Most Romantic Places for a First Kiss in Paris


 

Let me start by saying that any first kiss that happens in Paris, regardless of where, when, or how, is automatically ten times more romantic than a kiss elsewhere in the world.

The city of love is true to its name. Even the most mundane of suburban streets have a certain allure to them that draws passion & charm from the most unromantic individuals.

by Cassie Lopez – Unsplash

If you’re looking to take things up a notch and make that special moment beyond memorable, I’m here to help.

When in doubt there are always the famous cliches: under the Eiffel Tower, on the steps of the Sacre Coeur or under a bridge in the rain like in the movies. What follows are some additional, more romantic, first kiss ideas that can take place around the city of Paris.

At the Trocadéro By Night in Paris

I should start by stating that almost all of the landmarks and locations listed in this roundup reek of romance once the sun goes down. Being such a busting tourist hub, some parts of Paris are less than quiet during the daylight hours, which can make fining the perfect moment to go in for the first kiss particularly daunting.

Once the sun descends on Paris things are a bit different. Yes, crowds are often inevitable especially near the central landmarks, but the night brings a peace and stillness to the people of the public making a first kiss moment very possible.

The Place du Trocadéro is one of these places. This is the closest you’ll get to having a first kiss by the Eiffel Tower without actually having to go to the tower itself.

The Place du Trocadéro is a public square and park space that overlooks the iconic monument. The square itself is generally busy no matter what time of day it is, watching the sunset from here is very romantic and travelers tend to add it to their bucket list.

If you walk on the pathway around the square, toward the park area, you’ll eventually come to a quieter zone where benches can be found. Take a seat here and settle in until the perfect moment for the first kiss comes to pass; the glow of the Eiffel Tower guiding you the entire time.

At Oscar Wilde’s Grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris

8 Rue de Montpensier

This next spot will depend solely on whether or not the person you are kissing is as hopelessly romantic as you are.

In his book A Woman of No Importance, Oscar Wilde wrote the now famous line “A kiss may ruin a human life”. Wilde is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement; this is the biggest cemetery in Paris.

His tomb is elaborate, to say the least. It has been through years of controversy, mostly due to the semi naked half-man-half-sphynx stone creature that hovers over it.

Oscar Wilde’s Grave in Paris – by Cat Dam – Wikipedia Commons

For years after his death visitors around Paris would come to see his gravesite and leave lipstick marks all over his tomb using their lips. Leaving a kiss for Oscar became one of the most appealing things to do during one’s time in Paris.

In 2011 the city of Paris was forced to erect a “kiss wall” as a sort of barrier between the visitors and the tomb, to prevent further “vandalization” as they called it.

Since you’re not here to kiss Oscar Wilde (I hope), this becomes a wonderfully romantic spot for a first kiss of your own.

On your way out, pass by our friend Jim Morrison as well!

At the I Love You Wall in Montmartre

Square Jehan Rictus

The I Love You Wall in Montmartre is still a slightly lesser known attraction in the city of Paris. Those who know of its existence have usually heard of it via word of mouth.

It is situated inside the Jehan Rictus square on Montmartre hill, making it an unlikely place to walk past accidentally. Most free guided walking tours will take walkers past here as they make their way up toward the Sacre Coeur Basilica.

The I Love You Wall – by Britchi Mirela – Wikimedia Commons

The I Love You Wall is an isolated panel of public wall space upon which the words “I love you” are inscribed in over 250 different languages. The wall has quickly become a symbol of love, tolerance and of course, romance, to the city of Paris and the global visitors that it attracts.

Inside the square there is some greenery, a children’s play area and a few park benches. You can take your time at this attraction, just don’t wait to long to plant your kiss; the I Love You Wall is closed every evening at 6pm to prevent vandalism.

On the Balcony of Your Airbnb in Paris

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But this could very well be the most romantic way to spend a first kiss in Paris, with ample privacy as an added bonus.

I suppose the balcony of your hotel room could work just as well, however Airbnb culture is sweeping through Paris and you can find some great deals on apartments that save you having to take part in hotel systems during your stay.

Local Parisians have turned to the Airbnb platform as a means of making some extra cash every month by simply allowing strangers to make use of their space. Some actually run their Airbnb’s as full blown businesses.

If this idea sounds appealing to you, take your time to choose the right Airbnb for your stay. A balcony with a view over Paris is more desirably than one that overlooks Rue Oberkampf, for example.

Airbnb in Paris – by Airbnb – Sourced from their website

The hillside village of Montmartre is a favorite for Airbnb users. You are almost always guaranteed a room with a view due to the inclining nature of the suburb.

Heading south is also an option. The Airbnb’s of Montparnasse are usually found in high-rise buildings that set a romantic scene over Paris through to the Eiffel Tower.

In the Parc des Buttes Chaumonts in Paris

1 Rue Botzaris

This is a popular park situated in the northeast of Paris. Tourists are seen here, though most of the foot traffic that comes through are locals in the area who need place to walk their dogs or practice some yoga.

