16 hidden romantic places in Paris + secret hotels for 2024
Take your vacation to another level and explore these off-the-beaten-path spots from a local to ignite your inner romantic spirit.
Looking for the most exquisite hidden romantic places in Paris? You’re in the right place!
I lived in Paris for 2 years, so I’ve got all the most secret, cherished spots in the French capital for lovers to enjoy.
This list goes way beyond the traditional touristy things to do in Paris.
Paris has SO much more to offer than the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Élysées – I’ll give you the real lowdown!
I’ve also included a few hidden gem hotels that tourists don’t know about. By the end, you’ll know how to spend your romantic vacation in Paris just like a local!
Here are my favorite romantic spots in Paris – click the links to head straight to the heading:
One of the most romantic (and quintessentially picturesque) things to do in Paris as a couple is to go for a picnic along the banks of the Seine River.
Now, most people just go down from any one of the bridges, sit on the cobbled sidewalks, and enjoy the view of Paris from there.
But that’s not the best place to have a picnic in Paris!!
For starters, there are rats down there, and many people like to go to these places to get a little tipsy with their friends in the evening, leading to many a peeing parade – ending in a somewhat stinky affair. My advice? Avoid!
In 2022, the number of tourists in Paris totaled over 40 million! If that’s not reason enough to avoid the heavy crowds of the typical tourist spots in the city, many of these tourists never see the real side of Paris. I’ll let you in on the real secrets of this romantic destination!
Square du Vert-Galant
Instead, head down to the charming Île de la Cité, a gorgeous inner-city haven that has one special thing: the iconic Willow tree.
Located inside Square du Vert-Galant (map), this area is less known by tourists and has 360° views of the Seine. It’s small but peaceful, and it’s mostly just frequented by locals so it has a real Parisian feel to it.
So grab a baguette, some charcuterie, un peu du fromage, and a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy the view towards Pont des Arts.
PRO TIP: Grab a takeaway pizza from Fluctuat (map) while you’re there!
Square Barye
Right over the other side of Île de la Cité, on the opposite corner under Pont de Sully, you’ll find Square Barye (map).
Square Barye is SO often overlooked. It’s a super quiet park with plenty of lovely benches, trees, and secluded views of the River Seine.
During the spring and summer months, this place is open 24/7, so go there in the early evening with your loved one for a smooch under a Lebanese Cedar Tree and a stroll along the waterfront.
Looking for more European gems? Check out my ultimate list of food tours in Milan for every taste bud!
I know, it’s only the second subheading and I’m sending you out to the suburbs. But I promise, it’s worth it – it’s in the top 10 hidden romantic places in Paris!
Bois de Vincennes is right out on the edge of Paris, between Montreuil and Ivry-Sur-Seine. You can easily rent a car (RentalCars have the best prices!) and take a little road trip – it’s only ~20 mins’ drive from the center of Paris.
If you’re taking public transport, Metro line 1 through Gare de Lyon takes you out to Saint-Mandé, where you can take a short train out. Check out the route here!
While you’re there, you can take a romantic stroll through the huge park, with over 2,400 acres of natural landscape.
Don’t forget to check out the Reuilly Island Temple on Lake Daumesnil! This romantic spot can be accessed over a little bridge (like Cinderella) and it’s so beautiful at sunset.
You can also rent a boat with your partner, making it the ULTIMATE romantic day out! Book your boat rental here, just remember that it’s best to book in advance.
I know Montmartre seems like a classic tourist destination, and it totally is. But there are a few hidden gems here that most tourists still don’t know about, and I’m about to share them with you!
You do need to go all the way up to the top at least once just to see the view. It’s amazing, and there’s a funicular if you’re feeling lazy like me 🤪
However, it’s always super crowded nowadays, so just take a couple of pics and get the hell outta dodge.
Keep a close eye on your belongings while you’re at the Sacré Coeur! It’s not just crowded, it’s also full of pickpockets and scammers trying to sell you bracelets and tacky keyrings. Stay safe people!
Once you’re out, go down the side streets on the north side to escape the tourists. Most of the newbies head out straight to the west of the Basilica and get lured in by caricaturists and accordion players.
So go the road less traveled by! Head straight to Square de la Turlure (map) and sit on a little bench with your lover. I promise most tourists won’t even know it’s there, and it’s a great place to rest your laurels.
Once your laurels are fully rested, head over to Passage des Abbesses (directions here) and explore the I Love You wall (it’s so cute) and walk around the area.
