advantage of the other benefits like a Hop On/Hop Off bus tour, the Paris Pass likely won’t be worth the money.

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If you’re considering buying the Paris Pass, add up all the included attractions that you’re sure you want to visit before purchasing to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Also keep in mind that some included attractions still require you to book a timed-entry slot before arriving, so don’t forget to do so if needed!

Check inclusions + prices for The Paris Pass today!

Kate Storm in a black tank stop standing in front of the clock in Musee d'Orsay, an excellent part of any 3 days in Paris France!

Hop On/Hop Off tours often aren’t needed in Paris–opt for the metro instead.

There are some cities that are so sprawling that a Hop On/Hop Off bus tour can make sense for a surprising number of travelers, but Paris isn’t one of them.

Paris’ traffic is notoriously terrible and its metro system is one of the densest and most efficient in the world.

If you don’t have mobility concerns, you’ll save time, money, and headache by skipping the tour bus on your Paris honeymoon and opting to use the metro instead!

One Day in Paris: Metro Sign

Don’t overschedule–be sure to leave plenty of time to wander.

As tempting as it is to make a list of dozens of things to do on your honeymoon in Paris, be sure that you leave some time unscheduled!

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Honeymoons are all about relaxing, unwinding, decompressing from the stress of wedding planning, and adjusting to being a newlywed–and in my opinion, both honeymoons and Paris are better when you have the chance to slow down and breathe a bit.

Whether you want to pick a cozy cafe and spend an afternoon people-watching or wander through a random neighborhood and see what you come across, be sure to leave at least a little time unaccounted for during your honeymoon in Paris.

Paris in August: Empty Street Il de la Cite

Accept that you won’t see everything.

Paris, more than most cities, takes a lifetime to conquer.

There’s no such thing as seeing all of Paris on one trip, and your honeymoon in Paris will be much more relaxing if you accept that from the beginning.

Prioritize your wish list, make sure you each get to see your top 3-4 highlights and then go from there.

If you’re lucky, your Paris honeymoon will only be the start–there’s always possible anniversary trips ahead in the future!

Paris in August: Grand Palais

Check closure days for must-see museums.

Several famous Paris museums are closed on one day of the week, so make note of that day for any spots that you wish to visit during your Paris honeymoon.

For example, the Musee d’Orsay and Versailles are closed on Mondays, and the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

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Don’t set off for the day without an umbrella.

In Paris, it’s best to think of the rain as a “when” rather than an “if”.

This travel umbrella folds up neatly to fit in your bag and is perfect for bringing along to Paris!

We’ve owned it for years and it continues to hold up great.

Paris in winter: view from Notre Dame

If you want romantic Paris honeymoon photos, wake up early!

Are you imagining dreamy photos of you and your beloved in front of the Eiffel Tower, on the popular streets in Montmartre, or in front of the Louvre’s pyramid without another soul in sight?

If so… head out at dawn.

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This goes double for a Paris honeymoon taking place in the crowded summer months.

Photos without the crowds can be hard to come by, but as always, your best bet for getting them is beating everyone else out of bed in the morning.

Alternatively (or in addition), considering booking a photography session with Flytographer to ensure you get some excellent non-selfie photos together on your honeymoon.

Shop photography sessions in Paris today!

Kate Storm in a red dress in front of la consulat cafe, one of the best things to do in montmartre paris

The Louvre is more romantic at night.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre is open until 9:00 at night… and it’s our favorite time to go.

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The crowds are a bit lighter, especially as the evening wears on. The rooms seem bigger and more mysterious. You can catch glimpses of the brightly lit Louvre pyramid and the glittering Eiffel Tower through the windows.

And even though the museum is properly open, in some rooms, it can still feel like you and your partner are wandering alone, hand-in-hand, through a closed museum that you have all to yourselves.

It’s romantic, delightful, and far better than visiting during the day.

Paris Honeymoon Guide: The Louvre Pyramid at Night

Keep an eye out for common Paris scams.

As one of the most visited cities in the world, it’s no surprise that Paris is home to plenty of scams… and as the most romantic city in the world, it’s no surprise that many of them target couples.

