Comme une Romance à Paris

Walking home from dinner near the Palais Royal last night I saw lovers hotly embraced in a dark alcove on rue Vivienne. I was envious of them — so young, so in love, so passionate without reservation and oh, to be in Paris where the senses are heightened.

I stopped to ogle the menu at Le Grand Vefour and gaze up through the windows to glimpse its intricate hand-painted ceilings and gilded appointments…then spotted a couple tête-à-tête, blurred by the translucent curtains. They reminded me of Napoleon’s courting of j2999ephine at this very restaurant — considered one of the city’s most beautiful and romantic. Again, I found myself envious — I’ve still never had the pleasure of a romantic dinner at Le Grand Vefour.

Later I turned on the TV to catch a few moments of an old movie before falling asleep and was once again reminded of romantic Paris when TMC(Turner Movie Classics) was promoting a series of romantic movies set in Paris this month…”American in Paris,” “A Woman in Paris” and “The Last Time I Saw Paris.”

Everyone knows Paris is the most romantic city in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that the city should be officially celebrating such a passionate theme — “Comme une Romance à Paris,” from February 10the to 20th. For the first time, the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau and approximately 300 tourism professionals are making a date with loving couples from all over the world throughout the month to provide an opportunity for lovers to discover or rediscover the city.

“Parisian establishments are setting their watches to sweetheart time to provide romantic souls with a whole month packed with special offers to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Hotels, restaurants, cabarets, original trips and tours are all at your fingertips to make that special someone’s heart beat faster,” writes the tourist board (http://www.parisinfo.com/).

I agree. Take your friend, your partner, your wife or lover by the hand. Stroll the city arm in arm, dance cheek to cheek, clink champagne glasses filled with bubbly. Enjoy the city as only two lovers can and softly sing the song by Charles Trenet (1942, “Romance de Paris”)…

C’est la romance de Paris,
Au coin des rues elle fleurit,
Ça met au coeur des amoureux,
Ce doux refrain de nos faubourgs
Parle si gentiment d’amour
Que tout le monde en est épris :
C’est la romance de Paris!

And if you aren’t in love when February 14th rolls around, like the millions who are “in between” friends, partners, wives or lovers, give your heart to the city that best symbolizes love and romance — Paris.

For more information and to consult the schedule of romantic events, visit http://www.commeuneromance.fr/romance_ok.html

A la prochaine…

Adrian LeedsEditor, Parler Paris
Email [email protected]

P.S. Plan on attending our next Parler Paris Après Midi on Tuesday, February 14th — a special heart-felt day!