2 days in Paris itinerary for couple
A relaxed, romantic 2-day Paris itinerary for a couple: morning culture, unhurried lunches, scenic strolls, a sunset Seine cruise and an indulgent couples' spa — with cozy cafés, wine-bar evenings and rooftop golden-hour moments.
Highlights
- Sainte-Chapelle stained glass
- Sunset Seine cruise (Bateaux Parisiens)
- Couples spa at My Blend by Clarins - Le Royal Monceau
- Rooftop cocktail at Le Perchoir Marais
- Intimate dinners at Les Ombres and Le Barav
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic central Paris: Gothic light, Latin Quarter charm, Musée d'Orsay art, a sunset Seine cruise and a rooftop-facing dinner by the Eiffel.
Sainte-Chapelle — morning light through the stained glass
Start with Sainte-Chapelle to enjoy the jewel-like stained glass before the crowds build; an intimate, luminous experience to set a romantic tone.
Local tips:
- Arrive at opening to catch sunlight full-on the upper chapel — the colors are best in the first hour.
- Buy a timed ticket online or show up early to avoid long queues; the lower chapel is quieter and great for a private moment.
- There are narrow stairs — link arms on the steps and pause on the landing for a photo with the chapel's vaulted ceiling.
Notre-Dame exterior & Île de la Cité viewpoint
A short, contemplative visit to the façade, the Seine banks and nearby viewpoints — perfect for couple photos and river-side ambience.
Local tips:
- Stand on the Pont Saint-Louis (toward Île Saint-Louis) for a quieter vantage and a framed photo of the cathedral from across the river.
- The square in front can be breezy: bring a light wrap for golden-hour photos or linger on the nearby benches.
- Avoid the busiest spots by walking the downstream quay (toward Pont Neuf) for calmer river views and lovely photo angles.
Walk to the Latin Quarter (short transfer)
A relaxed walk across to the Latin Quarter — cobbled streets, bookshops and pre-lunch atmosphere.
Local tips:
- Take the riverside quay route and stop at a bench if you see a sunny spot—great for a quiet moment together.
- Watch for street vendors with bouquet-type flowers near Pont Saint-Michel if you want an impromptu romantic gift.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the cobblestones are charming but uneven; hold hands going down steeper streets.
Latin Quarter stroll — Shakespeare & Company area and quiet lanes
Wander narrow streets, peek into independent bookshops, and enjoy the intimate cafés and courtyards the neighborhood is known for.
Local tips:
- Pop into Shakespeare and Company early — ask the staff for a quiet corner recommendation or a note to tuck into a book.
- Seek out the little courtyards (e.g., Cour du Commerce Saint-André) for calmer photo ops away from noise.
- Stop by a small patisserie and share a pastry on a bench in a square — simple, intimate moments make the memory.
Le Coupe Chou — leisurely romantic lunch
Cozy, historic bistro with low-lit rooms and a classic Parisian menu — ideal for a relaxed, intimate lunch.
Local tips:
- Ask for a table in one of the small, tucked-away dining rooms or the fireplace area for a cozier feel.
- Make a reservation and mention it's a special meal — they can often suggest a wine pairing for two.
- Order a shared starter and a dessert to sample more and keep the meal conversational and unhurried.
Transfer to Musée d'Orsay (short travel)
A short trip along the Seine to Musée d'Orsay — enjoy riverside views as you cross toward the Left Bank museum.
Local tips:
- A taxi along the river or a scenic walk are both pleasant; choose a taxi if you'd like to rest between stops.
- Walk via the Quai d'Orsay for quieter river views and a photo stop of the Assemblée Nationale across the water.
- If you walk, there are benches and small galleries en route to pause for a glass of water or a quick rest.
Musée d'Orsay — Impressionists and relaxed galleries
An unhurried visit focusing on Impressionist galleries and the clock-view photo spot; the museum's architecture is as romantic as the art.
Local tips:
- Head to the fourth floor Impressionists and spend extra time at Renoir and Monet galleries for soft, romantic scenes.
- Don’t miss the museum clock window on the top floor — step behind it briefly for an iconic couple photo overlooking the Seine.
- Use the museum café for a mid-visit rest if you want a quieter spot to chat about favourites.
Hotel / rest break — unwind before evening
Time to return to your hotel to rest, refresh, or nap before a sunset experience — keep the afternoon slow and intimate.
Local tips:
- Use this time to change into something a bit dressier for the evening — a light jacket or wrap for cooler river breezes.
- Ask hotel staff about a quiet table recommendation or a reserved spot for later dinner; they often help with last-minute bookings.
- If you're short on time, a 20–30 minute power nap plus freshening up can make the evening feel more special.
Transfer to the Seine boarding point (Port de la Bourdonnais)
Make your way to the Bateaux Parisiens boarding area near the Eiffel — brief transfer to the river's embarkation point.
Local tips:
- Allow extra time if you’re walking from a hotel: the area can get busy close to sunset and security lines by the docks.
- If you prefer privacy, ask the cruise staff about a quieter forward or rear seating area when you board.
- Keep a light wrap or shawl handy — evening breezes on the river can be cool even in summer.
Sunset Seine cruise — Bateaux Parisiens (special moment)
A romantic sunset cruise under Parisian bridges and past illuminated monuments — a highlight for couples.
Local tips:
- Request a seat on the upper deck for unobstructed views at golden hour, or a table by the window if you prefer shelter.
- Bring a small camera or phone for dusk photos; the guide often points out quiet, photogenic bridges and facades.
- Toast with a glass of champagne aboard — many cruises offer a pre-booked drinks package for a romantic touch.
Dinner at Les Ombres — rooftop with Eiffel view
Dinner on the rooftop terrace with one of the best close-up views of the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night.
