Do They Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Valentine’s Day is a day of love and romance, celebrated by couples around the world. Paris, also known as the City of Love, is often associated with this romantic holiday.

But do they really celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris? Let’s find out.

History of Valentine’s Day in Paris

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in France since the Middle Ages. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became a popular holiday in Paris. The holiday was embraced by French people and was soon considered an important day for lovers.

How is Valentine’s Day Celebrated in Paris?

Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere and stunning architecture, which makes it an ideal destination for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Many couples choose to spend the day exploring the city and visiting romantic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, or Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Flowers and Chocolate

Like many other countries around the world, flowers and chocolate are popular gifts on Valentine’s Day in Paris. It is common to see flower shops crowded with people looking to buy bouquets of roses or other flowers for their loved ones.

Dinner Dates

One of the most popular ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris is by going out for a romantic dinner. Many restaurants offer special menus for couples on this day, which often include champagne and other fancy drinks.

Love Locks

Another popular tradition on Valentine’s Day in Paris is to attach love locks to bridges or other landmarks. Couples will write their names on a lock and attach it to a bridge railing or fence as a symbol of their love.

The Controversy Surrounding Love Locks

While attaching love locks may seem like a charming tradition, it has become controversial in recent years. The weight of the locks has caused damage to the structures they are attached to, and authorities have started removing them. In fact, in 2015, Paris removed over a million love locks from the Pont des Arts bridge alone.

Conclusion

So, do they celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris? The answer is yes!

Parisians embrace this romantic holiday with flowers, chocolates, dinner dates, and love locks. If you’re looking for a romantic destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Paris is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful of the love locks controversy and make sure to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.