Honeymoon in Paris

The “City of Lights” is arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world (if not the most romantic city), which makes it one of the most excellent honeymoon destinations around the globe. Thus, it goes without saying that Paris often comes to mind when thinking about honeymooning in Europe. A visit to this city will always include romance and everlasting memories, whether you’re strolling along the Seine River or enjoying taking photos in front of the Eiffel Tower. Your perfect Paris honeymoon starts here.

Geography of Paris

Paris is the capital of France, located in the central northern region of the country. The Seine River arcs through the city, and many of Paris’s famous landmarks are on its riverfront. This includes the Eiffel Tower, Jardin des Tuileries, and Place de la Concord. Two little islands remain on the river in the city: Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame is, and Île Saint-Louis, right next to it.

The city has its left bank, south of the river, and right bank, east of the river. Famously, eight bridges cross over the river in Paris, connecting its left and right banks. One of the most famous bridges is Pont des Arts.

Paris neighborhoods are divided into 20 “arrondissements,” numbered 1 through 20 from the city center spiraling outward in a clockwise direction. Some of the city’s most famous tourist neighborhoods are Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Saint Germain des Prés.

Paris is a pretty flat city that is easy to walk around (so we recommend you wear comfy shoes). Still, it’s large, so you’ll likely want to use public transportation, like the Metro, to help you both get around. (The city is only noticeably hilly in its Montmartre area, where the famous Sacré-Cœur basilica sits on the hilltop that the neighborhood is named after.)

Language in Paris

Paris is within France, where the official language is French. While mostly everyone you meet speaks English, if only a little, it’s polite to know a few words and phrases to use during your Paris honeymoon. This includes things like hello, which is “bonjour,” yes or “oui.” Simple etiquette words are also great to know, including please, which is “s’il vous plaît.” and thank you, which is “merci.”

Time Zone in Paris

Paris’s time zone is GMT +2, in Central European Time. They observe Daylight Savings Time. It’s six hours ahead of NYC and nine hours ahead of Los Angeles. If it is 7 pm in Paris, it’s 1 pm in New York, and 10 am in Los Angeles.

Currency in Paris

The currency of Paris is that of France, which is the Euro. Though currency rates fluctuate, the exchange rate of one Euro is equal to approximately $1.19 USD. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Paris.

LGBTQ+ Community in Paris

Paris has a strong LGBTQ+ Community and has many gay bars and clubs within its city limits. The city hosts an annual Pride parade each June.

Same-sex marriage in France has been legal since 2013, and couples who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community visiting Paris, especially, should feel comfortable to be themselves.

Best Time to Take Your Paris Honeymoon

Paris experiences four seasons. It’s warm during the summer season, with temperatures hitting the high 70s, and it’s cool in the winter, with temperatures dipping in the 30s.

December through February are the coldest months; June through September are the warmest. May, October, and December may be the rainiest months, but it rains in Paris fairly consistently all year. Though it sometimes snows in Paris, it’s usually not a heavy downfall. The snowiest month is typically January.

The peak season is the summer. Traveling in summer will give you the warmest Paris honeymoon, but also the most crowded. If you choose to visit in summer, you may simply need some more pre-planning and more budget to get what you want.

Shoulder season (Spring and Fall) is a good time to visit and embark on your Paris honeymoon when the weather is still good, but the tourism numbers have subsided a little. You’ll have a chance for better hotel rates for your Paris honeymoon during this time and more options for timed entries, like art museums.

Flying to Paris

Paris is easily accessible via its major international airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle (code CDG).

Here are sample flights from three major US cities for the second week in September:

NYC to CDG: nonstop flight with 7 hours of traveling for $660

LAX to CDG: nonstop flight that takes just under 11 hours and costs $1,240

IAH to CDG: nonstop flight taking about 9.5 hours for $1,800

From CDG airport, you can take a train, bus or taxi into the city. The regional RER train takes less than an hour to arrive in Paris and is €10.

The other international airport in the area is Paris-Orly (code ORY). It may be worth comparing flights to and from both airports for your desired Paris honeymoon travel dates. 

Passport and Visa Requirements to Visit Paris, France

A visa for a stay of fewer than 90 days is not required if you’re visiting France for a honeymoon. But you’ll need a valid passport that has one blank page for stamps. And it has to be valid for three months after you depart from France back to the United States.

Recommended Vaccinations

Travelers visiting Paris (and France, as a whole) should have routine vaccines. This includes the Flu, Chickenpox, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Polio and Hepatitis A and B.

COVID-19 Safety when Visiting France

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions to visit France if you come from the United States and are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers must have proof of a negative PCR COVID test taken within 72 hours of their arrival.

