Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Eiffel Tower Kiss

Enlarge Photo

Paris — the city of lights, luxury and l’amour. After living there for four months, I became well acquainted with each. Unfortunately, my special someone was stuck back in the States, so I was only a jealous bystander to the many displays of public affection. When I go back to visit someday, I’m making sure his hand is in mine at my top five romantic spots to steal a French kiss.

1. My number-one destination for a scenic smooch is the hilltop landing directly in front of the Sacré Coeur basilica at sunset. Being the highest point in the whole city, this spot offers vistas of virtually everything. There are often live musicians playing on the steps, so take a seat and enjoy the enchanting ambience as the sun casts a shadow over the distant Eiffel Tower.

2. Buy a ticket for the Ferris wheel on the Champs-Elysées so you can canoodle with a view of the Arc de Triomphe. Even better is a ride during the holidays — the whole street is lined with Christmas lights!

3. Grab some Brie and a baguette for a picnic lunch at the Luxembourg Gardens. Take a few photos in front of the hidden Medici fountain, then pucker up among the mysterious rows of trees leading up to the Pantheon. I always felt like I’d entered The Secret Garden.

4. Paris is known for its many ornate bridges, but Pont de la Tournelle is my personal favorite. Not only does it offer a beautiful view of Notre Dame’s posterior (the underrated side of the cathedral, I might add), but there’s rarely ever much traffic! You and your sweetheart can enjoy the views along the Seine in taxi-free peace. Now that deserves a kiss.

5. The Eiffel Tower is the most obvious choice for a romantic rendezvous, but the trick is figuring out where and when to enjoy its classic charm. Trocadero Square is the perfect distance away for a full, unobstructed view, and if you go after sunset, the tower’s 10-minute light show glitters every hour on the hour. Don’t forget your bottle of champagne to toast your travels!

Photo Credit: Eiffel Tower

Wherever you may end up, take a moment to fully appreciate that you’re in Paris with the love of your life, and then kiss away! (Or as the French would say, “Embrassez!”)