Our guide to the best romantic places to propose in Paris
You know how it is. You’re in love with the most beautiful person you’ve ever met. Everything is romantic and perfect. And so your thoughts turn to the inevitable question — will I propose?
A proposal is a big moment in your relationship. It’s the beginning of your engagement. And the prelude to your marriage. It has to be absolutely perfect. And not just the ring and the words. The time and place you propose matter, too.
Paris is a great location to make your proposal. It is the City of Love, after all. And as you will see, there is no shortage of ideas for romantic places to propose in Paris.
In this blog post, we give you a sneak-peek at 3 iconic spots to propose in Paris. Actually, 4 spots. As you’ll see, the first 3 have a drawback. Whereas the last spot … Well, maybe you don’t like the idea of a cool breeze wafting off the river, the gentle lap of water against the hull, and no one but you and your partner to soak up the beautiful Parisian skyline.
But if you do, then a private boat tour on the Seine rivals any of the best places to propose to your partner. You can even have a photographer discreetly on board to capture this special moment forever. Does this sound like the perfect way to make your proposal?
Is Paris a good place to propose?
You bet it is. Paris is the City of Love for good reason.
From the romantic movement of the 19th century to Ernest Hemingway and the Lost Generation after World War I, Paris has a long history of attracting literary and artistic minds. And little wonder. Compared to other European cities of the time, Paris was, and continues to be, a beacon for romantic souls seeking a more liberating and intoxicating way of life.
This romantic image is particularly strong in the American mind. When American soldiers arrived in the city after the liberation of Paris, you can imagine the contrast in style, elegance, cuisine, and social mores between this ancient city and their towns and farms back home. As the famous song goes, “How You Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm, after They’ve Seen Paree?”
Novels and movies have only amplified the romance of Paris ever since. Casablanca being a famous example. Emily in Paris being a more recent one.
Obviously, it helps that the city of Paris is so beautiful. Every street, every bar, every cafe, every avenue is steeped in romance. This might seem superficial. But when Humphrey Bogart says “We’ll always have Paris,” you know he’s talking about love. It’s hard to beat that.
So Paris is the best romantic place to propose. But where in the city do you do it?
3 romantic places to propose in Paris
There are lots of great spots to make your proposal in the French capital. But you don’t need to be overwhelmed with an impossible list of ideas. So we’ve whittled them down to 3 perfect spots to make your proposal the most romantic ever.
The Eiffel Tower — for the romance
Of all the best romantic places to propose in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is literally the top spot for your proposal.
Can you imagine it? Panoramic view of Paris stretching out in every direction. The hustle and bustle of the city far below you. Just you and the person you love, experiencing the most magic moment of your relationship. You go down on one knee, present the ring, and they say Yes!
The Eiffel Tower has to be among the most romantic places to propose in Paris. But there are others …
Trocadero — for the setting
Okay, the Eiffel Tower is hard to beat with its panoramic view of the city. But if you want the perfect backdrop for your proposal, Trocadero has many advantages. One being, of course, the view of the Eiffel Tower itself in the distance.
Trocadero is a large square surrounded by romantic cafes, bars, bistros, and museums. One of these is the Café de l’Homme, a restaurant that features in Emily in Paris. The view from here across the gardens and the River Seine towards the Eiffel Tower is spectacular. So spectacular, in fact, that it leaves Emily herself speechless.
And that’s the advantage Trocadero has over the Eiffel Tower. It’s great being able to look out on the city from the top. But what’s the point of admiring Paris if you can’t see its most iconic monument? With Trocadero, it’s not so much the place itself that’s romantic. It’s how it frames the city that makes it one of the most romantic places to propose in Paris.
This setting also makes Trocadero ideal for a photo shoot. A professional photographer will know how to capture the beginning of your engagement.
Rooftop hotel — for the luxury
If you enjoy the finer things in life, why not bring your partner to one of the luxury hotels dotted around Paris? Many of these hotels have rooftop bars and pools that are accessible to guests.
Waiting in line and climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a lot of work. Trocadero is beautiful, but you will have to navigate the city traffic or the metro to get there. If you prefer something a little more refined, why not enjoy a cocktail or a gourmet meal with a view out over Paris? Enjoy some of the best wines and champagne Paris has to offer. And when the time is right … Well, you know how it goes at this stage, the knee, the ring, etc.
Okay, so what’s the catch?
The Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, or the rooftop of a luxury hotel are all romantic places for your proposal. But they all have one drawback — there’s a fair chance you’ll be proposing in front of an audience. These are top tourist destinations and some of the most famous spots in Paris to visit. What if you want somewhere private?
In that case, one of the best ideas is to book a private boat tour on the River Seine. Firstly, because it’s unique. Many have proposed in Paris. Some have proposed on the banks of the Seine. But few have made their proposal right on the river. Second, a private river tour is a great way to surprise the person you love with an unexpected adventure through the heart of Paris. And third — and this is a big advantage — you have the boat to yourself. Just you and your partner. Because the marriage proposal is a special moment between the two. Who wants a crowd of onlookers spoiling the romance?
With a private river tour, you can also capture this moment in time. As part of our private tours, My Paris River can organise a photo shoot with a professional photographer. Think of the stunning photos you can show off when you get home. There you are on one knee, the engagement ring in your hand, the surprise dawning on the face of the person you love, with the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral in the background.
A private boat tour featuring the most famous Parisian monuments is the perfect spot for your proposal. Find more information about our romantic Paris tours and prices on our website. Contact us to customize your experience and make the most of your special day!
