Top 5 Things To Do For Valentine’s Day In France

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for a short break and what better place to do it than France? With the ‘city of love’ as its capital, aphrodisiacs in abundance and a chance to pop some champagne in the place where it’s made, France is ready and waiting for some valentine’s visits.

1. Paris

Known as ‘the city of love’ we couldn’t have a Valentine’s Day rundown without including Paris. Picnic on the banks of the Seine, stroll the Champs Elysees and enjoy some beautiful French cuisine at a local brasserie. Sail down the Seine, climb the Eiffel tower and marvel at the city sights while sipping champagne. There is even a museum in Paris dedicated to the romantic life, Musée de la Vie Romantique. Situated on the edge of Monmartre, you can browse the museum then climb the hill to the beautiful Sacre Coeur cathedral, stopping by The Wall of Love art installation which feature the words ‘I love you’ written in most of the languages of the world.

2. Oyster fishing in Brittany

Oysters are known for their aphrodisiac qualities and Brittany has some of the world’s best. Sample a platter of oysters at one of the many seafront restaurants in the region or head out yourself on an excursion to see them freshly caught! Sit back and enjoy the salty delight of fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon juice, washed down with some dry white wine – parfait!

3. Champagne tasting in Champagne

Dom Perignon, the moment he had his first sip of champagne, said: “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” Taste your own drop of starlight in the champagne region where the famous drink is made. Discover the process of creating the bubbly, tour some of the champagne houses which have been in families for generations and enjoy a taste of the quintessentially French beverage with your loved one.

4. The town of Saint Valentine

Head to the Val de Loire Region to the small village of Saint Valentin. Its tiny population of 280 holds the Garden des Amoureux festival each February 14^th which features thousands of fresh blooms and floral arrangements to celebrate the season of love. The festival which has been running since the 1980s draws hundreds of visitors to the village each year. Some decide to get married there and others renew their vows. How romantic!

Photo credit: François GOGLINS

5. A romantic retreat

For a romantic retreat head to Antibes on the French riviera on the south coast. This small fishing village was once home to Picasso and it has drawn many famous faces throughout the years such as the writers F Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and more recently, Angelina Jolie. The quaint cobbled streets are a delight to wander and the weekly markets sell freshly baked bread, fresh flowers and sweet treats amongst other things. Grab some produce and enjoy a picnic on the beach. It might not be the height of summer but with your loved one’s arms around you, you’ll never be cold.

DFDS run up to 54 daily sailings from the UK to France. Find out more here.