Where to Propose in Paris
Finding a romantic place to propose in Paris shouldn’t be that tricky; it’s probably more difficult to find an unromantic spot in the City of Love. As a city packed with art, history, culture, fashion, fabulous food and stunning scenery, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a proposal location.
Ideally you could just go with the flow, and wait until you happen upon an amazing vista, a tucked away architectural gem, or a vibrant street cafe that your girlfriend seems to love, and then just pop the question. However, for those of you who like to have a plan, or are worried you might end up just blurting out your proposal at the airline check-in desk, here are some suggestions for places to propose in Paris.
Iconic Proposal Locations
There are a number of monuments and iconic locations in Paris that can make memorable places to propose. The most obvious is perhaps the Eiffel Tower, and although it might not be that original there’s a good reason why so many people choose to pop the question at the top. In addition to the amazing view of Paris, the fantasy feeling of the Eiffel Tower makes for a fairytale proposal. The tower is open until 11pm every day, so an evening proposal is ideal, especially as the whole tower lights up every hour on the hour.
Other iconic locations in Paris include the top of the Arc de Triomphe, another monument with a spectacular view, especially in the direction of the famous Champs Élysées, and high up in the Notre Dame Cathedral, if the gargoyles don’t put you off. If you can get out of bed early enough the steps in front of the Sacré Coeur, the highest point in Paris, are the ideal place for a sunrise proposal.
Locations along the Seine
One of the elements that gives Paris its romantic character is the River Seine, which flows through the centre of it, defining certain areas such as the left bank, and the islands that can be found in the centre of it. There are plenty of bridges crossing the river, and these can be exceptionally romantic places to propose, especially the older pedestrian ones. Good choices include the Pont des Arts, which is often used as a movie set, and Pont Alexandre III, which is convenient for the Champs Élysées.
There’s no better way to see Paris that to actually take to the water, and there are plenty of companies offering cruises along the Seine. A dinner cruise can be a wonderful option and you can combine the sights of Paris with its fabulous cuisine. If you tell the driver or tour guide you are planning to propose they should be able to arrange a few private moments and a glass of champagne. If you’d rather stay on dry land to pop the question, but would like a romantic view of the Seine, nothing beats the quay area of the Île Saint-Louis, especially at sunset.
Proposal Locations Outside Paris
Most people won’t venture outside the capital if they only have a couple of days, but if you’re in Paris for a week and really want to make your proposal something different, there are several day trips you could consider. The palace at Versailles is a monument to luxurious decadence and the spectacular gardens are a fabulous place for a proposal, especially when the fountains are in full swing.
If your girlfriend is an art lover, Monet’s gardens at Giverny are simply beautiful. She’ll feel as if she’s inside a Monet painting as you ask her to marry you. For something completely different, why not visit the picturesque town of Épernay. After all where is better to propose than the birthplace of champagne. Tour the Möet and Chandon cellars and finish with a superb champagne dinner.
