Paris and romance, they go together like champagne and oysters, café and croissants, jambon and beurre,…
which is why loved up couples make a pilgrimage to the French capital every year on Valentine's Day. But why exactly is Paris the "city of love" and does it really deserve the title?
Aside from the beauty, food and people, historically, France was the center of ideas, art, poetry and revolutionary politics in the Western world. And the Left Bank “intellectuals quarter” retains a sense of romanticism for couples.
You just got to come and experience the City of Romance for yourself!
About Paris
Paris, city and capital of France, is situated in the north-central part of the country.
Climate
The climate in Paris is temperate and is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean: it is cold but not freezing in winter, and pleasantly warm in summer; however, it receives some continental influences, so it can sometimes be very cold in winter and hot in summer. The best time to visit Paris is from mid-May to mid-September; in particular from mid-May to late June, when the days are long, nature is in bloom and there is a low risk of excessive heat.
Language
The official language of the country is French. But in the parts of the city that see the most tourists, people will understand and talk to you in English. Regional languages are also spoken like dialects of German and Celtic languages.
Currency
Planning to pay with a combination of cash, credit or debit cards, and traveler's checks can be the best strategy when visiting the French capital. Here's why: ATM machines are not always readily available in some places in and around Paris, so relying solely on cash may lead to trouble.
Culture
Paris is the center of art, fashion, food and architecture. As one of the world’s leading cultural centers, it is home to many cultural icons like museums and monuments. French people love music and the opera and Paris has some of the largest opera houses in the country. When it comes to fashion, Paris is the home of haute couture and the starting point of all trends. The French are really proud of their food and Paris’ food represents many regions and cultures. The festivals celebrated in Paris are Bastille Day, Parc de la Villette (the open-air cinema event), Bois de Boulogne that features outdoor theatre performances, film and music festivals, etc.
French Wine
So why is French wine just so good? One of the factors may be the winemakers' skills, inherited from centuries-old tradition. Another important aspect is the terroir which means a set of natural factors, in the case of France, the terroir makes the country's regions excellent for wine production as to produce the best in the world. The climate is also a big influence.
Whether you are a fan of wine or not, you definitely have to try out the French wine!
*Be sure to ask Jeanine about the French vineyard she would recommend to visit while on your romantic trip to Paris!
Interested in learning more about Paris and planning your romantic getaway? Check out our Destination Guide and Sample Itinerary.
Paris
Paris