Valentine’s Day is widely regarded as the ultimate day of cheesy, unapologetic romance, loved by some and despised by others. While some may be aware that the holiday is named after a priest named Saint Valentine, they may be unaware of the full history of Valentine’s Day, which is decidedly less romantic thn one might expect.
How Did It Become a Romantic Vacation?
Except for the name, these feasts bear little resemblance to our modern, romantic ideas of Valentine’s Day. According to some, the true origins of Valentine’s Day did not occur for another thousand years. According to Jack B. Oruch, a professor at the University of Kansas, Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to link Valentine’s Day to romance in his poem “The Parlement of Foules”.
Oruch suggests that Chaucer may have associated Valentine’s Day with romance by chance—Day Valentine’s is roughly the time when European birds begin mating. Later poets, such as Shakespeare, followed Chaucer’s example and contributed to the romantic connotations we have today.
Romantic Things to Do in the ‘City of Love’ on Valentine’s Day
The romantic city of lights will always be the most romantic city, but it turns out that it burns a hole in the pocket. The Seine River cruise does not compare to the New York cruise, but it is still enjoyable. The surrounding calm waters are ideal for a peaceful romantic evening. The cost of a 3-hour cruise with views of the Eiffel Tower is INR 24000. Dinner at the world-famous Moulin Rouge will set you back approximately INR 15000. The cost of a romantic hotel stay is around INR 50000 per night. Paris is without a doubt the most expensive city in the world to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Unlike in some countries, where everyone participates in this lovey-dovey holiday from an early age, Valentine’s Day in France is reserved for adults in love. Children do not exchange cards, and the French would never offer anything to their friends for this holiday.
Despite being a much less commercial holiday than, say, the United States, you’ll still see plenty of pink and red shop windows around Paris, gently reminding passersby that La Saint-Valentin is quickly approaching. The lovely displays do not appear until the beginning of February, not immediately after Christmas. The French know how to plan their vacations.
French couples, like those in other countries and cultures, give each other chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or romantic evenings. Aside from picking up a gift at a chocolatier or a fleuriste, Parisians have even more ways to celebrate this sweet holiday.
Special events are held at some Paris museums, monuments, and parks, and many restaurants offer a Valentine’s Day menu. For those looking to enjoy a sexy evening, Paris has a plethora of cabarets that put on special shows to commemorate the occasion.
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. More than any other day of the year, romantic couples shower their better half with gifts and tokens of appreciation on February 14. Much is well known about Valentine’s Day. Handwritten cards, chocolate hearts, and red roses are all annual staples that can be found at any convenience store.
Places to Visit on Valentine’s Day in Paris
The Age of Enlightenment, which produced great works of philosophy, mathematics, literature, and art, was centered in Paris. Paris is still a popular destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals. However, Paris is best known today as the “City of Love.” It is undeniably romantic and a wonderful place to visit, particularly on Valentine’s Day.
Paris is a large city with numerous airports and public transportation options. Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport are the two main international airports. The RER train is a cheap and convenient way to get from the airports to the city center, though if you fly into Orly, you will need to take the OrlyVal Train to Antony Station before transferring to the RER.
The Paris Metro is the most convenient way to get around the city. With over 300 stations and 16 lines, the Metro is extremely efficient. Another option is to take the city buses, which are great for sightseeing but are slowed down by Paris traffic. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but they are not cheap. The best way to explore Paris is on foot. Take a good pair of walking shoes and go exploring in this magnificent city! The Metro is convenient to everything!
Louvre Museum: Located on the Right Bank and formerly the royal palace, is not only the largest museum in Paris, but also the largest museum on the planet! This is an excellent place to spend a day admiring over 35,000 works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Arc de Triomphe: Napoleon erected the Arc de Triomphe, which stands proudly in the center of the Étoile roundabout, to commemorate his victory at Austerlitz. Make your way to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Paris. While you’re there, take a stroll down the Champs Elysees, which connects the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.
Luxembourg Palace and Gardens: The largest park in Paris, this enchanting garden is ideal for a stroll or a picnic. The magnificent Luxembourg Palace was once a royal residence but is now owned by the French Senate. Inside, you can take a tour or visit the Luxembourg Museum.
Eiffel Tower: Would a trip to Paris be complete without seeing the famous Eiffel Tower? Every hour in the evening, the tower puts on a spectacular light show. To avoid long lines, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance!
Musee d’Orsay: This museum houses the world’s largest collection of impressionist art. It is housed in an architecturally stunning structure that was once a working train station.
Basilica Sacre-Coeur: Located in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, this beautiful church sits on the butte (hill) Montmartre, Paris’ highest point. Take the stairs or the Funiculaire to the top for even more amazing views of the city.