PARIS LE MEURICE Two day itinerary: Romance Paris and romance have been synonymous for centuries. While the idea of an amorous retreat to the City of Light may not be terribly revolutionary, it’s a cliché for a reason. Whether wandering in centuries-old public parks or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, couples eager for both intimacy and adventure have much to discover with this two-day itinerary. Day One Start your romantic day in Paris at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, 10 minutes from the hotel by taxi. MUSÉE DE LA VIE ROMANTIQUE T: 01 55 31 95 67 | Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris The former home of Dutch artist Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique was once the meeting place for many of the great creative minds of the 19th century, from Dickens to Delacroix. Now an incorporated museum found at the foot of leafy Montmartre, the institution’s delightful collection of treasures includes memorabilia owned by George Sand and a range of paintings from the era. From Musée de la Vie Romantique, Galerie Vivienne is 15 minutes away by taxi. GALERIE VIVIENNE 5 Rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris Built in 1823, Galerie Vivienne is a pristine covered shopping arcade close to the Palais-Royal. A vestige from an era when shopping and socialising took place in these hidden passageways, the remarkably restored Galerie features mosaic tile work, a stunning glass roof and an array of luxury boutiques and wine merchants perfect for browsing. Then, stop for lunch at Benoit, 10 minutes from Galerie Vivienne by taxi or 20 minutes on foot. BENOIT T: 01 42 72 45 68 | 20 Rue Saint Martin, 75004 Paris Established in 1912 and helmed by prestigious chef Alain Ducasse since 2005, Benoit is the only bistro in Paris to hold a Michelin star. Red velvet seating, large mirrors and dark wood panelling make for a cosy atmosphere, and the food is just as loyal to tradition. Accompanying an extensive menu of fine French wines, the seasonal bistro fare includes terrines, foie gras, exquisite fish and meat dishes, and a selection of tarts and ice creams to finish. Spend the afternoon shopping on Place Vendôme, a 25-minute walk or 15-minue drive from Benoit. The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) JEWELLERY SHOPPING ON PLACE VENDÔME 75001 Paris Brimming with luxury jewellery boutiques, Place Vendôme, centrally located in the first arrondissement, is the ideal location for those seeking a glittering engagement ring or other token of their affections. From Chanel and Jaeger-LeCoultre to Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, a wide selection of design houses and other specialists can be found here. Then, take a 20-minute taxi ride to get to La Tour d’Argent in time for your dinner reservation. LA TOUR D’ARGENT T: 01 43 54 23 31 | 15 Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris The enviably placed, impeccably designed environs of Michelin-starred restaurant, La Tour d’Argent, make for a wonderfully romantic dining experience. Start with a Champagne toast as you look out over the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral as the sun sets, before moving on to order from the accomplished menu of classic, elegant French cuisine. The hotel is then a 15-minute taxi ride or 40-minute walk along the Seine from the restaurant. Day two Start the day with a romantic carriage ride through the city with Paris Calèches, just 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi. PARIS CALÈCHES T: 06 62 20 24 88 | East Pillar of the Eiffel Tower, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris A calèche – or a private, horse-drawn carriage – is one of the lovelier ways to take in the Paris sights. For couples looking for a relaxed journey past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, Paris Calèches provides an intimate way to explore (accompanied, if you so choose, by a bottle of Champagne and sweet treats). After your carriage ride, take a taxi for the 20-minute journey to the Jardin du Luxembourg. JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG Rue de Médicis-Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris Unfolding across almost 25 hectares, the magnificent Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the city’s most beloved public spaces, and has been since Marie de Medici created it in the early 17th century. Comprising English and French-style gardens, orchid-filled greenhouses, apiaries, orchards, ponds, and sculptures, the park offers plenty of space to get lost in during a romantic stroll. The Musée National Eugène Delacroix is then a 10-minute walk from the Jardin du Luxembourg. The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) MUSÉE NATIONAL EUGÈNE DELACROIX T: 01 44 41 86 50 | 6 Rue de Furstenberg, 75006 Paris Located in the Place de Fürstenberg – famously one of Paris’s most beautiful little squares – the Musée National Eugène Delacroix is housed in what was the artist’s final place of residence. While petite, the well-appointed museum hosts an impressive collection of the iconic French painter’s canvases, as well as sketches and art objects he collected during his lifetime. Next, walk for 10 minutes to the Pont des Arts. PONT DES ARTS 75006 Paris Perhaps the best-known bridge in Paris, the fame of pedestrian-only Pont des Arts was cemented by the – now removed – 45 tonnes of padlocks that lovers clipped onto its gratings and rails. Although the ‘love locks’ are no more, this remains a romantic landmark and a must-visit for couples. From the bridge, take a 10-minute walk south of the Seine to Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. COMPAGNIE DES VINS SURNATURELS T: 09 54 90 20 20 | 7 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris Bring the day to a close in Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, a low-lit wine bar in the chic neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The pretty décor – blue walls, patterned sofas and a carved marble fireplace – lends this establishment a romantic ambience. Peruse an imaginative fine wine list and order a light dinner from the menu of moreish small plates. Le Meurice is then a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute walk over the river. All journey times are approximate and subject to variation. The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020).