If you want a more distinct experience, why not take a tour of all secret bohemian places in Montmartre? This free tour from Guruwalk is just the thing! You’ll LOVE it and it goes way beyond the traditional walking tours. Plus, it’s done by a local!
PRO TIP: Go through the back streets to get there, don’t go back through the Sacré Coeur if you want to avoid all the crowds.
Hiring a private vintage car in Paris is a surefire way to get you in the mood for lovin’!
There are so many options here – you can opt for a cute sidecar-style tour, a classic car, or you can just rent a couple of scooters yourselves and go wherever you please.
Here are my favorite tours (the TOP-rated choices to save you time!)
Best rated – Explore Paris in a vintage Citroen 2CV! This one is for big spenders, but it’s got a 5* rating from almost 400 reviews, so I’d say it’s worth it! BOOK HERE
Cutest daytime tour – Get your sidecar on with this adorable tour that will give you Audrey Hepburn vibes! You can personalize this one as much as you like. BOOK HERE
Most romantic tour – This evening sidecar tour is the one if you want your love to burn all through the night. Also includes champagne 🥂 BOOK HERE
Best budget tour – Discover the secrets of Montmartre without the hassle of climbing all those hills! BOOK HERE
If you prefer more freedom, why not rent a scooter? You can rent one easily here! This experience gives you total autonomy to take your love all over Paris, just the 2 of you!
5. Get in with the locals along Canal Saint Martin
While many tourists take the coveted sunbathing spots along the Seine, locals tend to prefer a quieter setting in Paris’ alternative picnic spot!
Canal Saint Martin stretches from Hôpital Saint-Louis in the 10th all the way past La Villette in the 19th Arrondissement.
There are many points along the route where you can sit and relax, take in the peaceful vibe, and enjoy living the local’s life in Paris. Grab a bottle of French wine from a local supermarket and sit together on the edge of the canal for a romantic, budget-friendly date!
Fancy a bite to eat with a great view of the canal? I recommend Chez Prune (map) for its down-to-earth vibes, incredible menu, and good prices.
If you want to stay near Canal Saint-Martin, I don’t blame you! I’ve stayed in Le Robinet d’Or a few times, and it’s always excellent. The rooms are beautiful, you’re in a local area without the throngs of tourists, and it’s perfect if you want easy access to a romantic stroll down the canal. *sigh*
6. Take a romantic picture at Le Passage des Panoramas
A journey to ages gone by, Le Passage des Panoramas reflects the old-age charm of 19th century Paris. An eclectic mix of sweet shops, hidden Paris restaurants, and boutiques, you’ll find many a photo op here – and an opportunity to feed each other chocolate!
You’ll probably find yourselves spending a while down this adorable passageway, it’s filled with so many hidden gems and most tourists have no idea it exists!
My mum absolutely loves it here. She’ll quite happily spend hours looking inside all the little shops and marveling at the jeweler’s trinkets!
Want amazing pizza? For real, try out Faggio Panoramas if you fancy a brief interlude into proper Italian food. I recommend getting a starter burrata to share, it’s to die for!!
Want a view of the Eiffel Tower while you eat? Le Mistral next to Pyrénées Metro (map) is a total gem, with no tourists to be seen! (map)
Not to be confused with Le Mistral on Place du Châtelet! Don’t bother with this one, I know it has a view of the Seine but it’s just not worth it compared to le réal Mistral!
My advice? Ask to be seated in their hidden terrace for a tiny bit of peace and quiet, and just a smidge of romance.
Their menu is classic French bistro fare, and the vibe is down-to-earth, local-heavy, unpretentious, and wine-happy. They change their menu every day so it’ll be a fun surprise, but if there’s duck confit on the menu, definitely try it – I loved it!
I highly recommend booking a bit in advance.
PRO TIP: Try to order in French! They do speak English there but you’ll get better service this way as it’s a local eatery. Give it your best shot and impress your date with your French skills 🦾
Comedy Crush, an event most-loved by locals, is THE best stand up comedy event in Paris. It happens every Wednesday at Fluctuat Bar on Pont Neuf, just a 10 minute walk from Saint Germain des Prés.
The best part? It’s totally free! You’ll have to pay for drinks (obviously) but otherwise, it’s a great date for the penny pincher. A top romantic thing to do in Paris on a budget!
It doesn’t get much better than Secret de Paris! Think: scrumptious cocktails, private hot tubs, mood lighting, rain showers, and a sauna – this is the ULTIMATE luxury vacation!
