It's often said that no matter what the price, it's the thought that counts. But when you're trying to impress your crush and win his or her heart, you always try to go the extra mile. Unfortunately, your bank account isn't quite as full as Uncle Scrooge's. But that doesn't mean you can't try. But there's no reason to give up on wooing your crush.
There's no need to break the bank to treat your other half to an enchanted moment: the key to success is hidden in our guide to good deals and ideas for outings on a budget.
Restaurants or cafés, trendy bars, cultural outings, games and escape games, romantic walks: there's no shortage of choice in Paris and the Paris region. Once again, the City of Love has everything we need to spend a lovely moment together. Now the hard part is making your choice... And finding the courage to ask your crush out on a date.



Pré Catelan Garden and the Shakespeare Garden, the Bois de Boulogne's secret gardens
If someone mentions the Bois de Boulogne and its lakes, you’ll probably know them. Yet just a few steps away, there’s another garden. A garden in the heart of the woods, little-known but far calmer: the Jardin du Pré Catelan, a green space to discover in the 16th arrondissement. [Read more]



5 gardens and parks to drop by for a picnic or a rest, near the Champs-Élysées
On a trip to Paris, especially when the weather is nice, you don’t always know where to find a pleasant spot to settle in for a while—maybe to tuck into a picnic or simply take a break before continuing on. Here’s a guide to nice places to linger for a few hours around the Champs-Élysées in Paris. [Read more]



This little-known garden, with rocky outcrops, a pond and quaint footbridges, is tucked away just a few meters from the Grand Palais.
Hidden just a stone's throw from the Grand Palais, the Jardin de la Nouvelle-France is one of those tiny corners of Paris you might walk right past without realizing it. Rocks, a basin, bridges and greenery outline an unexpectedly green interlude in the heart of the 8th arrondissement. [Read more]



Square Léon Serpollet, the hidden green oasis in the heart of Paris's 18th arrondissement
Situated in the Clignancourt district, Square Léon Serpollet is one of those hidden gems locals know well. A green oasis tucked inside a very urban area, to be discovered on a particularly pleasant stroll. [Read more]



Le Jardin Yili, the unusual Chinese garden hidden away in the Yvelines
Jardin Yili is the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France. Head for Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, about 33 km from Paris, for a change of scenery. Discover this 10,000 m² green space, imbued with spirituality and tranquility, where you can discover the art of Chinese gardens and immerse yourself in a feng shui setting inspired by age-old traditions. [Read more]



Madie: a French restaurant with a terrace in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, between Madeleine and Saint-Lazare.
Sponsored - Looking for a French restaurant in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, near the Madeleine and Saint-Lazare station? Madie, at 14 Rue de Castellane, serves homemade dishes made from fresh ingredients, with generous shareable portions and a wide wine list. With a terrace, an air-conditioned dining room, and menus at 30 and 40 euros, the spot is equally suitable for a business lunch, a pre-theatre dinner, or a meal with friends. [Read more]



Wrap'n Roll Sushi: the Japanese eatery serving creative, accessible rolls for everyone
Well known among connoisseurs and a must-try for food enthusiasts: Wrap’n Roll Sushi is the Japanese restaurant not to be missed near Saint-Lazare, offering a menu of inventive and affordable maki rolls. [Read more]



Les Rupins: An Authentic Parisian Bistro in the 10th Arrondissement, Near the Canal Saint-Martin
Sponsored - Just a stone’s throw from Canal Saint-Martin, Gare de l’Est and République, the restaurant Les Rupins is a genuine, authentic Parisian bistro. Located in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, it embodies classic Parisian charm while offering 100% homemade, modern and hearty cuisine, crafted from ultra-fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Here, every plate showcases the best of Parisian gastronomy in a friendly and warm atmosphere. [Read more]



Chez Bonnie in Versailles: a coffee shop and wine bar near the Palace
Sponsored - At Bonnie, the vibe carries through from morning coffee to an evening glass of wine without missing a beat.
Just steps from the Château de Versailles and the Notre-Dame market, come by for a quick lunch, a coffee-and-pastry break, shared charcuterie and cheese boards, or simply a good glass with friends. [Read more]



21G Dumpling: a communal-dining spot offering homemade Dim Sum near Bastille
Sponsored - Just a stone's throw from the Aligre Market, 21G Dumpling invites you to discover the must-tries of Sino-Taiwanese cuisine: hand-crafted dim sum made daily, including the famed 21-gram Xiao Long Bao, generous Gua Bao, and iconic shareable dishes, all in an atmosphere inspired by Taiwanese night markets. [Read more]



Moulin Créole: A Creole restaurant in Paris's 14th arrondissement
Sponsored - Moulin Créole is a new air‑conditioned Creole restaurant in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, serving authentic and flavorful dishes inspired by the Antilles and Réunion. Open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with continuous service, the venue also offers a Happy Hour, a Creole brunch every Sunday, and festive evenings with music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. [Read more]



Paillettes Paris: the lively restaurant that blends fine dining with celebration in the heart of Paris
Sponsored - A festive restaurant in the heart of Paris, where you can savor tasty French cuisine and groove to live music: welcome to Paillettes Paris, the sensory experience to be enjoyed at 14 Rue Saint-Fiacre. [Read more]



