3 Days in Paris: A Couple’s Guide to the City of Light

For your first day, stay close to the heart of the city in the 6th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Begin with a visit to the Louvre, but instead of rushing to the Mona Lisa, take time with some of its other treasures that are just as recognizable, with far fewer crowds. The Code of Hammurabi, the Crown Jewels of France, and the Venus de Milo are all historically significant and well worth seeking out.

Afterward, wander through the Left Bank’s cobblestone streets before stopping at L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre. This standing-room-only wine bar is one of my favorite Paris experiences. The bartenders are excellent at guiding you to wines that fit your preferences, and the small plates—charcuterie, croquettes, or even foie gras on toast—make it an easy and fun stop for a light lunch.

Dinner at Le Grande Crèmerie is a must. Cozy and elegant, it strikes that rare balance of intimate yet lively, ideal for couples. Reservations are essential here (as they are across Paris), so be sure to book in advance.

End the night with cocktails at Bar Joséphine inside Hôtel Lutetia. Its art-deco glamour, gilded murals, and plush velvet seating make it one of the most romantic lounges in the city. Pro tip: From Thursday through Saturday, live music turns an already memorable cocktail bar into a quintessential Parisian night.

Day two takes you a bit farther from the center. Start with a morning visit to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, then wander through Montmartre’s winding streets where artists once worked and cafés spill out onto the sidewalks.

In the afternoon, head to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Paris’ largest flea market. You’ll find everything from antique furniture and vintage posters to quirky one-of-a-kind finds—it’s as much about the atmosphere as the shopping. Note that the market is open Friday through Monday.

For dinner, book a table at Adraba, my favorite spot in Montmartre serving inventive Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Couples should ask for seats at the bar, where you can watch the chefs at work and often strike up a conversation with the team.

Cap off the evening at Le Très Particulier, a tucked-away cocktail bar inside Hôtel Particulier. With its leafy garden setting and inventive drinks, it’s a magical spot to wind down the night.

Begin with a visit to Île de la Cité. Stroll past the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral, whose renovation after the devastating 2019 fire has just been completed, and don’t miss Sainte-Chapelle with its spectacular stained glass. From there, continue along the river to the Musée d’Orsay, home to the world’s greatest Impressionist collection.

Break for lunch at La Grande Épicerie, the food hall attached to Le Bon Marché. Think Whole Foods, but on Parisian terms—oysters and Champagne, rows of cheeses, and pastries that make it hard to choose. It’s a grocery store elevated into an experience.

After lunch, browse Le Bon Marché, the Left Bank’s legendary department store. Whether you’re shopping for the latest French fashion or simply wandering to take it all in, it’s always worth the visit.

For your final evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine toward the Eiffel Tower and watch as the lights of Paris come alive—a fittingly romantic close to three unforgettable days.