The only problem with this hotel is you may not want to leave the room 🤪
Located just a short walk from St Lazare, you can stay in bed and adjust the lighting in your room as much as you want! It’s totally different from the traditional hotel experience, and not a place many people know about.
Each room is decorated in a different Paris theme – I recommend the Double Room Trocadéro with stained glass windows, an in-room hot tub, and total soundproofing. Ding ding ding!
A GORGEOUS private mansion in Le Marais, Paris’ most trendy district, Hôtel de Sully is a haven of peace in the city and one of the secret places to visit in Paris.
Just a stone’s throw from Place des Vosges, you sadly cannot enter the building, but once you enter through the archway, you’ll be transported back in time. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, a far nicer spot to relax than Place des Vosges!
Le Marais is the best spot in Paris for Falafel, so head over to Oh Falafel du Liban (map) and take your falafel to Sully for an intimate lunch.
Don’t forget to hit up Victor Hugo’s apartment while you’re there! It’s totally free and you can wander back in time with your loved one quoting Les Misérables.
The area surrounding Hôtel de Sully is full of unique vinyl record stores and flower shops, so the entire afternoon will be filled with enchantment!
I know, I know – Père Lachaise isn’t exactly hidden away from tourists. But it’s so huge and magical, it NEEDS to be on this list!
Best visited on a sunny day (otherwise it feels a little eerie), Père Lachaise is home to Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Jim Morrison, and so many more famed individuals from ages gone by.
You might be thinking, how is this romantic?
Well! For starters, the cemetery is a nature lover’s paradise, and you’ve got 110 acres of quiet spots for a kiss under a chestnut tree. There are so many of these secret corners that it’s easy to escape other visitors!
It’ll feel like the woodland is all yours to explore.
Don’t want to take my word for it? Take this independent self-guided tour so you can walk around listening to the magical tales of those who rest here.
PRO TIP: Take water with you, especially in the winter months! The cemetery has public fountains intermittently but they’re often turned off in the cold season.
Most tourists will want to have brunch somewhere famous, perhaps their favorite tourist trap near the Eiffel Tower or La Maison Rose from Emily in Paris.
Don’t follow the crowd!
Instead, haul yourself over to Le Pavillon des Canaux, where you can have a coffee in a decorated bathtub, dance with your waiter, take a cooking class, or even attend a literary evening.
LPdC is an emblem of erotic, hippy, independent Paris youth, and to top it all off, they have affordable Formules with so many tasty options.
TCdP promotes a caring space for everyone, no matter their background, race, sexuality, life experience et al. Social solidarity for all is important here, so if this is your niche, you’ll love this hidden side of Paris that tourists don’t know about!
You can check out their concepts here to get a sense of this incredible, artistic space!
13. Take your lover to an old movie
I should really have put this at the top of the list, because it’s definitely one of the best options!
Going to the cinema is obviously a classic date night, but old movies make the experience a whole lot better!
There are a few places in Paris you can go for this, but my personal favorites are Filmothèque du Quartier Latin in the Latin Quarter and Le Champo. A night out at one of these places doesn’t cost a lot and it really brings your romantic vacation to a peak.
Whether you’re a discerning movie fan or newbie to a black and white film, you’ll love the whole experience. The screening rooms are super cozy and the seats are perfect for snuggling up!
PRO TIP: Feeling cultured? Go to a Frenchlation event! They host events, English stand-up comedy, and screenings with English subtitles – and you’ll get snacks and a cocktail beforehand!
Ok, so I lied – THIS is my favorite hidden romantic place in Paris!
The Red Wheelbarrow is the most adorable, edgy, cute, and cozy independent bookstore around. And, even rarer, they have English books!
I don’t know about you, but I love a good bookshop. Located on the North East side of Jardin du Luxembourg (map), this place is oft-overlooked.
Most tourists in Paris head to Shakespeare & Co in Saint Michel if they fancy a break in a bookshop. And it’s nice there, sure. But over the years it’s become more of an icon with a long queue outside, so I think The Red Wheelbarrow bookstore is the better choice – and it’s more local!
A really cute date is to buy a couple of books from this quaint little store and go sit together in Luxembourg Gardens to read together.
After all, the couple who reads together, stays together!
15. Sneak away to the hidden Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques
Most visitors to the City of Light head to Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, or another big city park for some R&R. However, they’re missing out on some real gems!
Small city parks have a certain charm that the bigger ones just don’t have. They’re often quieter, and the restaurants and cafés around them are decently-priced and quaint.
Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques is just that: a quaint, beautiful inner-city park away from the hustle and bustle of tourist life (map). There are plenty of beautiful trees, benches, and picnic spots for you and your lover to hide away and spend some quality time together.
Most people just stumble on this place by chance, but many locals frequent it for its down-to-earth vibe.
Feeling sweet? Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the park is Hoct&Loca, a chocolate bar where the hot chocolate and pastries are just divine! (map)
If you’re looking for a romantic night out in Paris, don’t bother with the Moulin Rouge or one of those moules-frites places – instead, head to 17.45, a hidden spot in Pigalle frequented only by locals.
This is a chain restaurant, but it’s a chain because of its sheer popularity, and the food is AMAZING.
If you love cheese, charcuterie, wine, fresh bread, aesthetic vibes and romantic music, this is the place for you.
Did you know that France produces over 400 different types of cheese? The French have mastered the art of fromage and everything related to it, so you need to find these hidden romantic places to try some cheese with your loved one!
PRO TIP: Let the experts take over and ask them to recommend the board for you! I promise you won’t be disappointed, and the cheese and wine will have you cooing over each other in no time.
Best hidden gem hotels in Paris
Finding a good hotel in Paris is tough, especially when there are so many to choose from! Want an affordable boutique hotel in Paris or maybe want to find the lost hotels of Paris? I’ve got you!
So here are a few of my personal favorites for every budget! These are all hidden, off-the-beaten-track hotels with cute, romantic quirks and a luxurious feel.
Luxury
Hotel du Petit Moulin (Le Marais) – Every room here is totally unique! It’s super charming and it feels so intimate for your romantic vacation. If you’re lucky, the staff will upgrade your room for free!
The Hidden Hotel (Ternes) – Talk about hidden! This hotel will make you feel like you’re staying in a rustic cabin, it’s so cozy. There’s even a tiny library and a magical little garden where you can enjoy a cocktail.
Mid-range
Hotel des Grandes Ecoles (Saint Michel) – This place is perfect for a honeymoon in Paris, especially if you don’t want to be distracted by a hotel TV! It feels like a leafy haven and the courtyard is the perfect place to relax after a day of seeing hidden romantic places in Paris!
Maison Cassandre (Montmartre) – With a modern, romantic feel and a cozy elegance, this hotel has a perfect, central location. The beds are to DIE for!
Budget
L’Imprimerie Hôtel (Clichy) – If you’re looking for romance on a budget, this is the place for you! Although it’s out in the suburbs slightly, it’s so worth it and it’s only 10 mins on the metro to Montmartre. And the neighborhood is so tranquil, it has such a local feel.
The People (Belleville) – This is technically a hostel, but it’s super cool, and there’s a rooftop terrace that screams romance! The district is super artsy and you’ll be surrounded by hidden hipster gems and a cool vibe.
The most romantic area of Paris is Le Marais. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful district with lots of lovely boutique stores, and most of the tourists will head elsewhere. Alternatively, the back streets of Montmartre are incredibly romantic!
🧑🏻❤️💋🧑🏽 What is the most romantic garden in Paris?
The most romantic garden in Paris is Square Barye! It’s an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem that is just wonderful. This is a super romantic place in Paris for couples, and it’s also a super romantic place in Paris to propose!
🚏 Which is the loveliest street in Paris?
Rue Crémieux is probably the loveliest street in Paris, located in the 12th arrondissement. It provides an excellent photo opportunity with all its beautiful colored houses!
🏘️ Which Paris neighborhood is best for a honeymoon?
The area around Abbesses, Montmartre, and the surrounding streets is a great area for a honeymoon!
🔐 Where can I put a love lock in paris?
Sacré Coeur is a great place for a love lock in Paris. People used to put them on the bridges, but the sheer density of the locks became super unsafe, so avoid doing that!
ℹ️ What is the most touristy part of Paris?
The most touristy part of Paris is the Champs Élysées. It can get super crowded there (just like Oxford Street in London) and in my opinion, it’s not worth the hype. The area around the Eiffel Tower is also very touristy!
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know all the hidden romantic places in Paris for your next romantic getaway.
Want more tips? Drop me a comment below! I’d be happy to help you find even more hidden gems.
À la prochaine fois,
Lizzie
Lizzie is originally from the UK, but you’ll often find her in Lebanon! She loves to read historical novels and spend time in the great outdoors skiing, exploring, and finding amazing views. She also loves cooking (which is great for her husband) and hanging out with her cat.Lizzie has embarked on a journey to share her passions with the world, with a blossoming social business empire and a dedication to living life to the fullest.