Notable Paris Honeymoon Hotels

Hotel selection is essential for your Paris honeymoon getaway. The best hotels could very much set the scene for romantic things to do in the area. Imagine accommodations with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance or a luxurious hotel you can escape to for a couples massage after a day of walking around this fairy tale city.

Below are some romantic Paris honeymoon hotels for your consideration, broken down into those on the left and right banks of the city, in various price ranges.

Left Bank Paris Hotels

Hôtel des Grand Hommes: opposite Paris’s Pantheon, this hotel has historical roots dating back to the 18th century.

Esprit Saint Germain: offering rooms and suites as well as apartment rental options. Some even have a private terrace!

Hotel de la Bretonnerie: in Le Marais, this cozy boutique hotel is near tons of shopping and restaurants.

Hôtel Georgette: with a funky, youthful vibe, also in the Marais district.

Relais Christine: a small luxury hotel in a 16th-century mansion with a charming courtyard entrance, just two blocks from Pont Neuf and a ten-minute walk to Notre Dame.

Right Bank Paris Hotels

Hôtel Ritz Paris: for the ultimate in Parisian luxury, a location near Place Vendôme and an onsite spa.

Four Seasons Hotel George V: a luxury hotel brand you know and trust, with three Michelin restaurants accumulating five stars, off the prestigious Parisian promenade, Champs-Elysee.

The Westin Paris: just across from the Tuileries and part of the Marriott brand of hotels.

La Comtesse: just steps from the Eiffel Tower with an onsite cafe.

Hôtel Lutetia: the only luxury palace hotel on the city’s left bank. Picasso and Matisse took up residence here, and the famous 1920s entertainer, Josephine Baker, was a regular.

Things to Do in Paris

Visit Paris’s Famous Landmarks

Visiting the most famous and well-known landmark is a must during your Paris honeymoon: the Eiffel Tower, an icon of this romantic city. (Take the Paris Metro to the Gare Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel station for easy access.) For fewer people in your photos, visit during sunrise.

Vacationing in Paris also calls for visits to famous churches, including Notre Dame. (It’s temporarily closed for repairs from a terrible fire, but you can visit the outside, which is gorgeous.) Just across the way, on the same island, is Sainte-Chapelle. Its awe-inspiring stained glass windows are only visible from inside.

Another iconic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe, stands in a circle along the Champs-Elysee, which is also worth a stroll down. The giant arch was built to commemorate those who fought and died during the Napoleonic Wars and French Revolution. Don’t miss a climb to the top of the arch for spectacular views of Paris. 

The Palais Royal was built in the 17th century and was home to royal families before Versailles. Entrance to the national landmark and former palace is free.

Spend A Day or Half Day at an Art Gallery or at Paris Museums

Paris has incredible art galleries. To decide which you’re going to visit, you may want to investigate the works of art at specific locations. For instance, if you wish to see the Mona Lisa, it’s at the Louvre. If you want to see a modern art collection by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Man Ray, visit the Centre Pompidou. Another outstanding museum is Musée de l’Orangerie, with famous works of art from Claude Monet inside.

The Musée d’Orsay is a fun one to visit for its architecture alone—the beautiful works of art inside notwithstanding—because it’s built within an old train station.

See a Cabaret Performance

Travel to the Montmartre district in Paris to see a live cabaret performance at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. It’s easy to spot with the red windmill on top of the theater. After all, the name literally translates to “red mill.”

Travel on the River Seine

Take a Seine River Cruise and enjoy the sunset on the water, or perhaps champagne on a boat ride that travels the river’s length in the city.

Take Day Trips from Paris

If you’re staying in Paris, you may also take advantage of the trains from the city center.

You can easily get to Versailles during your Paris honeymoon for an extraordinary day trip. When you take a train out to the palace, you’ll find it’s within walking distance of the station. One of the most romantic places in Versailles is its impressive outdoor gardens, with its Grand Canal, fountains and many hedged plants.

You can also get to the Champagne region of France from Paris within an hour. If you do, take a tour to taste lots of bubbly in the area that invented it!

Eat Your Way through Paris

World-class cuisine is easy to find in Paris. Whether you discover French classics on your own—like escargot (snails) or Coq au Vin (chicken cooked in a wine sauce)—or take a French food tour, you’ll be well-fed on your Paris honeymoon. Enjoy France’s delectable cheese and baguettes—and Parisian pastries if you have a sweet tooth. Be sure to wash down whatever you eat with French wine or some espresso as you partake in “cafe culture” in the city, whatever the hour.

You can also sign up for a cooking class in Paris, which hopefully your family and friends help you pay for, through your honeymoon registry on Honeyfund.

Honeymoon Registry with Honeyfund

Speaking of your honeymoon registry, don’t delay in starting yours today. Family and friends will surely want to have a hand in helping make your dream Paris honeymoon a reality without actually being there! Start with our sample France registry and tailor it to your and your partner’s desires.