Olga in Paris for Flytographer
Champagne bar on the roof of the Galleries Lafayette
Why wait in line for the Eiffel Tower when you can take the escalator to the roof of one of Paris’ best department stores with a view of Montmartre, Sacré Coeur, the Eiffel Tower and beyond? It’s a best-kept secret of local office workers who take their breaks there. At sunset, grab a glass of bubbly and take a reclining beach chair at the Cube Bar to soak it all in.
Sculpture Garden at the Rodin Museum
There is no question why Dior chooses to host its fashion shows around the fountain of these sublime gardens in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The white marble sculptures (such as The Thinker) are breathtaking, but don’t leave without entering the museum to see “The Kiss.”
Parc de Bagatelle Rose Garden
This magical garden in the Bois de Boulogne is where the CEO of LVMH recently proposed to fashion designer Tory Burch (she said yes). Think rolling lawns with roaming peacocks, duck ponds and water lilies, a peony garden, an iris garden, and most famously, its rose gardens. There are even a perfect pink Château and a pair of restaurants at which to toast something special.
Monsieur Bleu
This restaurant in an avant-garde art gallery on the banks of the Seine is a favourite of the local fashion set. The terrace in summer is ultra-romantic, but the swank interiors are just as nice if the weather is cold. But the pièce de resistance is the view of the Eiffel Tower from many of the tables. If it’s a parents’ date night, ask about English-speaking babysitting services while you dine.
Parc Monceau
Every weekend you’ll see brides doing their photoshoots at this bucolic park near the Arc de Triomphe. With its bridges, statues, pond and carousel, it has every backdrop you need. Bring a picnic blanket and a bottle of Champagne and make like the many lovers, young and old, who frolic on the lawns in the shade of the mansions where Rockefellers once lived.
Place des Vosges
After a tour through the Picasso Museum or shopping in the Marais, stop at this picture perfect, manicured, tree-lined square (one of the oldest in Paris) and take a seat around the fountain with your better half and soak up the moment. The brick façades surrounding the square house many art galleries, if you should want to pick up a special piece to commemorate your trip.
Place Dauphine
At the historic heart of the city, on the Ile de la Cité in the middle of the Seine, this is many people’s favourite square in Paris (including Johnny Depp who bought a pied-à-terre there). The second of the “royal squares,” (the other is Place des Vosges), its slightly hidden entrance off the Pont Neuf means it’s not overrun with tourists. Lined with restaurants (such as Paul’s from Woody Allen’s film “Midnight in Paris”), it’s a perfect place to escape a rainstorm for an hour or three.
Grand Amour Hotel
Meaning “Big Love Hotel,” it’s also a favourite of the fashion set. Fresh-squeezed orange juice and boiled eggs in the pretty, leafy courtyard are a perfect start to the morning after when it’s #allaboutlastnight.
Parc Floral de Paris
Try to catch an outdoor concert (from jazz to electronic music) at this huge flower garden with tons of pretty walkways and quadricycle bike rentals. Located within the Bois de Vincennes, there are hilltops perfect for picnics, and ice cream stands a-plenty.
Palais Garnier Opera House
Opt for a romantic ballet such as Romeo and Juliet at Paris’ famous Palais Garnier in the centre of the city. Its grand stairway, chandeliers and ceiling painted by Marc Chagall are almost as impressive as what’s on stage.
