Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this can be a blessing for some and a curse for others. Whether you’re coupled up and looking to think outside of the box, or single and ready to try something new, here are three alternative ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris this year.
Laurent Favre-Mot Pâtisserie
Indulge in some chocolate
Love chocolate but looking to forgo the commercial aspect of the treat this time of year? Then head to Laurent Favre-Mot Pâtisserie, a pastry shop unlike any other. Owned by a badass, tattooed pastry chef, this tiny shop is nestled on a street just off of rue des Martyrs on the Right Bank. Their specialty? The “Fucking Dark Chocolate,” a full-on chocolate-infused dream composed of a cookie base, a 70% dark chocolate ganache, and praline, topped with a dark chocolate skull head – it’s just as good as it sounds. But word on how delicious this confection is spread quickly – and the pastry chef doesn’t make them each day – so when he does, they fly off the shelves.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Profess your love for Oscar Wilde
While spending time a cemetery on Valentine’s Day may seem like the most unromantic thing to do, paying a visit to Oscar Wilde’s tomb at the legendary Père Lachaise Cemetery is an experience in and of itself. A tradition that hasn’t died down, despite the cemetery investing in a glass barrier, devoted fans are known to visit here and plant a lipstick-stained kiss on the late writer’s tomb. So if you’re planning to visit, keep with tradition and pucker up – and don’t forget to snap a photo.
Photo courtesy of Big Mamma Group / by Joann Pai
Scope out a hidden bar
What’s more thrilling than uncovering a hidden bar? Evoking romance and a sense of mysterious allure at once, hit up the likes of Candelaria, a taqueria that houses a cleverly concealed cocktail bar, No Entry, Pink Mamma’s speakeasy nestled in its basement behind a nondescript door, or Hôtel Amour for its private courtyard draped in greenery (or better yet, book a room and enjoy breakfast or weekend brunch on the very same patio the next day).
Are you spending Valentine’s Day in Paris? If so, let me know what you’re up to below!
I would love to try one of the hidden bars, as that would be so different and away from the tourists. Funny story I got engaged in Paris on top of the Eiffel Tower on Valentine’s Day when I was 18, but I didn’t marry him! Still love Paris! Lol
That’s wild! This is the second story about an Eiffel Tower engagement + a wedding that never happened that I hear, haha!
Have you lived in Paris? How do you know about hidden places, like some of the listed bars and the “Laurent Favre-Mot Pâtisserie”. And who needs an excuse like Valentines Day to indulge in some smooth dark chocolate? When I buy my love a surprise gift without reason the reception can be some times almost overwhelming…
Hi Juergen, yes, I do live in Paris…which is how I know about these hidden gems. And believe me, I’ve enjoyed Laurent Favre-Mot’s dark chocolate pastry maaany times before – it’s that good. Obviously, I don’t need Valentine’s Day to indulge!
I sometimes think Paris does itself a disservice by marketing itself as the city of romance, though I think that was likely something that was pushed most strongly in the past. It can be romantic, as can any other beautiful European city, but there’s so much more than that, and of course, many travellers are not travelling in couples!! Chocolate and pastries are always a highlight of Paris for me. Seeing the sights that are more unusual, such as Pere Lachaise Cemetary, also makes for a more varied visit. And of course, finding the perfect bar is a mission on any good citybreak!
I think cinema/travellers from other countries are the ones that have contributed to marketing Paris as a city of romance but you’re right, people are starting to see past the cliches! And yes…couldn’t leave out the chocolate & pastries…no matter the time of year 🙂
I like the idea of visiting Oscar Wilde. I do not think we need to buy anything to express love – some genuine words can convey love better than any expensive gift. Marketers live your money – remember that. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Totally agree – that’s why I like thinking outside of the box 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day!
Indulge in some chocolate, did you say? I’m always up for that! And the ‘fucking dark chocolate’ sounds like the perfect treat for me! I’m so going to look this place up on my next trip, thanks!
Agreed and agreed 😀
This makes me wish I was in Paris for Valentines Day with my soul mate. I’d definitely want to coincide my visit with a day when the Fucking Dark Chocolates are available, although something tells me they will probably sell out pretty quickly on Valentines Day.
