By Sophie DelonIn Paris, Valentine’s Day seems almost like a redundancy, given that the city celebrates romance every single day. But Parisians do mark the holiday much the way those in the U.S. do: with flowers, small gifts, and words of affection. Of course, when presented during a stroll along the Seine, or while dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant with views over the French capital, such trinkets take on even more significance.
But those who can’t make their way to Paris can still find ways to infuse the holiday with a little bit of Parisian romance with these few tips:
Think candlelight and flowers, with a little music playing softly in the background. Edith Piaf, Charles Azvenour, Ben l’Oncle Soul … it doesn’t matter. It should be sweet and soulful. Turn the television off, unplug the phone, and slip into something sexy.
Who decided that a four-course dinner in a fancy restaurant is the epitome of romance? An evening at home (with the mood set) can be far more romantic, and you don’t even have to put a lot of effort behind it. A glass of wine, a baguette, some fromage and a salade … followed by a sweet dessert — now that is what romance in Paris is all about. After all, Valentine’s Day isn’t about what you eat or where you eat it. It’s about expressing your love with that special someone.
Valentine’s Day cards, while sweet and well intentioned, can be rather generic when it comes to saying “I love you.” So think about writing your honey a love note that comes from your heart. And if you’re not comfortable with your own writing abilities, use someone else’s to make a point. Hand-write a poem from a famous poet—one that speaks to your love—and give it to your sweetie-pie. Copy one of Shakespeare’s sonnets on a piece of parchment, and then read it aloud.
If you’re trying to think of just the right gift, here are a few ideas that fit all budgets:
Heart Scroll Necklace: What could be lovelier than showing her some heart — with sparkly gems. Designer Amery Carrière handcrafts these stunning baubles in 14k gold with diamonds and sterling silver with rubies. Available at Shop.ParisienSalon.
Baccarat Heart: Here’s a heart she can carry around forever and always think of you. The French crystal maker’s iconic hearts come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and clear. Available in most fine department stores in the U.S.
Cartier Tank Solo Watch: Sure, it’s pricey, but think of it more as an investment in your man. He’ll look like a million dollars in one of Cartier’s most classic watch models … and he’ll always show up on time. In style.
Cognac: Certainly less pricey than a Cartier watch but no less sophisticated, a good bottle of Cognac is a message to your man that you think he has exquisite taste and style. And, let’s face it, there is something endlessly sexy about a man sipping a glass of Cognac from the likes of Remy Martin, Hennessy, Courvoisier, or Chateau de Laubade Armagnac — the finest French brands.
A good book: If you can’t get to Paris, then you can at least transport yourself there with a good read. You can go for the classics — anything by Victor Hugo will do — or something more modern, like French Lessons by Ellen Sussman or Le Divorce by Diane Johnson. If you want something to whet your appetite, Amy Thomas’ new memoir, Paris My Sweet, is a tasty treat. And, come April, you’ll be able to explore the many colors of Paris with Nichole Robertson’s (Little Brown Pen) new visual page-turner, Paris in Color.
Macarons: Nothing tastes like Paris quite like the oh-so-sweet macaron. This distinctly French delicacy has made its way to American shores, with Ladurée opening their first U.S. boutique in New York City. But if you can’t get to the Big Apple, Sucré, a boutique in the Big Easy, can ship out a box (or two) of their delicious, tastes-just-like-Paris macarons.
A Trip to Paris: Now’s the time to head to Paris. The crowds are thinner, fares are cheaper, and accommodations more plentiful. You deserve this escape, after all. So pack your bags, and have a bon voyage in the French capital.
Top photographs by One and Only Paris Photography.
