8 romantic destinations for a weekend getaway for two
14 February is approaching... The opportunity to spend an evening as lovers over a candlelit dinner. But do you know the origins of this festival? And where to spend Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon world of the 14th century. It was precisely in Great Britain that...
14 February is approaching… The opportunity to spend an evening as lovers over a candlelit dinner. But do you know the origins of this festival? And where to spend Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon world of the 14th century. It was precisely in Great Britain that Valentine’s Day was celebrated for the first time. In this Catholic region, it was believed at the time that birds waited for this date to pair up. It was by analogy that 14 February was designated as the festival of lovers. At the same time, poems written in England frequently referenced this Valentine’s Day as the day when lovers declared their flame and renewed their vows. At the end of the 15th century, Pope Alexander VI designated Valentin of Terni, a martyr from the 3rd century, as the patron saint of lovers. Although the tradition was somewhat lost in Europe, it reappeared a few centuries later in another form.
It was in the mid-19th century that Valentine’s Day developed as a commercial holiday. In the United States, based on an old tradition of exchanging small notes between the Valentine and the Valentine, cards were sold. Valentine’s Day became a secular holiday, celebrated differently according to the regions of the world. Whereas in Europe a gift is given to a single person, it is not uncommon in the United States to send holiday cards to dozens of different people. In France, it is customary to send flowers to the desired person. This holiday has become popular in other regions of the world, such as in Asia. Valentine’s Day is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young people, in China, Pakistan and India. Furthermore, in China, Valentine’s Day is added to another festival of lovers, Qixi, which takes place on the 7th day of the 7th moon. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in two parts: on 14 February, women offer chocolate to men, whether to their lover or to work colleagues. On 14 March, it is the men who offer white chocolate to women. This commercial holiday was developed in the late 1950s by Japanese chocolate manufacturers.
Why do we offer roses on Valentine’s Day?
We need to go back to the 3rd century. Valentine of Terni, a priest, was imprisoned by Claudius II, who had banned marriage in France. During his incarceration, he befriended the young blind daughter of the jailer. He miraculously restored her sight before being sentenced to execution. On the day of his beheading, a 14 February, he sent leaves shaped like hearts to the young girl. The story of this priest was then spread and interpreted during the Middle Ages.
Another interpretation could come from Greek mythology. The famous Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, had the rose as her favourite flower. This would certainly have fed the tradition of sending flowers to one’s beloved on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine or not, couples love to treat each other to little romantic getaways, so why not enjoy it all year round? That is why we have selected 8 timeless romantic destinations for you! You will also find good addresses for staying and lunching in the area because one cannot live on love and fresh air alone. To finish, we have added the most convenient means of transport to reach one of these 8 romantic destinations. All that remains is to make the reservations in secret and present the surprise to your partner. Explosions of joy and emotion guaranteed!
1 – Paris, the City of Light
As we mentioned recently, Paris is somewhat the most romantic capital in the world. It is also easily accessible and as the majority of French people are in the provinces, the City of Light is a key destination for any romantic getaway.
Not far from Lyon station is the Paris-Bercy district. This is also the location of one of the largest modern hotels in the capital, the Pullman Paris Bercy. Comfort and attention are guaranteed in this leading Parisian hotel.
Given its location near Bercy Village, you have plenty of choice for going out for dinner. For big appetites, we also like L’Auberge Averyonnaise on Rue Gabriel Lamé. They serve a potato and cheese purée that warms the heart!
How to get there?
The hotel is a few metro stops from Lyon station. We recommend public transport as parking is quite expensive. Save that money for a bouquet of flowers!
2 – Besançon, a city of history with a capital H
The capital of Doubs has also been the regional capital since 2016 following the merger of Burgundy with Franche-Comté. It is also, according to an English journalist, one of the most secret tourist destinations in France. Ideal for a romantic getaway!
