It’s always champagne o’clock in France, so where better to toast your marriage?

Why Paris?

The City of Lights appeals to couples looking for a romantic yet urban European vacation. Do you want to immerse yourself in history, art, fashion, a Romance language, and all things French? If you say oui, then grab your berets and start packing.

Stay

The newly-opened Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is located in the 16th arrondissement, the district with the most museums. The hotel enjoys a storied past as the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s grand-nephew. Fully restored in the Empire style, the hotel’s jaw-dropping setting will naturally make you feel like French royalty. Imagine sipping champagne from your balcony or bathtub while overlooking the River Seine or the Eiffel Tower. You’ll feel especially royal with the La Vie en Rose Dream Romance Package, a three-night stay that includes a room or suite with a view of the Eiffel Tower and is decorated with flowers, champagne, and haute couture pastries by head pastry chef, François Perret. Tour the Seine on a private, 1.5-hour champagne cruise and enjoy a 3.5-hour photo session at your favorite Paris locations—they’ll even provide hair and makeup. At Shangri-La, splurge on a romantic dinner in one of the hotel’s two Michelin star restaurants—the Shang Palace or L’Abeille. If you are foodies, this is an unforgettable meal that you’ll talk about for decades to come.
www.shangri-la.com/paris

Sightsee

Admire Notre Dame from the outside and instead hit up La Sainte-Chapelle (The Holy Chapel), only few steps away. The stained glass is unreal. Tour the Louvre but don’t get overwhelmed—just seeing Mona Lisa (yes, it’s tiny) and the Venus de Milo is enough to satisfy most people. Nearby, the small and charming Musée de l’Orangerie houses Monet’s Water Lilies.  The more well-known Musée d’Orsay reopened in late 2011 in a historic railway station. Some say this Impressionist museum is better than the Louvre. On the Champs-Élysées you can shop, grab a macaron at Ladurée, and then see the Arc de’ Triomphe, which looks spectacular at night.

—Erin Meanley

[box][nggallery id=317][/box] [box title=”Travel FAQs”]

• Travel Time to Paris: 2 hour drive to Los Angeles; 11 hour non-stop to Paris
• Best Months to Go: July and August are the warmest
• Average Hi/Lo Temps: 75/60[/box]