February 13, 2020 • travel
Experience Paris, France, Like Arie Luyendyk Jr. on 'The Bachelor'
Is there anywhere better to fall in love than in the City of Love?
Paris, France oozes romance at every turn, whether you’re soaking in famous art at The Louvre or sauntering down hidden cobblestone streets. That feeling in the air isn’t only the butter from fresh croissants wafting past you — it’s l’amour at every turn.
The city is a global hub for art, culture, gastronomy, fashion, and education. It’s also the perfect place to grow your relationship and fall even more in love. Arie Luyendyk Jr. traveled to Paris on Season 22 of “The Bachelor,” and here’s how you can do the same in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Arrival
Even the hotels in Paris radiate romance, like Hôtel Molitor — MGallery where Arie stayed, or U by Uniworld, where the ladies resided.
There’s no shortage of parks in the city, so put on your beret, start off your day at Le Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens), and head towards the river to let the journey begin!
One-on-one date: Set the Seine for love
The Seine cuts Paris into two distinct sections, each with their own personality: The Left Bank (La Rive Gauche) to the south and the Right Bank (La Rive Droite) to the north.
Though Paris is the ultimate walking city, you can fight off that jet lag with a Seine river cruise. Let the light Parisian breeze chase your cares away, and take this opportunity to get to know your date even better. You’ll pass by some of Paris’ most iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Don’t forget to snap some cute couple photos!
Once you’re back on land, wander through Paris’ historic streets and see what lies behind the buildings along the river. All that walking and boating might leave you a bit depleted, so don't be afraid to take a breather and sit outside, like countless Parisians do when they catch up with friends. Replenish your energy at Odette with un café and one of their world-famous choux à la crème (cream puffs).
As you keep wandering, don’t hesitate to pick up other delicacies, like escargot, cheese, wine, and baguettes. Save room for dinner, though, because there’s nothing quite like an authentic French bistro experience.
To impress your date and splurge on an ultra-fancy meal, make a reservation at Le Grand Véfour, a 200-year-old restaurant with a modern take on French cuisine. French dinners emphasize savoring the food at leisurely pace, so you’ll have more than enough time during your meal to enjoy the company. Indulge in a nice bottle of wine and bond over your favorite parts of the city.
Lock in your romantic evening with one final detail: A walk to Love Lock Bridge. Although you can no longer add locks to the bridge, it was a place where couples would buy locks, write their initials, and throw the key into the river so you’ll be latched together forever.
One-on-one: Get your move on at the Moulin Rouge
Life is a cabaret!
You and your date sure can-can have a good time at the legendary Moulin Rouge. Located in the Paris’ Pigalle neighborhood, the Moulin Rouge (which translates to “red windmill”) feels like a mythical place for many people, which is why tourists flock here when they visit. The show must go on, and it continues to do so.
Even if you and your party do not have the chance to stand on that infamous stage and perform like Arie and the ladies, you can still attend and share a romantic dinner while taking in a show. Afterwards, make your group show off their best dance moves and whoever impresses you the most wins extra time with you!
Two-on-one date: A castle fit for a date
Tourists have fairly easy access to visit châteaux in and around Paris, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to check out Château de Breteuil. This château holds a special place in fairy tale and folk lore history — characters featured in Charles Perrault’s tales, Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Bluebeard,” and “Puss in Boots,” are reimagined as wax figures and placed around the grounds.
Other than paying homage to these timeless stories, you and your date (or dates) can stroll through the gardens and the halls of the building discussing French history and your favorite fairytale hero. This could be the perfect place to begin your happily ever after!
Once back in Paris, take an evening elevator ride up the Eiffel Tower and kiss under the stars.
One-on-one: Uphill for love
Montmartre sets itself apart as one of Paris’ most distinct neighborhoods, which is precisely why you should walk around its hilly streets for the afternoon. Basilica Sacré-Coeur towers above the area in all of its magnificent grandeur as the rest of Montmartre feels like a romantic village. Amble with each other over the cobblestones and escape straight into a world of Parisian charm.
A trip to the City of Lights can strengthen your romantic connection, and it will be a place you and your love will remember for the rest of your lives.
As you look into your love’s eyes over a candlelit dinner with a glass of vin in front of you, don’t be afraid to ask your companion the most romantic question in the world, “Will you accept this rose?”