Close

Join Our World... Sign up for our exclusive newsletter

Join Our World... Sign up for our exclusive newsletter
Close

Be inspired every day with Living North

Subscribe today and get every issue delivered direct to your door
Subscribe Now
Be inspired every day with Living North
Why You Should Make Paris Your Next City Break
Partnership
Travel
January 2025
Reading time 2 Minutes

Known as the most romantic city in the world, there are so many reasons why you'll love Paris

There are six flights a week from Newcastle to Paris with easyJet this summer. The top destination for lovers everywhere, everything about Paris exudes romance.

It's so easy to pass the time just people-watching accompanied by a fresh basket of French bread slathered in salted butter and a glass of red wine at one of the city's many corner bistros, or idly wandering the streets, marvelling at the Gothic architecture and iconic landmarks that seem ever-so-easy to stumble upon by chance. But for those who require a little more inspiration, shopping is a must when in Paris.

Although it’s touristy, a jaunt down the Champs-Élysées to reach the impressive Arc de Triomphe instantly gives you a glimpse of the the designer luxury that the city is so famous for. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is also worth a visit, both for the high-end wares on sale and the fabulous Art Nouveau architecture. Head up to the eighth-floor terrace for panoramic views over the city; from there, you can see many of its major monuments and should stay for the spectacular sunset later on. Of the landmarks, Notre-Dame is unmissable, having recently re-opened to the public following a hefty restoration to repair damage caused by the devastating fire five years ago. Whilst in the area, why not visit the historic Shakespeare and Company bookstore and pick out a book for each other as a thoughtful souvenir?

To explore Paris’ most romantic neighbourhood, head up into Montmartre. The neighbourhood of quaintly winding streets and candy-coloured buildings is crowned by the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the dome of which can be reached by climbing 300 steps – and we promise the views are worth it. Don’t miss the Wall of Love, an art installation in Jehan Rictus Garden Square with the words ‘I love you’ etched into the tiles in 250 languages. The Montmartre Museum is a peaceful haven of greenery where Renoir painted several of his famous works, and is home to a series of intriguing exhibitions. 

Galleries are in excess in this city, so take the opportunity to see some soul-stirring art. Though the Louvre is the city’s most famous, a visit to Musée Rodin is an opportunity to see the prolific sculptor’s great works, and his personal collection of paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir. For further celebration of Impressionism, head to the fascinating Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station-turned-gallery on the Seine’s left bank. 

Sacré-Cœur Basilica Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Jardin des Tuileries The Jardin des Tuileries

A stroll in one of Paris’ many parks is surely a romantic way to take in the city. The Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris’ most beautiful, and separates the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde. Père Lachaise Cemetery may seem like a macabre location for an amorous stroll but along the English-style park’s winding green paths and amongst stately tombs you’ll find the graves of famous figures such as Oscar Wilde and Édith Piaf, and the cemetery itself is very beautiful. 

In the evening, dress up and see a show at the Opéra Garnier. Now primarily used for ballet, the opera house was made famous by Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera and is resplendently decorated in the gilded Napoleon III style (if you don’t fancy the ballet, you should definitely still do the opera house tour). Another great date night has to be taking in the world famous Moulin Rouge, or why not book a Champagne tasting cruise down the River Seine; a great way to see the city at night with a sommelier on hand to talk you through what you taste. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower lit up and sparkling in all its glitzy glory (which happens for five minutes every hour for those wanting to plan photo opportunities!).

In terms of what to eat, boulangeries and patisseries are everywhere in this sweet-toothed city; enjoy breakfast at Café de Flore, one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris and a favourite of influential artists and the tout-Paris – don’t miss the chocolat chaud, served in a silver teapot with a heaped mountain of whipped cream. While here, you can’t miss out on a Paris-Brest – shatteringly crisp choux pastry filled with praline cream (we recommend Yann Couvreur) and the chestnut Mont Blancs at Belle Époque tearoom Angelina aren’t to be missed either. And of course, when in Paris, macarons are a must. Ladurée’s are by far the most famous, and you’ll find plenty of their shops dotted across the city. 

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge
Opéra Garnier Opéra Garnier

Food goes hand-in-hand with romance, so exploring Paris’ culinary offerings is a must. Allard is a genuine bistro that promises authentic French cuisine – try the duck with olives for two. For small plates and divine orange wine, Early June is a light and breezy wine bar with rotating chef residencies. If you’re looking for somewhere very special, Michelin-starred Septime’s natural wines and stripped-back decor turns fine dining on its head – their seven-course tasting menu is crafted around sustainability, with each innovative dish focusing on a handful of ingredients. For dessert, head to Chez Janou for the best chocolate mousse in Paris, generously ladled from a giant cauldron and perfect for sharing. 

If you have time to stray from the city centre, romantic day trips include the ‘happiest place on earth’, Disneyland Paris. Easily accessible by train from the city centre, who can resist a day of thrill-seeking joy here? The astonishingly opulent and historical marvel of the Palace of Versailles is also a short train ride away. Comprising around 2,300 rooms in total and representing the height of France’s monarchal opulence, its grandeur has to be seen to be believed.

You can now fly direct from Newcastle to Paris with up to 23 weekly flights this summer.


Get 10% off parking at Newcastle Airport with the code ‘LNorth10’

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.


Please read our Cookie policy.