Le Paname Les Halles: a generous French brasserie with a spacious terrace and a welcoming, convivial kitchen in the heart of Paris
Sponsored - Situated on rue Pierre Lescot, just steps from Châtelet–Les Halles, Le Paname is a friendly French brasserie that wins you over with its hearty dishes, approachable brasserie fare, and a large terrace right in the heart of Paris.
Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed gathering with friends, the venue offers a varied menu, generous plates and a lively atmosphere. A practical, welcoming spot, with the bonus of an extended happy hour and a private room available for groups. [Read more]



P’tit Boulevard: Châtelet’s hotspot with a pink façade, serving XXL crêpes and hearty pizzas.
Sponsored - Avis to lovers of generous street food! Located at 9 Boulevard de Sébastopol, P’tit Boulevard catches the eye with its pretty pale-pink facade, but it’s for its ultra-indulgent menu that you’ll linger. Between monumental crêpes, crispy pizzas, and velvety milkshakes, discover the new HQ for gourmands in the heart of Paris. [Read more]



Sheesh by Danny Khezzar: we checked out his street-food spot in Paris
Sheesh, the street-food hotspot from chef Danny Khezzar has just opened in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. We tasted his reimagined sandwiches, including a four-hands collaboration with Michel Roth, a must-try this season. [Read more]



Neighborhood restaurant: Ter. serves up brunch and dinner.
Sponsored - Here’s a more idiomatic, journalistically adapted version in English:
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Ter offers dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday, with brunch options available on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit the first Mayo Egg Bar in Paris, located in the 11th arrondissement. [Read more]



The Indian Arms, Manoj Sharma's cosy gastropub where India meets the UK
In Paris, chef Manoj Sharma unveils The Indian Arms, a restaurant where British classics meet Indian flavors, in the spirit of London’s finest gastropubs. [Read more]



The secret, affordable tea time at Printemps Haussmann, by Bryan Esposito and Xavier Pistol
Why not make yourself comfortable at Bleu Coupole, the restaurant under the immense dome of Printemps Haussmann, to discover the gourmet tea time of Bryan Esposito and Xavier Pistol? Both gourmet and accessible every day, there's something for everyone. [Read more]



La table des Bernardins, the unusual café-restaurant nestled in the nave of the Collège des Bernardins
La Table des Bernardins, located in the emblematic Collège des Bernardins in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is the ideal spot for a meal or a break in an atypical, historic setting. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, this restaurant-café offers a varied cuisine, ideal for a relaxing lunch or a passing snack. [Read more]



The charming and affordable tea time experience at Jardin de Mademoiselle, a hidden gem in the 7th arrondissement of Paris
Le Jardin de Mademoiselle, a charming tea salon tucked away in the 7th arrondissement near Les Invalides, offers a personalized tea time experience every day, tailored to your cravings and budget. This time, we’re inviting you to explore their delightful tea time options in a whimsical setting—perfect for any season. [Read more]



Miami Boulevard is a one-of-a-kind, festive restaurant-club, and an all-you-can-eat weekend brunch.
Sponsored - Miami Boulevard, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is expanding its unlimited brunch offering with a new menu featuring fresh recipes and a wider selection of grilled dishes and barbecue, while keeping its all-you-can-eat, all-inclusive package at €29 per adult, available Saturdays and Sundays. [Read more]



Sunday brunch at Ariette in the Pullman Paris Centre - Bercy
Sponsored - Every Sunday, the Pullman Paris Centre - Bercy invites you to enjoy a delicious brunch from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Book your Sunday brunch now! [Read more]



Sunday Brunch: an all-you-can-eat brunch that's unapologetically focused on pleasure.
Sponsored - Looking for an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch in Paris? The Pullman Paris Montparnasse invites you to Umami, where a generous sweet-and-savoury buffet blends indulgent dishes, seasonal recipes, and comforting treats—all set in a spacious space that's perfect for brunching with family or friends. [Read more]



World brunch in Montreuil: we tried Baiman’s Cake (93)
Just launched, Baiman's Cake's World Brunches whisk you away on a culinary trip for a meal in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis. Istanbul, Rome, Paris, New York or London: five new, homemade gourmand options to discover right away, every weekend. [Read more]



Pop Art Car 2.0: a free exhibition blending pop art, design and digital culture on the Champs-Élysées
Sponsored - From September 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027, pop art car 2.0 takes over Renault’s showcase on the Champs-Élysées, at 53 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. With a mix of historical works, never-before-seen digital pieces and automobiles, this free exhibition brings together artists Sébastien Preschoux, Popay, Victor Vasarely and Julio Le Parc. Not to mention the all-new show car, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, unveiled in a world premiere. [Read more]



Exhibition Through the Ages: Bulgarian Traditional Costumes
Sponsored - Paris hosts a collection of authentic pieces, testifying to another era and to traditional craftsmanship. Head to the Bulgarian Cultural Institute through November 20, 2026. [Read more]



