Paris, more famously known as the City of Love, is an ideal place for couples to try out their honeymoon. The unmistakable landmarks, yummy food and beautiful light that sweeps the city make it a leading destination for honeymooning couples in this European country.
Planning Your Parisian Honeymoon
Some simple measures require your attention before you pack your bags to Paris to have a perfect honeymoon trip. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Best Time to Visit
Paris is beautiful all year round but the best time to go is largely determined by the season. As for more desirable and less crowded conditions, spring (April-May) as well as fall (September-October) are suggested. The high season is from December to March, and it comes with low rates and crowds but may pose a problem due to the cold and damp weather.
Flights and Accommodations
The first consideration always before traveling is ensuring the right bookings for flights and accommodations are made, which would be at the best rates. While making a booking for a flight ticket, compare prices between different airlines, and when planning to go for accommodations, compare prices between various hotels, it is more advisable to travel during off peak seasons.
Visa and Travel Insurance
Here are visa-free countries: citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for the period up to 90 days. However, one should always verify the visa expectations as per the country and then ensure if one requires a visa or not. It is also advisable to purchase travel insurance in case of any eventuality of disease or cancelation of trip.
Transportation
However, it is easy to maneuver in Paris because of the efficient means of transport, which is available within a short period. Limousine service in Paris covers most of the tourist destinations, though you also get to use The Metro, Taxis or Uber. This is particularly good for visitors who may be planning to cover this city on their feet, availing a pass that grants one free access to most of the attractions within the region, coupled with free transportation pass to Paris.
Language
As much as most people in Paris speak English it is important to make some efforts and try to learn some phrases in French to emphasize on the culture. Some of the basic functional words/phrases that are useful in French are: greetings- Hello, which in French is called ‘Bonjour,’ Thank you – ‘Merci,’ Please – ‘S’il vous plaît,’ Yes or No – ‘Oui ou non.’
Currency
The actual authorized tender in France is the European currency or Euro (€) as it is widely called. Self-service banking machines known as ATMs can easily be found in the city; most of the shops, restaurants and all tourist friendly facilities fully accept credit cards. But it is advisable to take some amount of money for minor purchases such as snacks and Metro tickets.
Packing Essentials
Paris fashion is rich and classy so take clothes that may be fashionable but are appropriate for city touring. Make sure to pack casual clothing, sport shoes for daily walking, a jacket or sweater for cooler nights as well as an umbrella or a raincoat for rainy season.
Activities couples can do when they visit Paris.
Paris is widely famous as a city of love, truly offering numerous opportunities to be in love. Here are some must-do activities for your honeymoon:
Eiffel Tower
A visit to Paris cannot be completed without a visit to the galloping success world-renowned Eiffel Tower. Travel up the Tower to watch the city’s beautiful skyline or have a sensuous dinner at any of the Tower restaurants. So, for a more special treat, try going on a private tour or taking a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view.
Louvre Museum
The largest museum in the world called the Louvre Museum contains millions of masterpieces among which the Mona Lisa hangs. Go and see the wall to wall paintings and sculptures and relics and make a photo stop in front of the pyramid door.
Seine River Cruise
A visit to the Seine River through a boat ride can also be one of the most enjoyable activities in Paris. Take a river cruise and marvel at the beauty of Paris while tasting French wines or Champagne with famous sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Musée d’Orsay only a few feet away.
Notre Dame Cathedral
As we can see it’s a charming Gothic Cathedral that is a masterpiece of architects and a symbol of the great faith. Enter to behold the beauty such as the stained glass windows and the organ which attracts the visitors.
Arc de Triomphe
Located at the end of the Champs Elysée, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous French monuments and symbols. As you reach the summit, take a spectacular round view of the city and also get a chance to visit the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Montmartre
It is a lovely hilltop village, which was once an artists’ quarter, with the beautiful Sacré-Cœur basilica standing tall in the center and picturesque cobbled lanes. This tour lets you walk around the maze like backstreets of the neighborhood, visit the Montmartre Museum and see artists at work at the Place du Tertre.
Palace of Versailles
Indeed, a stay in France can always benefit from going to the Palace of Versailles. This immense castle is really a symbolic residence which shows the richness and the might of French kingdom. Discover the lavish interior of the palace, including the staterooms and the grand drawing room, take a leisurely walk in the highly exquisite palace garden, or get lost in other palace precincts.
Romantic Walks
Paris is walkable and there is no better way to take in its beauty than by simply walking. Visit Montmartre, which has artistic and historical landmarks. Walk along the River Seine, visit Le Marais or stroll down the legendary Champs Élysées.
Picnics in the Park
Take some wine and cheese or your best late-night snacks, and indulge in a picnic in the middle of Paris’ great gardens, including the Luxembourg Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and many others. You can also buy food from a local bakery or market and indulge in that traditional French picnic.
Couple's Spa Day
Enjoy a spa day at some of the wonderful spas available in this city to get a real feeling of pristine luxury. Traditionally, french cliches with added extra touches right through to emerged and exotic spa excursions, one is spoilt for choice. One should also think about investing in a couple’s massage or another couple’s treatment for a more intimate experience.
Finding Ways To Make Your Honeymoon Unforgettable
Here are some additional tips to make your Parisian honeymoon even more memorable:
Surprise your partner
Make arrangements for a special event that would have to be done before your honeymoon to make it special for both of you. It could be a romantic dinner at ‘The Eiffel Tower’ or a scenic tour in a hot air balloon over the city.
Capture your memories
You hire a professional photographer to take shots on your honeymoon. It’s always nice to pose for professional pictures either in a studio with the proper dresses on or just walking around the city taking photos; it is always nice to look back at the beautiful moments created on a trip and have beautiful photos as souvenirs.
Learn some French
A few preparatory French lessons can be of immense help when trying to engage in conversation with some of the citizens or opening up to the culture of the city. It is advisable to perhaps take a class in the language of the country you will be visiting, or download some phrase book application like Duo Lingo to learn some phrases before the trip.
Unplug and connect
During the honeymoon, make sure you do not spend most of your time using the phone and focus on your partner. Spend quality time together, avoiding other events, shows or parties, and just have the best time of their lives.
Embrace spontaneity
To some extent, the honeymoon is a vacation, so even if you have a schedule, don’t be too rigid and allow some moments of improvisation. Escape from the routine of lunching at preferred restaurants or visiting familiar sites around the city; take her on different foods, new places and new experiences altogether.
Pack a special outfit
Do not leave out things like gears to wear on a dinner date or when out dancing. Whether a woman is dressed in a cocktail dress or a man in black tie, formally dressed couple is worth watching.
Write love letters
Pen love letters to one another in each other’s company during the honeymoon to memorialize the occasion. These letters can be kept as souvenirs as they are a good way of recognizing a job well done.
Conclusion
A honeymoon in Paris is a dream come true for many couples. Paris is brimming with the perfect atmosphere for a romantic beginning to married life; it hosts iconic landmarks, incredible world-class cuisine and an incalculable amount of charm! With some careful planning, a dash of the Parisian lifestyle and a few personal touches, however, you can have a honeymoon that you’ll never forget.
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