Romantic Paris – What to do and where to do it

Paris is, quite simply, romance.

Every street corner oozes charm; every park bench seats a dreamy-eyed couple – and every restaurant, café and hotel is eager to squeeze as much money as possible from gullible lovers.

So… here are Top 10 Tips for a romantic Paris weekend, sans le tourist traps.

1. A lovely place to start any Paris sojourn is the Rodin Museum, possibly the loveliest garden in the city. Situated on Rue de Varenne, admission is £4 and the museum opens at 9.30am.

2. Why not indulge in a strolling breakfast? The morning market on Rue Mouffetard is the perfect place to sample a variety of delicacies.

3. If you fancy another park, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the most elegant one you could find. Wander along the gravel paths; they’re wide enough to ensure you won’t be disturbed by the other turtle doves!

4. For a superb lunch, Rue de Buci offers a fine selection of restaurants and cafés. Bar du Marché is a particular favourite.

5. Walk off some of your lunch (you’ll want to make room for dinner!) with a stroll along the Seine. Yes, it’s a cliché, but, yes, it’s romantic anyway! A kiss on Pont Neuf as the sun begins to set is to be recommended. And you can watch the Eiffel Tower come alight with sparkles every hour, on the hour.

6. If you want a luxury dinner that’s hard to top, book a private wood-panelled chamber at Lapérouse (51 Quai Grands-Augustins; +33 – 1 43266804). Dinner will set you back £80 a head, plus wine. But it’s worth it.

7. For a less exclusive option, Le Reminet (3 Rue des Grands-Degrés; +33 01 44070424) is cosy and traditional, serving main courses from £14.

8. Enjoy some post-dinner jazz at the newly refurbished Le Bilboquet (13 Rue St-Benoit)

9. A hotel room with a roof terrace provides the ultimate in boho chic. The Hotel de l’Abbaye offers exquisite split-level suites at £280 a night, while the Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon provides stylish double rooms with private patios for sunny breakfasts at £150 a night.

10. Finally, don’t try and fit too much in – you’re there to see each other first and foremost after all!

Some of these tips are taken from Brian Schofield’s article in The Sunday Times Travel supplement.