3 days in Paris itinerary for couple
A relaxed, romantic 3-day Paris itinerary for a couple: scenic viewpoints, cozy cafés and wine bars, intimate museums and gardens, a spa treatment, a sunset river cruise and rooftop cocktails — paced for golden-hour moments and unhurried evenings.
Highlights
- Sunset rooftop cocktails over Paris
- Romantic Seine sunset cruise
- Intimate museums and garden strolls
- Couples spa treatment and quiet wine bars
- Dinner with Eiffel Tower views
Itinerary
Day 1
Montmartre charm, Marais afternoon, rooftop cocktails and a riverside dinner to set a romantic pace.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur — Morning viewpoint and Montmartre stroll
Begin with the sweeping view from Sacré-Cœur, explore the artists’ lanes and the quiet corners of Montmartre for intimate photo moments.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (09:00) to avoid crowds at the front steps — the view is most private before mid-morning.
- Take the funicular if you want to save energy; the upper terraces are wheelchair/stroller accessible via ramps.
- For a romantic photo, use the steps facing Paris when the light is soft; ask a nearby street artist for a candid couple portrait.
Lunch at La Maison Rose — Charming Montmartre bistro
Cozy lunch in one of Montmartre's most photographed restaurants — perfect for a relaxed, intimate meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a corner table (if available) for more privacy and the classic pink façade view through the window.
- This place is small; reservations or arriving right at opening help avoid waits — ideal for couples seeking a quiet lunch.
- If you want a lighter option, share a couple of small plates to leave room for afternoon pastries and wine tasting.
Transfer: short ride toward Place des Vosges / Le Marais
A relaxed transfer from Montmartre to Le Marais — use a taxi or a comfortable rideshare to rest between districts.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to take quiet, scenic surface streets where possible so you can enjoy glimpses of Paris architecture together.
- If mobility is a concern, request a vehicle with enough legroom — many apps allow you to pick the car type.
- Keep a small bottle of water and a light scarf in your bag for the short ride; afternoons can be breezy near the Marais.
Stroll Place des Vosges and the Marais lanes
Wander the elegant arcade of Place des Vosges, then meander the narrow streets of the Marais — boutique shops and intimate courtyards invite lingering.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit together on one of the park benches in Place des Vosges for a quiet moment; bring a small pastry to share.
- Explore a few side streets (Rue des Francs Bourgeois) for hidden courtyards and artisan shops favored by locals.
- Note that some galleries close mid-afternoon; if you want to pop into one, check opening hours first to avoid disappointment.
Wine & small plates at Le Barav — relaxed tasting
An intimate wine bar where you can sample natural wines and share small plates in a warm, low-key setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the staff for a by-the-glass recommendation tailored for two — they love pairing local cheeses for sharing.
- Choose a table near the back for a quieter, candlelit vibe ideal for conversation.
- If you prefer a specific style (light reds, crisp whites), tell the sommelier; they’re happy to pour a couple of tasting-sized pours.
Relax at your hotel / short rest
Return to your hotel for a gentle break — freshen up before evening plans and the rooftop aperitif.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to change into something dressy for the evening and slip on comfortable shoes for a rooftop approach and riverside dinner.
- Unpack any small items you’ll need for the evening (camera, phone charger, light wrap) so you won’t worry later.
- If you’ve collected any pastries or small mementos, place them in the room fridge or a safe spot to keep the pace unhurried.
Transfer to rooftop bar
Short transfer to the Marais rooftop bar for golden-hour cocktails.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a short taxi or rideshare so you arrive as the light softens; rooftop seating can be limited, so arrive on time.
- If you prefer, walk if the distance is short — Paris streets are magical as dusk approaches and offer photo ops.
- Check rooftop opening times and any dress code ahead of time; some terraces enforce smart-casual attire.
Rooftop cocktails at Le Perchoir Marais — golden hour special moment
Sip cocktails together on a leafy rooftop terrace with warm light over Paris — an intimate and scenic pre-dinner moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table on the terrace for the best private view and more comfortable seating for two.