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Some examples include the flower scam, where a man will shove a rose into a woman’s hands, and then forcefully demand that her partner pay for it, and the gold ring scam, where someone will “find” a ring, present a woman traveling with a partner “for free” and then demand money (and possibly pick your pockets) after the fact.

Other common scams include the friendship bracelet (don’t let anyone tie anything on your wrist!), and the “activists” who try to get you to sign a petition so they can pick your pocket.

These scams don’t have to be intimidating–basically, refuse all offers and don’t be afraid to get loud–but be sure to keep your wits about you and keep an eye on your pockets in crowds.

Paris Honeymoon: Market under the Eiffel Tower

Buy travel insurance.

Don’t spend your honeymoon in Paris worrying about the potential for accidents, delayed flights, or lost luggage!

Travel insurance is one of those things that can seem like a waste of money until you need it, and then suddenly it’s worth all you paid and more.

Get a quote to insure your Paris honeymoon today!

3 Days in Paris Itinerary: Cafe

The Best Season for a Honeymoon in Paris

Every season brings a reason to visit Paris, so assuming you are hoping to stick to tradition and head off on your honeymoon in Paris shortly after the wedding, you’ll definitely be able to!

Honestly, we’ve spent time in Paris during most months of the year and think most of the romantic things to do in Paris can be enjoyed in any season.

Here are a couple pros and cons of each season in Paris!

kate storm and jeremy storm taking a selfie in front of wall of love montmartre paris
The “I love you” wall in Montmartre is a romantic place to visit in Paris year-round! We snapped this photo on a November visit.

Spring

Spring in Paris brings blooming flowers, perfect picnic weather, and delightful energy in the city as it sheds the last of its gray winter weather.

Bear in mind that spring in Paris can come a bit later than in some spots–March can still be quite chilly–but it can be a lovely time to visit all the same.

Honeymoon in Paris: Flowers in front of Shakespeare and Company

Summer

Summer in Paris brings high temperatures and lots of sunshine (well–by Paris standards anyway) and can be a fantastic time to experience the city.

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This is especially true if you’re hoping to spend a lot of time outside, as you’ll have your best chance of the year to enjoy sunshine.

The downside? Crowds at tourist attractions, and heat that can be oppressive when you combine limited air-conditioning with an unlucky heat wave.

On the flip side, residential neighborhoods will be extra peaceful, as many locals will be on vacation, especially if you’re visiting Paris in August.

Kate Storm in the blooming Luxembourgh Gardens in August, one of the best places to take photos in Paris

Fall

Fall foliage, reduced crowds and prices as compared to the summer, and crisp fall air–what’s not to love about fall? It just may be our favorite season to visit in Paris.

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While you’ll likely see less sunshine than in the summer, fall in Paris is an absolute delight, and you can’t go wrong with an autumn honeymoon in Paris.

Foliage tends to peak in the city in October, but we’ve had decent luck catching late foliage in November, too. (We think November may be one of the most underrated months to visit Paris).

view of arc de triomphe in the distance as seen from a side street with fall foliage in the foreground
November 19.

Winter

Winter is the cheapest and least popular time to visit Paris (especially outside of Christmas market season), but in our opinion, it also happens to be one of the most romantic.

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Paris’ museums and cafe culture are perfect for chilly winter days, gray skies are bearable (after all, it’s unlikely that any trip to Paris will avoid gray skies entirely), and there’s nothing more romantic than bundling up in a warm coat and exploring the neighborhoods of Paris hand-in-hand.

And, for the sunset lovers among us, early sunsets mean that it’s easier to catch a beautiful view at a monument before dinner and then set off for a romantic evening.

We’ve been to Paris in winter multiple times and love it, so if you have your heart set on a Paris honeymoon and have a winter wedding planned, don’t despair! It can definitely be done.

2019 galeries lafayette christmas tree, one of the best things to do in paris in winter

How Long to Honeymoon in Paris

When planning a honeymoon in Paris, one of the first decisions you’ll likely make (especially if you’re hopping across an ocean to reach the city) is whether or not to focus exclusively on Paris or to broaden your horizons to other destinations in France and/or across Europe).

For a leisurely honeymoon focused exclusively on Paris (and a day trip or 2), we would recommend spending about a week in the city.

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We’ve spent a full week in Paris on two separate visits, and they were among our favorite times in the city!