The outer boundaries of the Parc des Buttes Chaumonts are not ideal spots for a romantic first kiss to take place — you’ll have to head a little deeper.

Parc des Buttes Chaumonts – by Tom Hilton – Wikimedia Commons

Near the center of the park there is a small waterfall and magnificent grotto. By center I mean “generally central” from whichever entrance you came in from; the park is shaped like a sharks tooth so finding the middle can be tricky.

It’s well worth it. The splashing water combined with the impressive rockery and lush green plant life makes for a fairytale setting in which to smooch your lover. The park closes at 9pm daily.

At the Marie De Medicis Fountain in Paris

Rue de Médicis

The Luxembourg Gardens situated between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter is a nice place to kiss in general. Green grass, colorful flowers and a nearby palace — très romantic if you ask me.

In 1612, Queen Marie de Medici commissioned the gardens after being inspired by her trip to Florence. The Luxembourg Gardens are technically split into two, with a distinct English side on one end and a French side on the other. Between them is a pond and a forest.

Marie De Medicis Fountain – by Joe deSousa – Wikimedia Commons

There is much to see in these gardens, a visit here becomes a full day of excursions on its own. From rose gardens to apple orchids, bee hives to a puppet theatre; you’ll find ample opportunity during which to make your move.

The Marie de Medicis Fountain would, however, be my first kiss spot of choice. Its a beautiful structure that merges the gardens together. You’ll cross the fountain’s canal using a small bridge, where you’ll enjoy the best view of the craftwork that went into making this attraction.

On the Shangri La Terrace in Paris

10 Avenue d’Iéna

In an effort to avoid the very cliche first kiss under the Eiffel Tower, I’m giving you yet another spot that gets you close enough while still keeping a cheesy-free distance.

The Shangri La Hotel is one of Paris’ most notable luxury hotels. I understand that staying here is not an option for everyone visiting Paris, but visiting the property is.

The rooftop terrace of the hotel features a bar and restaurant that are open to the public. The terrace is widely known as being one of the best places in Paris from which to view the Eiffel Tower, both day and night.

Every year during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, people scramble to make a booking on the terrace for drinks and dinner. Bastille Day includes a wild fireworks display behind the Eiffel Tower — the only day of the year when fireworks are permitted in Paris.

At Shangri La you are virtually on top of the world for just a few hours. The Eiffel Tower will sparkle on the hour and you’ll know your own moment to shine has come — good luck!

The Louvre Museum at Night in Paris

Rue de Rivoli

It is very, very important that you understand that this kissing spot will only work under the cover of darkness. Try kissing someone for the first time during the light of day outside one of the busiest museums in the world and you’re likely to catch a hot ear instead.

The Louvre Museum in the 1st arrondissement is a must visit attraction for Paris first-timers. The surrounding streets are also wonderful to explore by day, with the Tuileries Gardens and shopping facilities nearby.

Louvre by night – Uriel Soberanes – Unsplash

The giant glass pyramids that mark the entrance to the museum are lit up at night. After the crowds have died down and museum staff have gone home, a walk through the courtyard becomes a very different experience to during the day.

From the glowing pyramids you’ll overlook Paris through to the Eiffel Tower. Though small, you’ll still be able to see the lights on the tower moving in the distance.

This is a heartbreakingly romantic spot to find yourself in if you are preparing for a first kiss to happen. I’ll leave it at that. Anytime after 10pm would be most ideal.

On a Boat on the Seine in Paris

A first kiss as you pass the city lights of Paris while on a boat on the Seine? I feel like I’ve seen this movie before.

Cliche? Yes. Been done? Yes. Still exceptionally cute and worthwhile? Absolutely.

Boat rides take place down the Seine River throughout the day in Paris. There are group tours, ferry boats and private trips to suit every need and budget.

Seine boats – by Anthony DELANOIX – Unsplash

If you’re looking for a good place to snog I recommend either a private boat hire or a ferry trip. The group tour boats generally feature a guide who talks throughout the journey so you can learn about each passing attraction and arrondissement — hardly leaving time for a quiet kiss en route.

You can book a Seine boat trip from a variety of companies that handle the industry. You’ll find most of them depart from the Eiffel Tower.

By the Sinking House of Montmartre in Paris

This spot I will encourage to make use of by day as it can be quite eerie at night, hardly romantic at all.

The Sinking House of Montmartre is the famous point in the 18th arrondissement where one can create the optical illusion of an entire Haussmann style building sinking into the ground.

If you are standing outside the entrance to the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, begin making your way down the many stairs that take you down the hill. Almost halfway down you’ll notice a grass patch directly to the left, move onto it and settle somewhere on the grass — away from families or other visitors if possible.

The Sinking House of Montmartre – by Pauline Loroy – Unsplash

Lay down, and tilt your head or your phone camera until the beautiful burnt orange building appears to be sinking into the Earth below. And there you go — le Sinking House of Montmartre.

Now that you’ve had your mind slightly blown, a first kiss is the perfect sequence of events to follow. Quirky, memorable and undeniably romantic!

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


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