- Order a shared cocktail or bottle of sparkling wine to toast the sunset; staff often bring small bites that are perfect for sharing.
- Watch for the light on nearby rooftops — this is a beautiful time for a couple’s portrait; use soft portrait mode on your phone.
Dinner at Lapérouse — classic riverside romantic dining
An atmospheric, historic dining room by the Seine for a classic Parisian romantic dinner to close your first night.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table in one of the private salons or by the window to create a more intimate dining experience.
- Order a wine by the sommelier’s suggestion — local cellar choices complement the traditional menu beautifully.
- Reserve ahead and mention a special occasion; the staff often adds a small personal touch for couples celebrating.
Day 2
Culture-rich morning, indulgent spa afternoon, sunset Seine cruise and a classic bistro dinner — relaxed and sensual pacing.
Musée Rodin — serene sculpture garden
Enjoy Auguste Rodin’s works in a calm garden setting — the lawns and sculptures make for a contemplative, romantic morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Start in the garden first for quieter moments near The Kiss and The Thinker before moving inside the museum.
- Benches around the garden are perfect for lingering together; bring a light sweater as mornings can be cool.
- If mobility is a concern, the garden paths are mostly flat; ask staff for accessible routes to avoid steps.
Stroll Saint-Germain-des-Prés — cafés & bookshops
Wander the atmospheric streets of Saint-Germain, browse bookshops and enjoy the intellectual, cozy café culture.
Tips from local experts:
- Pop into a small antiquarian bookshop for a unique memento; historic bookshops are scattered along the area.
- Pause at a café terrace for a shared pastry and people-watching — early afternoons remain relatively tranquil.
- If you want a quieter lunch spot later, note a few cafés and call ahead to reserve a small table.
Lunch at Café de Flore — Saint-Germain classic
Iconic Parisian café for a leisurely lunch in a cozy setting — iconic yet charming for a couple wanting a classic experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask to be seated inside for a traditional Parisian atmosphere and more privacy away from the busiest pavement tables.
- Share a main course and a dessert to leave room for an afternoon spa — the café’s light fare is elegant and well-portioned.
- Be prepared for a slightly touristy feel; focus on the cafe’s heritage and people-watch like locals to enjoy the vibe.
Transfer to Le Royal Monceau (spa appointment)
Short transfer to the Royal Monceau for your couple’s spa experience — a moment to relax and prepare for indulgence.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a private car or taxi for a relaxed transfer; you’ll want to arrive refreshed and on time for your spa slot.
- Confirm your spa appointment the day before so there are no scheduling surprises; spas are precise with start times.
- Carry minimal belongings to the spa; most high-end spas provide slippers, robes and secure lockers.
Couples spa — SPA My Blend by Clarins at Le Royal Monceau
A two-hour, side-by-side treatment to unwind together — massage, steam and relaxation time in a private spa setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the couple’s suite in advance and mention any preferences (pressure, aromatherapy scents) for a tailored treatment.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to enjoy the pool and relaxation area together; many spas include quiet lounge time before the treatment.
- Keep phones off or in silent mode to preserve the intimate, restorative atmosphere for both of you.
Relax & freshen up after spa
Time to rest, shower and change before an evening Seine cruise — unhurried buffer after pampering.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to dress comfortably for the cruise but elegant enough for an evening — a light wrap is handy on the river breeze.
- If you purchased spa products you loved, keep them in your bag; a light spritz of the spa scent keeps the experience lingering.
- Confirm cruise boarding time and bring a printed or digital reservation to the dock for smoother embarkation.
Transfer to Seine cruise boarding (Port de la Bourdonnais area)
Short transfer to the river docks for an evening cruise — arrive early to choose a quieter spot on deck.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early to choose a seat on the quieter side of the boat for better photos and a calmer view.
- If you prefer less wind, choose an inside table by the windows; if you want skyline photos, deck seating works best.
- Carry a light wrap — temperatures on the Seine can drop quickly after sunset.