KHADI : a CANVAS, the free exhibition on Indian art and craftsmanship
Sponsored - KHADI : a CANVAS is an exhibition that probes the ongoing dialogue between khadi, art, and India's cultural heritage, weaving in the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Raja Ravi Varma. Don’t miss it—it's right in the heart of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement. Best of all, admission is free. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: a free exhibition of art and design by Charles Zana in an 18th‑century venue
On the occasion of Art Basel Paris 2026, architect and designer Charles Zana opens the doors to his new Paris venue with Something Else, an exhibition that blends art, furniture, and installations, to be showcased from October 21 to 25, 2026. [Read more]



Art Basel 2026: a free audiovisual installation by Gener8ion at the Grand Palais
As part of the new edition of Art Basel Paris, the duo Gener8ion takes over the Grand Palais with a brand-new audiovisual installation, free to visit in the Rotonde d’Antin from October 22 to 25, 2026. [Read more]



Live painting by Clément Herrmann at the Goldshteyn Saatort Gallery
L'artiste Clément Herrmann invites you to a Live Painting session using used spray cans at the Goldshteyn Saatort gallery, in Paris's 7th arrondissement, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. From 2:00 PM to 6:45 PM, the artist will transform his studio waste into canvases for creation. [Read more]



Spark of Life: a light-painting photography exhibition in Fontenay-aux-Roses
Photographer Rudy Pilarski turns the night into a workshop for creation with Spark of Life at Espace Rosa Bonheur in Fontenay-aux-Roses, running November 12 to December 6, 2026. A light-painting exhibition where glowing circles and bursts of sparks meet landscapes and architecture. [Read more]



We, the Grotesques: Guillermo Forchino's free exhibition at Galerie Joseph
The Joseph Gallery, in the Marais district of Paris, is hosting "Noi, i Grotteschi," a free exhibition bringing together 124 sculptures by Guillermo Forchino, from November 6 to 29, 2026. A retrospective that spans four decades of work, blending human comedy, biting humor, and a look at the fragilities of our society. [Read more]



The Centre Pompidou Francilien is hosting three free weekends ahead of its grand opening.
Before we can enjoy the Centre Pompidou Francilien in Massy, opening in spring 2027, the art venue invites us to enjoy three weekends of free programming in October. [Read more]



Bar du OFF Paris Seine: the unusual floating poolside bar overlooking the Seine
Looking for a spot that makes waves? The bar at OFF Paris Seine, a floating hotel-pool at the foot of the Gare d'Austerlitz, combines cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique waterside setting, for a relaxing Parisian interlude. [Read more]



Marlusse et Lapin: the unusual bar where you can have a drink in a bathtub or bed in Pigalle
Have you ever had a drink in a bathtub or on a bed? Well, maybe, but certainly not in a bar! Chez Marlusse et Lapin, in the Pigalle district, even recommends it in this not-to-be-missed spot! [Read more]



The Hurling Pub: the Irish sports bar in Paris's 5th arrondissement
Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Hurling Pub in Paris, where Irish culture meets live sports matches in a warm, festive atmosphere. [Read more]



The Long Hop: an English pub not to be missed in Paris
Located in the 5th arrondissement, The Long Hop is a lively, friendly English pub in the heart of Paris, ideal for sports fans and beer lovers. [Read more]



L’Antichambre in Paris: escape rooms to discover around Strasbourg‑Saint‑Denis
The Antichambre brings together twelve escape rooms across three Paris locations, located between the 3rd and 10th arrondissements. A brand built for groups, offering scenarios in investigation, adventure, horror, espionage, and science fiction. [Read more]



Rush Action Game: we tested the Action Game for the whole family at Bastille
Rush Action Game, the indoor gaming venue located in Paris near Bastille, has just added a new challenge to its lineup with a Grid — a room filled with illuminated tiles that players must walk across (note: this is a special flooring). Opened on December 2, 2024, this indoor entertainment spot offers families and groups of friends a series of physical and tactical challenges designed to be tackled in teams of 2 to 5 players. [Read more]



Majestic Escape Game in Paris: total immersion in the world of the Titanic
All aboard! Majestic Escape Game offers a room dedicated to the sinking of the Titanic, and invites budding adventurers to escape from the engine room in 60 minutes, or risk going down with the liner. We played Jack and Rose for a test run, now it's your turn! [Read more]



Team Break, the escape game in the heart of La Défense
Good news for escape game fans! Team Break, the escape game brand, has moved from the CNIT to a new address in La Défense as of June 9, 2021. And when it comes to the rooms on offer, a digest of the establishment's best as well as a brand-new quiz experience and a Koh Lanta room. [Read more]



Le Cachot de la Bastille, our test of Gamescape's Revolutionary escape game
Lovers of history, and of the French Revolution in particular, are in for a treat with Gamescape's new Le Cachot de la Bastille escape game in Paris's 11th arrondissement. The redesign now allows you to play in pairs only, if you wish. [Read more]
Looking for inspiration for your next appointment? Consult our guide.
Where to take your date in Paris? Ideas for outings in the capital
Are you planning a first date but don't know what to do with your crush? We've come up with a few ideas for date spots in Paris. Now it's up to you! [Read more]