City guide: Paris for lovers

Published on Sunday 23 May 2010 11:55

Sinatra loved Paris in all seasons "because my love is here," but Ol' Blue Eyes would have agreed there's nothing more romantic than Paris in springtime. The trees hung with the last of the blossom, the museums and shops with longer opening hours and the city awakening from winter slumber.

Where better to spend a weekend break with your significant other than in the parks and cafes of gay Paris? And getting there has never been easier, with the Eurostar journey just two hours and 30 minutes from London St Pancras, or you can risk the Icelandic ash and potential strikes and fly from Edinburgh to Charles De Gaulle Airport, a mere two-hour flight.

For a romantic getaway, it's the ultimate destination. And with any luck, you'll get stuck there indefinitely thanks to the volcano effect which would be a good thing for your love life, because according to Frank, who knew a thing or two about affairs of the heart, "in the summer, it sizzles...".

Best treats to keep your lover sweet

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach and it works with women too, so why not take your sweetheart to Berthillon, 31 Rue St Louis en I'lle ([phone], www.berthillon-glacier.fr) open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-8pm. Berthillon claims to have Paris's best ice-cream, with mouthwatering flavours ranging from marrons glacs (candied chestnuts) to nougat au miel (honey nougat). Queues are likely to be long, but it's worth the wait. Ladure (www.laduree.fr) on 16 Rue Royale, for their famous macaroons, is slightly more pricey but with a boutique feel, if your lover is a slave to style.

Most romantic spot

Until last week, this was the Pont des Arts in the shadow of Notre Dame, where for years love-struck couples have been fastening padlocks engraved with their initials to the railings, then tossing the keys into the Seine River below to symbolise their eternal love. Now the city of love's municipal authorities have lost that loving feeling and removed them in a bid to preserve the 19th-century bridge's structure. But love will always find a way and a few shiny new locks have started to appear – it's time to go and add one of your own.

Most romantic walk

Scaling the Eiffel Tower is always popular but the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame have fantastic views too. However, if heavy panting might deter your paramour, why not choose one of Paris's multitude of parks for a gentle stroll? Park de Monceau is worth a look for the sculpture, beautiful foliage and shrubbery, while more centrally located are the formal Jardin des Tuileries near the Louvre and Place de la Concorde and the Luxembourg off Boulevard St-Michel. A short train ride away is the Chteau de Versailles, where a bottle of wine, a baguette and your beloved are all you need for the day.

Most romantic cafe...

After a long lie in, drag yourselves out of bed for coffee and pastries. Try Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil ([phone], www.stohrer.fr), a little patisserie producing ice cream, cakes and savoury delicacies. Among the highlights are a rum-soaked brioche and a cream-filled caramel pastry. La Charlotte en I'lle, Rue St Louis en I'lle is open 2-8pm, Thursday-Sunday, and is a fairytale Parisian tearoom located near the Librarie Ulysse. Go for Turkish coffee and a freshly baked pastry to keep your strength up.

Best place for a French Kiss

On a bridge overlooking the River Seine. It's a classic cinematic moment and there are plenty of bridges to choose from. Just get yourselves to the centre of the nearest one and start smooching. Or try one of the pavement cafes in the Champs Elysees – no one minds, you're in Paris!

Best attraction for culture lovers

For the ultimate cultural experience visit the Louvre; not only is it architecturally stunning, it also houses exhibitions. Muse du Louvre, Mo Palais-Royal ([phone], www.louvre.fr) Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun 9am-6pm, Wed, Fri 9am-10pm, closed Tuesday. It also offers free admission the first Sunday of every month – worth it as a day ticket costs E9.50.

Best beds

Head for Mama Shelter, (109 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris, France, 01 43 48 48 48, www.mamashelter.com) which our tester informed us has the comfiest beds in Europe. If you're on a budget, The Britannique (20, Avenue Victoria, 75001 Paris, France, ([phone]) www.hotel-britannique.fr) is a charming three-star hotel located in the heart of the city's historic centre, and within easy walking distance of all of the sights.

&#149 This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday on 23 May.