Yup, I think so too! Hope you both make it to Paris one day!
There’s nothing like finding an out ood the way bar that feels like your secret place. Also you had me at “fucking dark chocolate”.
Haha, totally agree!
I personally find Paris very unromantic but I could definitely fall in love with the chocolate 🍫 shops. I’m not sure I’d be up for the visit to the tomb but it’s certainly a different way to spend the day
It’s a city of juxtapositions – one minute it’s dreamy and romantic, and the next, not so much!
Although I am not a chocolate lover by any means, the chocolate skull did looks really cool and to just be in Paris would be an amazing!
They also have amazing lemon tarts and madeleine cookies & tea 😀
You had me at: Fucking Dark Chocolate. And such great recs for hidden bars. Definitely bookmarking this post for my next visit.
Haha, thanks, Jody!
Great suggestions! It would really be good to get away from the norm. I love the niche, hidden away places that are quite romantic but not too busy.
Thanks, Joleisa! Me too 🙂
Wonderful tips for our next visit to Paris. Our first visit was with family and friends for a destination wedding so we love the idea of more romantic tips for when it’s just us. Thanks!
No problem, hope you get to visit soon 🙂
Right, I’m not a big fan of paris or Valentine’s Day, but you won me over with the Laurent Favre-Mot Pâtisserie – absolutely brilliant! I love these ideas. Myself and my husband are not great romantics, so doing something alternative in the city of love would suit me fine.
Yeah, same here! Thanks for reading, Samantha.
I love this idea of visiting a hidden bar – Paris is such a big city and it’s nice to think of a place that feels all like your own.
Yup, I’m always glad to a find a hidden gem in this bustling city 🙂
Chocolate and cocktails are the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day, I need some Fucking Dark Chocolate in my life!! I’m not a fan of cemeteries though, Oscar Wilde will have to do without my kisses!
Haha, fair enough 😛
I really like the alternative ways on how to spend Valentines day so thanks to this and that “Fucking Dark Chocolate” of Laurent Favre-Mot Pâtisserie sounds really delicious and lastly to try to visit this hidden bar. Thanks for sharing this post!
Thanks for reading, Ghia!
Great tips for people looking for alternative things to do during S. Valentine’s day while in Paris. Checked your second and third proposal, now I need to try the “Fucking Dark Chocolate,” love dark chocolate and the picture is very cool.
Thanks, Elisa! You should definitely try it if you’re ever in the area 🙂
What a timely post! Paris and food, wine, cheese and chocolates go hand in hand. And Paris to me is more romantic than many of other cities. Strolling on Champs elysees, leave the chocolates this time, rather head to Laurent Favre-Mot Pâtisserie with your beloved.
What else do you need? Probably Oscar Wilde? 🙂
Happy Valentines Day! 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, Nisha! Thanks for reading – totally agree 🙂
These sound like three interesting options. I’m all about chocolate and paying homage to Oscar Wilde sounds really interesting too! Hidden bars sound like so much fun. I love a good cocktail.
Thanks, Paige – same here 🙂
Ok, done and done. I want that chocolate for starters and I am not sure of leaving behind a lipstick stain. However, I want to see the site for this quaint tradition. A hidden bar definitely sounds good. Hic! Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for reading, Ami 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day
This is so cool! Paris is such a romantic place, but on Valentine’s Day, you really should spend the day doing what you love, no matter what it is! Thank you for the cool suggestions. I really do need to get to Paris one of these days.
Totally agree! Hope you make it out soon 🙂
A pretty post to read especially after I spent my Valentine’s Day lazying around the house! 😀
Btw, these are quite simple and nice options for one in Paris; would love to indulge in the “Fucking Dark Chocolate”. But why does the pastry chef not make them everyday? Are there any specific days when they make it so we know when to visit the pastry shop?
I think it’s because of a special type of chocolate he uses that needs to be “in season” – I would call ahead to make sure they have them on the day you want to visit 🙂
I miss living in Paris! It’s time for me to visit (long overdue).