Ahh! L’Amour! Where else but France?
Everywhere you look couples are holding hands, embracing and spending time enjoying each other’s company. The language is romantic; French art, films, poetry and novels are all imbued with a sense of romanticism. So it makes sense, if you are looking to find a special place to enjoy the company of another person – or even experience a romantic journey alone, to look no further than France.
Paris is the obvious choice for a rendez-vous, proposals, anniversaries and weddings. Although le Pont des Arts, the famous “Lover’s Bridge”, no longer allows couples to secure metal locks to proclaim their passion, it remains a walking bridge where lovers can enjoy a picnic, while reading the expressions of love on the graffiti murals.
…..But outside of Paris….there are so many romantic retreats that offer the perfect setting to rekindle the heart, and engage with someone special. Here are a few of our favorites:
Located in Southwest France, the Valley of the Dordogne is an area where you can get lost, and reconnect with a significant other. Centered around the river Dordogne, the area is full of lush green hills, sleepy country roads, villages, and quaint inns, juxtaposed against amazing vineyards and magnificent Chateaux. Stop by Le Vieux Logis in Trémolat, a beautiful Relais et Château that boasts a 1-Star restaurant and an exquisite selection of wines – an excellent spot for a diner en tête-à-tête; or book one of their luxurious rooms. In nearby Domme, couples come to experience the breathtaking panorama at sunset; and a private wine tasting tour in Bergerac, is the perfect experience for any couple. Bergerac boasts some of the finest wines in the world. Bergerac Vineyard Tours (bergeracvineyardtours.com) offers exclusive, private visits to local vineyards. The Valley of the Dordogne is the perfect area to escape and enjoy the natural surroumdings.
In nearby Bordeaux, couples love to visit the Miroir d’ eau (also known as the Miroir des Quais) which is the “world’s largest reflecting pool”, located in the Place de la Bourse. This World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is often called the meeting place for lovers – especially at sunset.
Another romantic option, where time almost stops, is taking a Barge Cruise on one of the 5-Star trips offered on the various canal systems throughout France. Abercrombie & Kent, (abercrombiekent.com); Barge Lady Cruises (bargeladycruises.com); as well as Barges in France (bargesinfrance.com), offer private cruises to almost any waterway in France. Sit on the deck, hold hands and enjoy a glass of wine, as you watch the world slowly roll by. At each lock you can hop off together, ride a bicycle into town, explore fields of lavender or visit medieval castles before meeting the boat at the next stop. The boats are luxurious and offer all amenities, including queen size beds and en suite marble baths. Most barges have intimate living spaces where you can spend quiet alone-time. These trips are ideal for honeymoons, engagements, anniversaries – or just time to regroup and reconnect.
Back on land, in the hills of Provence, you and your ami(e) might find yourself in St. Paul de Vence, a charming, walled medieval village overlooking the French Riviera. Your romantic journey may take a spiritual turn to nearby Vence, at the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, which houses amazing stained-glass windows, murals and paintings created and dedicated by Henri Matisse. His intense colors and shapes infuse this tiny Catholic chapel with subtle light hues, creating an awe inspiring experience, and perhaps the perfect location for couples to renew their commitment. Before leaving, enjoy lunch at La Columbe d’Or in St. Paul and ask for a table on the garden terrace – a wonderful way to spend a romantic afternoon.
A true lover’s escape can also be found in the remote alpine village of Annecy. Located in the southeastern French Alps, this town has beautiful canals, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets leading to the medieval Château. Considered a romantic getaway, especially in the fall, couples can sample the raclette in one of the many local restaurants, check out the farmers’ markets, and visit le Pont des Amours, overlooking the lac d’Annecy. It is said that if two lovers kiss on this bridge, their love will last forever. So be careful who you kiss!
One of the most romantic sites in all of France is Le Mont Saint-Michel, a mystical island fortress in Normandy. Informed by the tides that regularly separate the area from the mainland, this is an ideal escape for a romantic couple. The tiny island, with a population of 30, surrounds the medieval Christian Abbeye, another UNESCO World Heritage site, where nuns and monks still live and work. Here you feel transported to another time in history as you wind your way, on foot, around the tiny island. Spend the night in the Auberge Mère Poulard, one of the many small hotels on the island, and order their famous omelette; take a romantic horseback ride at sunset on the bay; or enjoy a special evening à deux, including champagne and maracons. Mont Saint-Michel attracts many honeymooners year-round.
Back in Paris, the full expression of amour can be found in Montmartre, at Le Mur des Je T’Aime, located in the Place des Abbesses. Lovers from around the world come to express their affection and experience the vast wall of the words, “I love you”, written in over 350 languages.
Whether you are a new couple, on your honeymoon, celebrating a 50th Anniversary, or enjoying a blossoming friendship, France offers a multitude of places to escape, enjoy your relationship and share an experience. This is a country that celebrates l’amour!