Our Most Surprising Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Red roses, stiff candlelit dinners and love declarations under the Eiffel Tower ? Not for us. This year, Valentine’s Day is all about doing things differently: from a magical night surrounded by artworks at the Musée Rodin, to a candlelit dinner at one of Paris’s trendiest tables, a surprise night in a 5-star hotel, the reopening of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, or even a dreamy countryside getaway. Focus on our sharp, stylish ideas to celebrate love without falling into clichés (or too much cheesiness).

Tired of classic candlelit romantic dinners ? To surprise your partner or simply enjoy a memorable evening solo or with friends on February 14, head to the Musée Rodin, which is hosting its LOVE evening, blending romance, poetry and art.

For the occasion, the museum’s main hall turns into a dance floor inviting guests to try their hand at tango, while the galleries come alive with actors portraying iconic couples from the collections – among them Auguste Rodin & Camille Claudel, Romeo & Juliet, and Francesca & Paolo. An illustrator also invites couples to put their most secret feelings down on paper. Add to that a pop-up bar and a photocall to capture a lasting memory of this 100% romantic evening.

Soirée LOVE, Musée Rodin, 77 rue de Varennes, Paris 7e. February 14, from 7pm to 11:30pm. Entry slots every 30 minutes; last entry at 9:30pm to enjoy all activities. Full price: €27, members: €23, reduced rate: €15. Booking required.

What better way to celebrate love than over a delicious plate of pasta worthy of Lady and the Tramp ? At Daroco (6 rue Vivienne, Paris 2e), amore is in the air and lived in true La Bella Vita style. In the Italian restaurant set inside the Galerie Vivienne, couples can enjoy a special set menu (€82). It starts with a glass of Prosecco and grissini, followed by a choice of two antipasti, artichoke alla giudia or sea bass crudo with mango and trout roe. The star of the evening ? Homemade linguine al pomodoro e polpette, setting the scene for ultimate romance. Bonus: dinner is accompanied by smooth Italian jazz, before ending with a cocktail at Danico – ranked 30th best bar in the world by The World’s 50 Best Bars – hidden behind a thick velvet curtain.

If you’re more on the traditional side and already looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner spot, here are three addresses guaranteed to impress. For an intimate and romantic dinner, head to Les Confidences (12 rue Jean Goujon, Paris 8e), a hidden gem inside the Hôtel San Régis. Beyond its elegant setting and hushed atmosphere, the special Valentine’s Day menu by chef Erwan Ledru is a true emotional journey (€160 per person). The meal opens with scallops from the Bay of the Seine in lemon carpaccio with caviar, followed by a delicately cooked langoustine that could steal our hearts on its own. Veal from the Loire Valley with pressed green cabbage completes the savory courses, before the most playful moment of the evening : dessert. Between sage sorbet with candied kumquats and Corsican blood oranges with Angostura diplomat cream and French almond ice cream, we’re officially smitten.

Calling all vegans and vegetable lovers: the plant-based restaurant MESA (68 rue des Martyrs, Paris 9e) has created a 100% plant-based Valentine’s menu (€110 per person). Just steps from  Pigalle, this warm and soothing space imagines a gourmet evening dedicated to love. On the plate: roasted cauliflower with spices, sourdough bread, crème fraîche and black pearls, followed by pressed potatoes and ravioli filled with plant-based ricotta. A tiramisu to share rounds off this light yet indulgent feast. Everything is served on delicate ceramics and paired with a glass of natural wine. The cherry on top? Plenty of surprises for couples, including “Love and Destiny” card readings, a glass of champagne and a bouquet from La Florerià. Valentine’s Day has never been so sexy.
© Virginie Garnier

Paris’s ultimate romantic landmark reopens its doors on Valentine’s Day after 17 months of renovation. A sign from destiny ? We think so, and head straight to the heart of the Nouvelle Athènes district for a timeless escape.

Among works by Eugène Delacroix, Pauline Viardot and those dedicated to George Sand, visitors wander, chat and dream. The former home and studio of painter Ary Scheffer also houses the Rose Bakery tea room and café, as well as a charming garden, perfect for long conversations with your loved one (#so romantic). Time seems to stand still, transporting visitors far from the hustle of Paris. Bonus : to mark its reopening, the museum unveils a new exhibition titled Face au Ciel, paying tribute to artist Paul Huet. A close friend of Ary Scheffer, Huet masterfully captures the power of nature through sweeping skies in shades of blue, grey and clouded tones. The perfect date to lay the foundations of a love story.

Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 rue Chaptal, Paris 9e. Face au Ciel exhibition until August 30, open daily from 10am to 6pm. Free access to permanent collections. Temporary exhibitions from €10 (reduced rate) and €12 full price.
© Paris Musées / Musée de la Vie romantique, Paris – Nicolas Mathéus

Looking for a luxurious, calm and relaxing Valentine’s Day ? Head to the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, just steps from the iconic château.

Good news : the hotel has launched a brand-new “Spa x Tea Time” experience—the ultimate combo to slow down solo or as a couple. The concept ? Two hours of access to the Guerlain Spa, including pools, relaxation areas and wellness rituals, followed by a gourmet break in the hotel’s iconic Peacock Alley lounge. Bonus : the long-hidden hammam has reopened, offering a deeply soothing experience inspired by ancestral rituals. A true sensory journey for body and mind. The perfect escape ticking all the boxes: self-love, indulgence, a royal setting and a peaceful break from Parisian bustle.

Spa x Tea Time at Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, 1 boulevard de la Reine, Versailles. €180 for 2 people. Valid every day except public holidays, April 4–6, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Reservation required.
© Cyril Mouty

Want to spice up your Valentine’s Day without lifting a finger ? Staycation has created Love Roulette : the smartest idea for a perfect date with zero effort. The concept ? Book a mystery experience in a 5-star Parisian hotel without knowing where you’ll be sleeping. The only certainty : you’ll be pampered.

On the big day, a taxi picks you up and drives you to your secret destination, revealed only at the last moment. Among the hotels : La Fondation, Hôtel Ballu, Le Château des Fleurs and even Le Bristol. Spa access (pool, hot tubs, sauna), a royal-worthy room, surprise drinks and breakfast in bed the next morning : everything is designed for total relaxation and effortless togetherness. Why we love it : the surprise factor makes hearts beat faster and adds just the right amount of excitement. Perfect for lovers of the unexpected.

Love Roulette by Staycation. Fixed price: €249. Online booking.

Why settle for just one evening when you can enjoy a full romantic weekend ? For Valentine’s Day, Demeures de Campagne offers a countryside escape less than an hour from Paris : far from clichés and noise.

The idea ? Leave the city behind, slow down, reconnect with nature and share meaningful moments. Stay in one of the Maisons de Campagne, all located under an hour from Paris. On arrival, opt for a special lovers’ welcome with chilled champagne, flowers and candles to set the mood. Then comes the unforgettable moments : cozy time by the fireplace, cooking workshops, cocktails and even yoga included in the stay. Want to go all out ? Add a spa session or a candlelit Valentine’s dinner. For the occasion, the chefs at Demeures de Campagne have designed a secret full menu to extend the magic : amuse-bouche, fish and meat dishes, and a decadent dessert. The icing on the cake. (€80 per person or €42 supplement for all-inclusive stays.)

Demeures de Campagne, Valentine’s Day stays at Parc du Coudray, Domaine de Maffliers, Château de Fontainebleau and Chemins de Sologne. From €285 per night. €80 per person for the Valentine’s dinner and €80 for the Valentine’s welcome.
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