Of course, in Paris, there is the Île Saint-Louis, the banks of the Seine, the flowering gardens, the enchanting parks, the Butte of Montmartre, the tangled streets where one loves to get lost, the sparkling Eiffel Tower and all the pretty squares. But beyond the traditional areas – which are still irresistible – there is a more fanciful Paris for lovers that will delight those who love new experiences. A small and quiet place only known to Parisians: under the Pont de l’Archevêché (on which many padlocks have been attached to the railings by couples from around the world), near the Port de la Tournelle, is a bench on the river bank. Cuddled up to each other, it is the place for lovers to sit and watch the passing boats...

Another secret closely guarded by Parisians is the forecourt of the Bibliothèque nationale de France-François Mitterrand. Ultra modern, surrounded by four huge towers of glass, it is even more impressive at night. Offering a unique view of both sides of the river, it gives visitors very exhilarating sensations. Just opposite, at the end of the Parc de Bercy, the magic is everywhere at the Musée des Arts forains (Museum of Fairground Arts). Through guided visits, lovers can discover old renovated attractions, go on rides, play games or watch performances by automated marionettes. A magical experience!

Very cosy and exotic, the Great Mosque of Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes, boasts a large tea room, with a lush decor and a Moorish café with two terraces, one of which is heated. Here, in a friendly atmosphere with a distinct Oriental architectural style, you can enjoy a traditional mint tea with delicious pastries. A few blocks away, in the Saint-Michel district, the Shakespeare and Co bookstore, all in wood and piled with books, is a warm haven for lovebirds. Hang around, browse, read lying on soft sofas or just listen to the English pianists. Simply lovely!

You can also discover the romance of Paris with professionals, who know the city like the back of their hands: the tour guides. They are numerous in the French capital and can guide you through a variety of circuits. The two most interesting for couples are the covered walkway and mansion house tours. The covered walkways (about twenty of the hundred and fifty that once linked streets between buildings, as early as the 18th century) go from the Palais-Royal to the Grands Boulevards and are gorgeous arcades that are a pleasure for the eyes. The mansions houses of Paris are more exclusive as they are all privately owned. But some guides have the keys and will take you into an opulent world you will never forget.