Sunset Seine cruise — special moment
A 90-minute evening cruise as the city lights come on — a calm, cinematic romantic highlight with views of Notre-Dame, Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a window table or a quiet spot on the upper deck for unobstructed views as the lights come on.
- Bring a compact camera or use night mode on your phone for atmospheric photos; reflections on the Seine are especially pretty.
- Toast with a glass of champagne on board to mark the sunset — order when boarding to ensure availability.
Dinner at Le Coupe Chou — cozy historic bistro
End the day in a dimly lit, classic Parisian dining room — intimate tables and old-world charm ideal for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a small table in one of the snug dining rooms for an intimate atmosphere away from the main entrance.
- Share a few dishes to experience more of the menu and keep the meal relaxed and unhurried.
- Mention any dietary preferences when booking; the kitchen frequently adapts dishes for a special evening.
Day 3
Historic islands and gardens, a serene museum visit, and a finale dinner with Eiffel views — paced for lingering moments and a memorable last evening.
Sainte-Chapelle — jewel-box stained glass
Visit the luminous chapel on Île de la Cité — exquisite stained glass and an intimate, awe-inspiring interior.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive as doors open to see the stained glass with fewer people; morning light is softer and very romantic.
- The upper chapel requires climbing stairs; if mobility is a concern, plan extra time or request assistance.
- Keep voices low inside to preserve the contemplative atmosphere — ideal for a quiet shared moment.
Walk along Pont Neuf and riverside stroll
A gentle riverside walk along Pont Neuf toward the Left Bank — benches and views invite whispered conversation and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause on the Pont Neuf parapet for a private photo overlooking the Seine — mornings are quieter for pictures.
- Stop at a nearby kiosk for a light coffee or pastry to share as you stroll along the riverbanks.
- The walk is flat and accessible; take the lower quays for a more intimate, less-crowded path.
Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais — classic bistro in Saint-Germain
A cherished bistro offering a lively yet refined lunch — reserve for an unhurried midday meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve well in advance for a midday seat; request a quieter table if you prefer conversation over ambient bustle.
- Consider sharing a starter and a main to enjoy more flavors and keep the pace relaxed for an afternoon of walking.
- If a table isn’t available, ask about the bar seating for a cozier, more casual experience together.
Musée de l'Orangerie — Monet's Water Lilies and intimate galleries
Experience Monet’s Water Lilies in a calm, intimate setting and explore small Impressionist galleries — perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- The Nymphéas rooms are best savored slowly — sit on the benches and let the light and scale be a quiet shared experience.
- Visit the lesser-known galleries upstairs for portraits and small works that feel more private and contemplative.
- If you prefer quieter hours, mid-afternoon tends to be less busy than late morning.
Coffee break at La Palette — classic Saint-Germain café
An iconic café for a relaxing pause — cozy indoors with charming painted walls and a local crowd.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table to enjoy the café’s painted interior and relaxed Parisian tempo with your partner.
- If the terrace is open and quiet, it’s lovely for people-watching; otherwise the interior offers a quintessentially Paris feel.
- Keep this break short and peaceful to leave energy for the evening — share a small pastry and espresso.
Transfer toward Musée du quai Branly area for dinner with Eiffel view
A relaxed transfer across the Seine to arrive at the museum-restaurant area for your final evening reservation.
Tips from local experts:
- Time your transfer so you arrive just before golden hour — this gives you a little buffer to take pre-dinner photos.
- Request a driver who knows the quickest route across the Seine embankments to avoid peak traffic delays.
- If you enjoy short walks, consider walking sections along the Seine for an atmospheric approach to the museum terrace.
Dinner at Les Ombres — rooftop dining with Eiffel views (special moment)
A memorable final-night dinner with an elevated terrace view directly toward the Eiffel Tower — ideal for a romantic finale.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a window or terrace table facing the Eiffel Tower and arrive before sunset for sequential views as lights come on.
- Order a bottle of wine or sparkling to share at the start — the view and the cuisine pair beautifully for a special occasion.
- Reserve well in advance and mention the occasion (anniversary, romantic dinner) so staff can tailor small touches for you.
