Paris is for lovers all year round!

Bonjour tout le monde,

I am just a little late to celebrate Valentine's Day, but many believe that honoring one’s love should be a daily event.  With that in mind, I thought that I would highlight a few places in Paris that will help anyone “fête l’amour” in the City of Lights (and love).

Not a lot of money?  That is easy – just go to any small grocery store to buy a bottle of wine, a baguette, plus some really cool cheese.  Fruit would be good, also.  Then take a walk along either side of the Seine, find a cool place to stop, and have a picnic!  If you do this between the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, then you can also wave to the sightseeing boats that cruise up and down that part of the river. 

While walking along the river, be sure to stop at the Pont des Arts.  This is a pedestrian bridge that was first built in 1804, closed in 1970, then reengineered and reopened in the 1980s.  Since then, this bridge is a magnet for lovers who wish to seal their love with a lock.  Amorous couples bring a lock to the bridge, write their initials and perhaps a little saying, secure the lock on the bridge and throw the key into the Seine.   If you weren’t prepared with a lock, the bouquinistes who sell second hand books now also sell locks and have Sharpies at hand for writing!

Montmartre has exceptional views of Paris, as well as one of the most beautiful churches, Sacre Coeur.  Take the metro, then walk up all the steps to see Paris laid out before you in all its beautiful splendor.  Too lazy or not able to climb all 250+ stairs?  There is a funicular nearby that can take you to the top for just one metro ticket.  After enjoying the view, wander around the Place du Tertre, which is where all the aspiring artists congregate to paint a picture of you.  There are also some really cool cafés and restaurants in the square – our favorite café is Chez Eugène; when Michael and I are there, we always stop for a beer or a glass of wine.

This hotel is located in a passage 

Paris in the rain can be quite lovely, but what if wandering around wet isn't your thinng?  Try strolling through the covered passages that traverse sections of Paris.  These passages are lined with stores, shops restaurants, and sometimes hotels.  Even if it isn't raining, these passages are ideal spots for visiting some unique boutiques and for feeling that you two are alone in such a busy city.  Our favorite passage is the Passage Panoramas: entrances 11/13, boulevard Montmartre/38, rue Vivienne/151, rue Montmartre.  It's about 400 feet long.
What is your romantic Parisian spot?  You can find it when you travel with me September 18-27 to Paris, Provence and the Riviera.  Check out the itinerasry at jackiwilliams-jones.grouptoursite.com.  If you are unable to travel with me this year, please forward this to those who might be interested.  Merci beaucoup!