In a few weeks' time, Paris, as well as the rest of the world, will celebrate one of the most hotly-anticipated annual holidays: Valentine's Day. What better place to celebrate the 'day of love' than in a city that practically the entire world regards as the most romantic? In many ways, the French capital is the ideal place to celebrate Valentine's Day with your special someone. Something as simple as having coffee in many of the city's idyllic cafés is already a perfect date itself. Especially if you go to these warm and cozy hotspots!
Café de la Paix
In a city like Paris, you either go big or go home! The quiet little corner coffee shops where you might see cigarette buts amidst coffee cups and writers typing away in their laptops are all well and good, but if you're going on a date for Valentine's Day, it might be better to go somewhere grand. A cafe like Café de la Paix, for example. Located on Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the views of the world-famous Opéra Garnier are reason enough to have your date here. Not to mention its romantically opulent exterior too!
Source: Café de la Paix Facebook Page
Le Café Marly
If you want to visit another café that'll give you a view of another world-famous site in Paris, then go to Le Café Marly. Located in the
1st arrondissement, the place is literally right beside the Louver, arguably the most famous museum in Paris. Getting a table outside lets you dine by the museum's iconic glass pyramid, where you can bask in its architectural and geometric glory as you indulge in French pastries and strong coffee. This hotspot has become so popular, it's even been featured in the
second season of the hit Netflix show, 'Emily in Paris.'
Source: Le Café Marly Facebook Page
La Maison Rose
Hidden away in the bohemian hub of Paris,
Montmartre, La Maison Rose is among the most picturesque cafés in the city. Its notable pink and green exterior already helps it stand out, making it an
Instagram-worthy spot in the famous Paris district. But what really makes it a romantic hotspot that's perfect for Valentine's Day is that the area itself is pretty quiet. Though popular, it isn't as busy as the other more bustling areas in the French capital. Paired with the countryside charm of the café, La Maison Rose is the perfect 'hidden' escape for you and your significant other to escape to.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Au Cadet de Gascogne
Another notable café in Montmartre is Au Cadet de Gascogne. Thanks to its stark red exterior, you can spot this Instagrammable establishment from a while away. Though the place is more known as a brasserie, their notable coffee still upholds its café reputation. And the food here is as French as it can get! Think
fois gras made with fig marmalade and toast,
escargot served with melted butter,
beef bourguignon braised in red wine, and more. Pair those with live local music and they've got the Parisian vibe down pat! Moreover, their Valentine's Day special menu only costs €49.00 each. Not bad, right?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Boot Café
The name 'Boot Café' may not sound the most romantic, but this intimate little coffee shop tucked away in the
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is definitely Valentine's Day-worthy! Don't mistake it for its original Marais location, however, because it's this second location that's more fitting for a lovey-dovey cup of coffee. Despite the fact that it's already located in one of the more bustling
neighborhoods in Paris, its compact space still makes it perfect for an intimate date. You can spend as much time here as you want, kissing between each sip, and you still won't be as disturbed much as you would in other cafés in the city.
Source: Boot Café Facebook Page
Hôtel du Nord
Needless to say, Hôtel du Nord café is pretty iconic! You've probably seen it on social media, on postcards, featured in movies and on TV, and more. It's the kind of place that, when you think of a café in Paris, this is the image that will automatically come to mind. Now, you may be thinking: '
if this place is that famous, why would it suit Valentine's Day?' Though this is a good point, the fact remains that this is a popular foodie hotspot where you can get some of the best French cuisines in Paris. Wouldn't you want to indulge in only the best with your lover during this holiday?
Source: Hôtel du Nord Facebook Page
Café Suédois
Finally, there's the charming Café Suédois on rue Payenne in the
3rd arrondissement in Paris. Housed in the beautiful Hotel de Marle, this café featured an outdoor area that's so beautiful, you'd wish this was your own courtyard in your
luxury home in Paris. Under the sun, shaded by a big white umbrella, you and your significant other can spend a lazy afternoon, sipping coffee and indulging in French treats, as you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy each other's company. Doesn't that sound like a pretty idyllic and ideal way to spend Valentine's Day in the French capital?
Source: Le Café Suédois Facebook Page
There's arguably nothing more quintessentially Parisian than going to a café. And if you're in the city on Valentine's Day, you'll want to take your special someone on a coffee date in any of these fine and fabulous hotspots in the city.