Fast-paced travelers who are hoping to incorporate their time in Paris into a longer European honeymoon can get by with as little as 3 days, but it won’t necessarily be very relaxing! Here’s how we recommend making the most of 3 days in Paris.

However, with a plethora of high-speed trains and airlines using Paris as a hub, much of Europe is at your fingertips when in Paris.

It’s one of the best connected cities on the continent, and we couldn’t fault you for wanting to go further afield! Here’s how to plan a 2 week trip to Europe.

Honeymoon in Paris: Eiffel Tower

What to Pack for Your Paris Honeymoon

Travel Insurance — I know I already mentioned it above, but seriously: travel insurance is a very small investment as compared to the cost of a honeymoon in Paris, and it’s worth the peace of mind!

Travel Adapters for Paris — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll likely need to pick up travel adapters for Paris. Don’t risk getting to your hotel room and not being able to charge anything!

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Pacsafe — Honeymoons are all about indulging in fun and forgetting your worries, so make that a bit easier on yourselves and pick up a Pacsafe before you go.

This portable travel safe is incredibly easy to use: simply put your valuables inside it, lock the safe to the most secure thing in your hotel room (usually a pipe or the base of a toilet), and rest easy knowing your things are safe.

Our Pacsafe travels the world with us and we’ve always been so glad to have it along.

paris sunset as seen from top of sacre coeur with eiffel tower in center
Sunset from the top of Sacre-Coeur.

Travel Journal — Take it from someone whose honeymoon is blur more than 12 years later: you’re going to want to remember this.

Take a few minutes each day to journal about your honeymoon in Paris–those memories are so, so precious.

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If you don’t think you’ll commit to writing long prose, I recommend the One Line a Day Journal, which is what I use now. The journal is set up so you can easily look back over a five-year period, and your only commitment is one sentence a day–how easy is that?

I’m a more than 8 years into mine now (second volume!) and desperately wish I had started it when we first got married.

kate storm and ranger storm standing in front of odette paris cafe, a fun stop when traveling to paris for the first time

Portable Phone Charger — Hope to keep your phone charged through long days of sightseeing, photo-taking, and looking up directions? Throw a portable USB charger into your day bag!

Umbrella — As I mentioned earlier in this post: it’s better to think of rain as a when rather than an if when traveling in Paris.

An umbrella is a must-have for your Paris honeymoon, and we love ours.

kate storm with a pink umbrella in front of the opera house in paris in the rain

Swiss Army Knife — Want to slice some bread or cheese, or even open a wine bottle for your picnic in Paris? Having a Swiss Army Knife will make that so much easier!

Just remember to put it in your checked luggage–airport security doesn’t tend to take kindly to people bringing knives on planes.

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Extra Luggage Space — If there’s ever a trip you’re going to want to come home with souvenirs from, it’s your honeymoon in Paris!

I recommend picking up at least one thing to wear, one thing to go in your shared home together, and one thing to eat (and if it’s preservable, like wine, you might even want to save it for your first anniversary).

If it’s your style, Paris is also, of course, the ultimate lingerie shopping destination–and it’s hard to think of a more appropriate honeymoon souvenir than that!

If you’re concerned about transporting souvenirs home safely, many places in Paris will be willing to ship things home for you–for a fee, of course.

Librairie Jousseaume in Galerie Vivienne in Paris, one of the most beautiful bookstores in europe

Basic Medication — On our first trip to Paris, I got sick and had the unfortunate challenge of trying to get a specific medication from the pharmacy–with a high fever and without speaking much French.

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It was doable, but not fun. Ever since, we try to carry basic medications with us on the road, and our lives are much easier for it!

Hopefully you won’t need them–but you can get a little extra peace of mind on your honeymoon in Paris by throwing basics in your luggage before you go.

4 photos of paris france including sacre-coeur, notre dame, carousel, and the eiffel tower. pink and white text reads "how to plan the perfect paris honeymoon"
About Kate Storm
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0 thoughts on “How to Plan a Dreamy Honeymoon in Paris: Romantic Things to Do + Tips”

  1. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post about Paris honeymoon packages. I’m actually planning my own honeymoon to Paris right now, and thanks for sharing this useful information

    Reply