If you’ve never been to Paris but have dreamed of spending your honeymoon in France’s City of Light and have decided this is the time, you’re in for a treat. For centuries, lovers have agreed there’s no place more romantic than Paris. The enticing food and wine, magnificent art and architecture, charming hotels, and leisurely afternoons people-watching at cafés are just some of the city’s countless charms. However, preparing for a honeymoon in Paris will help you avoid disappointment and enhance your trip experience.
Where to Start
- Decide When to Visit Paris: Most couples prefer to take their honeymoon shortly after the wedding. Keep in mind that Paris varies by season, and specific events such as Paris Fashion Week (held in September and January), the French Open, and the Paris Jazz Festival can make hotel accommodations more challenging without early planning. Therefore, select your dates and proceed.
- Select a Hotel in Paris: With thousands of hotels ranging from classic to ultra-modern, how do you choose the perfect place for your honeymoon? Thanks to the Metro, getting around the city is relatively easy, so don’t feel the need to stay on the Champs Élysées or near the Eiffel Tower if you’re working within a budget. Paris hotels often come with sticker shock, even for those with a well-funded honeymoon.
- Find a Flight to Paris: Paris is served by two international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, both located less than 20 miles from the city center.
- Get in the Mood for Paris: Some of the globe’s most beloved films, particularly romantic ones, have been set in Paris. You might enjoy screening various classic movies to immerse yourself in the ambiance and romance of the city.
- Learn a Little French: While it may seem that everyone in Paris speaks French, you can certainly learn a few basics to help navigate the city.
- For smartphone users, search “French” in your app store to discover a plethora of language apps that can translate and pronounce words. Consider options like iSpeak French and SpeakEasy French.
- If you’re interested in immersive learning, Rosetta Stone French is a pricey yet effective platform that offers language education through computers and mobile devices.
- Berlitz provides virtual classrooms for language learning.
- Consider Your Wardrobe: Haute couture originated in France, and the country’s designers have dressed the most elegant people worldwide. To blend in and be treated with respect, avoid clothing typically associated with tourists, such as shorts and running shoes. Instead, opt for subdued colors and thoughtfully selected accessories.
- Orient Yourselves: Even lifelong Parisians occasionally refer to a map, so don’t hesitate to use one. Additionally, taking a Hop-on/Hop-off bus tour can help you get oriented while exploring the city at your own pace.
- Plan Your Expeditions: What interests you during your time in Paris? You can visit the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, gaze at the city from the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the Champs Élysées, cruise the Seine, or relax in a café while people-watching. The city offers limitless possibilities!
- While it’s essential to have free time in Paris, booking certain activities can enhance your experience. Your hotel concierge can assist you with reservations, or you can arrange the following in advance:
- Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise
- Paris Louvre Guided Tour
- Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour
- Arrange Airport Transportation: Following a long flight to Paris, the last thing you want to worry about is getting from the airport to your hotel. Pre-arranging an airport pick-up can save you time and reduce stress, as a professional driver will meet you at the airport and assist with your luggage.
- Explore Europe Beyond Paris: While Paris is a fabulous and romantic destination, consider visiting other parts of France or even spending a week on a barge trip through Burgundy if time permits.
- Additionally, some of the continent’s most romantic spots are easily accessible. Although finding cheap flights can be advantageous, high-speed trains make travel easy and efficient. Consider journeys via Rail Europe’s Eurostar trains that can whisk you to London in under two and a half hours and Brussels in less than ninety minutes.
- Plenty of cash
- Good walking shoes
- Savoir-faire
The Logistics
If you’re considering hiring a tour guide, you can find private English-speaking guides through various platforms.
