Play Date

Play Date

Make Dating In Paris The Best Time Of Your Life

The biggest challenge when coming up with ideas for a spectacular date in Paris is picking one place to go out of the endless options the city offers. Dating in Paris just depends on you sifting through the possibilities and going for the one that best suits you and your date. Here are ten of the best romantic venues and activities in the city of lights.

An inexpensive but beautifully romantic way to see downtown at night is to meander down the Seine until you reach Pont Neuf. This pedestrian bridge turns into a makeshift urban picnic after dark. Be sure to go shopping early so you can get a wine you like and match it with hors d'oeuvres. Parisians and foreigners alike gather on the bridge to snack and drink their way through the night as the city lights up.

On the western edge of the city, the Bois de Boulogne provides respite from the din of downtown. Again, shop in town for your picnic lunch and then wander around the woods until you find a secluded spot. The natural beauty and sense of privacy will give you and your date some room to breathe and get to know each other better.

The Eiffel Tower is a more traditional Parisian Sight, but don't pass it up just because it is heavily visited. Gazing out from the top of the tower, you and your date can contemplate the metropolis from afar in near silence. For a less common view of the tower, try walking up the first two floors. You will get exercise and the unforgettable experience of seeing the tower from the inside. Forgo the expensive restaurant on the second floor and try your luck at nearby Trocadero, which is home to some famous cafes and restaurants.

A different way to see the Eiffel tower is just to hop on the Metro. Line six emerges from the underground and the westward-bound train offers spectacular views of the tower on your right. Otherwise, you can get off the yellow line at Invalides (give or take a stop, depending on how far you want to walk). Walk along the river towards the West until you reach the tower. For a little extra flair, you can time your "arrival" at the viewpoint on the hour, when the tower lights up. This might require a practice run on your own, but it is worth it.

Another way to see central Paris is to hop on the Bateaux Mouches. While tourists flock to these boats, seeing Paris from below should not be missed. Pick your time of day carefully, but sunset or evening are almost invariably beautiful. Once your cruise is finished, Ile de la Cite and Ile de St. Louis are just a short walk away. Primed by the boat ride, you and your date can explore the quaint islands you just saw.

On the islands, right behind Notre Dame, is Ste. Chapelle. Call ahead and see if you can get tickets for the classical music performances given there. These shows correspond to the gorgeous lighting in the cathedral, which is constantly shifting and being filtered through the numerous stained-glass windows. Again, once you finish the show, you exit back to the historic center of Paris.

A walk from the Louvre through the Tuileries cannot be missed. Start out at the palace and walk out through the park. Beyond the museum, other attractions, from carnivals to street shows to food stalls line the park. Check online before to see if any special events are planned for the time of your visit.

In the north of the city, La Villette could be a wonderful site for a more active, playful date during the daytime. This science park houses games, experiments and interactive science exhibits. Take your date out to play around. Temporary exhibits change often, so check their site before you go.

Most visitors will add culinary side trips to any activity in the city, as Paris is overflowing with great eateries for all budgets. Rue de Mouffetard is a nice street to weave food into the equation. The early morning market seems to have everything, from fresh fruits and vegetables to pastries to all the cuts of meats you can imagine. If self-catering seems a little too involved, Mouffetard has dozens of cafes where you can eat and watch the morning unfold. If you and your date get off to a late start, consider one of the brunches on offer at different cafes and restaurants. Once you finish eating, the Latin Quarter's sights await, almost all within walking distance.

If you have some time to commute and a free weekend afternoon, the Marche aux Puces hides endless treasures for determined hunters. Even if you don't have anything in mind, rambling through the antiques market provides entertainment as you never know what you will find in the stores. You can even see live music on the weekends. Look for the cafe where Django Reinhardt played in his heyday. Get there early to make sure you get seats, though.

No one can tell you exactly what to do in Paris, which is one of its charms. Your next step should be to ask what you want for your dating experience. Then let the City of Lights do your work for you. 

About the Author

Matt Fuller is an expert in the online dating industry and has been working with dating sites Australia for many years. His adult dating site provides matchmaking and chat rooms nationally including adult dating Sydney. Visit our website to find out more.

How late should a "play date" go on a school night?

age range 7-10 when the host of this playdate has no other help and 3 kids of her own? How late is over staying your welcome?
well, i agree. i am the "host" here and this always happens to me. the parents don't come until 7 - 7;30 even though i said around 5 - 6. i don't mind feeding them. but after 6 i am really done with other peoples kids.

Ask the mother what time she would like your daughter picked up. We have hosted play dates and my daughter (4) has been to play dates that have gone until just after dinner. I don't like them any later because it interferes with homework and our nightly routine.

ETA~ If you are the host and the parent of the child doesn't show up by the set time I would place a nice but firm call and let her know that you have other obligations and could she please come get her child. No need to tell her about your other obligations. For any future play dates I would give a gentle reminder that you need the child picked up by what time.

Play Date