Local tips:
- Reserve a window or terrace table in advance and mention you'd like to time a dessert with the Eiffel Tower sparkle (top of the hour light show).
- Ask the sommelier for a bottle that complements a sharing menu; seated together facing the tower makes for an intimate meal.
- After dinner, step briefly onto the terrace for a private night-time view — quieter than ground-level viewing spots.
Day 2
Montmartre charm, a leisurely Marais afternoon, a couples' spa indulgence and a rooftop cocktail — finishing with a cosy wine-bar dinner.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur — sunrise/quiet morning visit
Begin on the hill at Sacré-Cœur while mornings are calm — panoramic city views and a soft, peaceful atmosphere perfect for couples.
Local tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the sweeping city view with more privacy; the front steps make a great shared photo spot.
- If mobility is a concern, consider the funicular from Anvers to save the climb and arrive fresh for exploration.
- Pause on the left-hand side of the basilica (as you face it) for a less-crowded viewpoint over Paris rooftops.
Place du Tertre & Montmartre lanes — artist square stroll
Wander the charming artist-filled square and the winding lanes nearby; enjoy lively street art with plenty of photo moments.
Local tips:
- Walk a few streets away from Place du Tertre to find quieter café terraces and artist ateliers for a more intimate experience.
- If an artist offers a quick sketch, ask for a small portrait together — a memorable keepsake from the neighborhood.
- Avoid the busiest times around noon; instead linger in side lanes (Rue Norvins) for sleepy, photogenic corners.
Coffee stop at La Maison Rose — Montmartre icon
A picture-perfect café for a light pause; sweet spot for a cozy photo together and a leisurely coffee.
Local tips:
- Sit outside for the full charming effect; early mid-morning is quieter for an unhurried coffee.
- Order one pastry to share and linger — the café's façade is best appreciated slowly.
- If the terrace is full, ask the staff for quieter nearby benches around Rue de l'Abreuvoir.
Transfer to Le Marais (travel and settle)
Move toward Le Marais for a contrasting afternoon: boutiques, courtyards and lively but tasteful dining options.
Local tips:
- Consider a taxi to save time and arrive refreshed; the ride lets you rest between hilltop and central neighborhoods.
- If you take the metro, use the Anvers > Strasbourg-Saint-Denis route and emerge into the heart of Le Marais for easy navigation.
- Keep a small map of a couple boutiques you'd like to see — wandering here is best when unhurried and purposeful.
Lunch at Chez Janou — Provençal bistro in Le Marais
A lively yet intimate bistro with a friendly atmosphere and good Provençal dishes — perfect for a relaxed midday meal.
Local tips:
- Ask for a table tucked away from the street for a quieter lunch and cozier conversation.
- Share a few small plates to keep the pace easy and chatty — the chocolate mousse is a romantic shared dessert.
- If possible, reserve and let them know you’re celebrating a special time together for attentive service.
Le Marais stroll — boutique browsing and quiet courtyards
Wander rue des Rosiers, small galleries and hidden courtyards; the neighborhood rewards slow exploration and discovery.
Local tips:
- Duck into courtyard galleries and jewelry shops for unique souvenirs rather than the main thoroughfares.
- Stop at a tiny wine shop or patisserie for a shared taste — small discoveries make great couple memories.
- Keep an eye out for quiet squares (Place des Vosges is a short walk) to rest and people-watch together.
Transfer to Le Royal Monceau — arrive for spa
Short transfer toward the Royal Monceau for an indulgent couples' spa experience — set aside time to relax and pamper.
Local tips:
- Allow a little extra travel time for Paris traffic; arriving a bit early helps you settle into the spa reception calmly.
- Bring swimwear and light slippers if you prefer to use the pool or relaxation areas before the treatment.
- Tell the spa it’s a couples' treatment when booking — they often prepare a quiet, paired room and small extras.
My Blend by Clarins — couples spa treatment (special moment)
A dedicated couples' treatment in a luxury spa setting — time to relax deeply and enjoy private spa facilities together.
Local tips:
- Book the couples' treatment in advance and request synchronized timing so you both emerge refreshed together.
- Use the spa relaxation lounge and pool before or after your treatment for an extended calm shared moment.
- Mention any preferences (pressure level, aromatherapy scents) when booking to ensure the experience feels tailored and intimate.
Transfer to Le Perchoir Marais rooftop
Short trip to Le Perchoir Marais to catch golden hour with panoramic neighborhood views — a perfect pre-dinner cocktail stop.
Local tips:
- Reserve terrace seating in advance and ask for sunset timing preferences — the staff can advise the best time to arrive.
- If the terrace is busy, find a spot by the rail for an uninterrupted view and quieter corner seating.
- Arrive a few minutes early to choose a table facing west for the best golden-hour light on the rooftops.
Rooftop cocktail at Le Perchoir Marais — golden-hour special
Relax with a rooftop cocktail as the sun sets over Parisian rooftops — a convivial, intimate moment to toast the day.
Local tips:
- Order a signature cocktail to share and step to the terrace edge for skyline photos right as the sun dips.
- If you want more privacy, request a back-table when reserving — rooftop crowds peak as light fades.
- Pair a light plate with drinks to prolong the moment and avoid rushing into dinner early.
Dinner at Le Barav — intimate wine-bar dinner
An intimate Marais wine bar with small plates and a romantic atmosphere — a relaxed evening finish with good wine.
Local tips:
- Reserve a cosy table in advance; ask for a spot off the main aisle for a quieter dinner vibe.
- Ask the sommelier for a bottle to match small plates — sharing tastings keeps the evening conversational and intimate.
- Finish with a simple digestif at the bar if you’d like a low-key end to a full day without loud crowds.