Photo courtesy of Musée Rodin
Welcome to our monthly series: MFCH Staff Favorites!
Every month, the members of the My French Country Home team will share a recommendation for their favorite thing in France right now.
February in Paris naturally turns our thoughts to romance. With Valentine’s Day around the corner and the city living up to its reputation as the City of Love, it felt like the perfect moment to reflect on our favorite ways to spend a sweet date here. Not the over-planned, over-hyped kind, but the simple, intimate experiences that make Paris feel magical.
Our favorite experiences range from softly lit bistros and neighborhood gems to museums, cheese-and-wine tastings, and a perfectly packed picnic by the Seine. Thoughtful, classic, and relaxed, each recommendation offers its own version of romance, proving that in Paris, the best dates are often the simplest ones.
Here are the places that our staff genuinely loves for a romantic outing in Paris.
Le Sand
Recommended by Alizée, MFCH Travel and Tour Manager
One of my favorite date spots in Paris is Le Sand. I really love it at night — the lights are low, there are candles everywhere, a bar in the middle, and very simple tables with white tablecloths and a candle on each one. It feels easy, cozy, and quiet.
The menu is simple, classic French dishes, but everything is done well. The wine list is great, the cocktails too, and nothing feels forced or too “scene-y”. It’s perfect for dates that don’t need much planning; just a nice dinner, a good glass of wine, and time to talk. It’s low-key, central, and one of those places I keep in mind when I want something intimate without overthinking it.
www.lesand-paris.com
7, rue Rouget de Lisle 75001 Paris
Musée Rodin
Recommended by Nicola, MFCH Magazine Writer & Editor
Tucked into an intimate salon overlooking the gardens of the Musée Rodin, in the 7th arrondissement, is maybe the most evocative work I know by the sculpture Auguste Rodin. The Kiss was an instant sensation when it was unveiled in 1898 – it’s a touching depiction of two doomed lovers from Danté’s Inferno so fluid and lifelike that it’s impossible not to be moved by it. This marvel in marble is worth the price of admission alone.
Linger here with your special someone, then explore the rest of the museum and the grounds before it closes at 6:30pm. Head on to a quiet tête-à-tête over a glass of wine and contemplate why love, like art, dares to endure. What happens after that is up to you….
www.musee-rodin.fr
77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Paroles de Fromagers
Recommended by Sarah, MFCH Subscription Box & Boutique Manager
I love trying new things, and this is the perfect way to do that with someone special. Paroles de Fromagers offers an Introduction to Cheese & Wine experience that’s both fun and educational. You’ll taste a variety of exquisite French cheeses paired with carefully selected wines, learning about flavors, textures, and pairings along the way.
The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, making it an ideal date night that’s a little different from the usual dinner-and-movie routine. It’s a charming and delicious way to explore French culture together.
parolesdefromagers.com/en/formation/introduction-to-cheese-and-wine
41 Rue du Faubourg du Temple 75010 Paris
Oobatz
Recommended by Jessy, MFCH Customer Service Coordinator
Sometimes the most romantic things are low-stakes, comforting, and better when shared. Oobatz offers whole pizza pies with crust just chewy and thin enough to feel like you might have landed in New York rather than Paris. The atmosphere is unassuming; bright and open. The flavors are rich, menus simple, and reservations are coveted. Locals in-the-know mingle alongside English-speaking diners, on dates or alone, but no one seems to mind.
Chanterelles, which are so exquisitely French, are covered in garlic and served on a hot crust. The pizza all but melts in the mouth. It’s too tasty not to talk about with the person next to you, or across, on a romantic evening. With an elaborate wine list, it’s not really just any old pizza place, but a spot to enjoy special moments, with or without company.
www.oobatz.fr
4bis Av. Jean Aicard, 75011 Paris
La Bécane à Gaston
Recommended by Maddy, MFCH Magazine Writer & Editor
This tiny, clandestine restaurant feels like you’re in the countryside in the center of Paris, and I have to admit I’ve been keeping it a bit of a secret. Cozy and intimate, it’s mainly filled with locals and a few out-of-towners in-the-know, and it’s been my favorite place for date-nights since I moved into the area over 4 years ago. Sadly, it will no longer be my go-to as I’m moving neighborhoods — but it’s a place I can recommend without hesitation, worth visiting wherever you’re staying in Paris.
The décor is rustic, keeping the focus on the menu of generous regional dishes, shaped by a deep understanding of France’s terroirs. Expect a warm welcome and magnetic atmosphere.
www.labecaneagaston.fr
4 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris
Picnic on the Seine
Recommended by Olivia, MFCH Brand Strategist, Writer, & Editor
There are plenty of romantic restaurants around Paris (it’s called the City of Love for a reason…), but my favorite date night is much simpler: an intimate meal shared on a blanket along the banks of the River Seine. Call me cheesy, but I’m a sucker for a classic cheese board with a fresh baguette and a good bottle of wine.
To level up the picnic, bring real — or at least real-looking — wine glasses, a proper wooden cutting board, and a candle for good measure. And if the evening ends with a sweet treat from a local patisserie, I’m sold… at least for a second date.
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