For your stay, Hotel Le Sauvage and its luxurious room are waiting for you. A historic location for a historic city! Vauban stayed there regularly and Victor Hugo was born in Besançon, did you know that?
Ultimately, nothing like Square St Amour for a tête-à-tête lunch. The Poker d’As offers local cuisine full of character!
How to get there?
From Lyon station, Besançon is only 2 hours from Paris. The nearest airport is Dijon.
3 – Etretat, a city to take your breath away
Each country has its cliffs! The English have Dover, we have Etretat! And what cliffs! 30 minutes from Le Havre port, this jewel of the French coast has always attracted crowds. But it is also a place that has managed to retain great humility in the face of nature that constantly rages against its cliffs. Ultimately, it is a very Norman character and we love Normandy at Sextant!
As for the stay, a small secluded getaway does the greatest good, so why not opt for the Domaine Saint-Clair and its Donjon? Nothing to do with Fifty Shades of Grey, here it is the 76. The Donjon is simply the name of the restaurant at the Domaine. Everything is on site, it’s breathtaking and this view is to die for, so what are you waiting for?
How to get there?
The simplest for you is by car but if you don’t have one then use car-sharing with the flagships of the French Tech such as Drivy or even OuiCar as it is a subsidiary of the SNCF and they offer interesting Train+Car packages!
4 – Annecy, calm by the lake
What can be said about Annecy if not a classic of tourism in France. The Lyonnais themselves boast about the proximity to the coolest lake in France. But to be honest, a single photo is enough to have only one idea in mind, swimming through its calm waters. However, you will need to wait for the fine weather as for Valentine’s Day temperatures remain cool. So why not spend a cosy weekend in Annecy nestled in a sumptuous residence? Yes, so let’s go to the Clos Saint-Marcel!
How to get there?
The simplest is by rail but if you really lack time then you can always take a flight to Annecy Mont-Blanc.
5 – Saintes Maries de la Mer, Camargue in its purest state
We continue our journey of 8 romantic destinations in France and not far from Annecy but further south lies Camargue, wedged between the Petit Rhône and the Mediterranean. There one mixes with water of course but also beauty in its purest state. The landscapes are really worth the detour, a celebration of love. Saintes Maries de la Mer is also its capital!
For the stay, given the proximity to the sea, why not combine a weekend for two with some thalasso treatments? If this getaway appeals to you then we discovered the Thalacap centre for total relaxation between you two.
How to get there?
Camargue is easily accessible by train and plane but our recommendation is by boat, welcome aboard.
6 – Rocamadour, the untouched Dordogne
Who does not know Rocamadour? Besides, it rhymes with love. If you are not going this year then plan a visit in 2018. Weekendesk has also put together some lovely romantic packages for you, this way!
How to get there?
Not simple and that is also what gives it its charm! A town after all inaccessible and perched so high! But the nearest airport is Brive la Gaillarde.
7 – Riquewhir, romantic Alsace
Impossible to do a tour of France romantically without Alsace. We loved its Christmas markets in December last year with Strasbourg and Mulhouse as headliners. Halfway between the 2 capitals precisely lies Riquewhir, one of the most beautiful villages in France! Incredible architecture, you have to see it to believe it. This is an invitation to the pleasures of all the senses.
How to get there?
A bit like Etretat, difficult to reach the depths of France without a car unless of course you have used car-sharing. Otherwise it is train and bus. Romantic weekends are a bit of an adventure anyway, aren’t they?
8 – Secret destination on the doors of Sologne
The final selection was difficult, the teams from London and Paris debated for a long time. In the end, we opted for an oasis on the doors of Sologne, not far from the capital and therefore perfect for Parisians. After all, it’s not only provincials who are entitled to their romantic getaways!
A mythical residence as its name suggests, also one of the founding establishments of Relais & Chateaux in France. A symbol since 1954! To recharge and enjoy the art of French living then head to the Templiers at Boismorand. You will not forget it!
How to get there?
James Bond gets there incognito thanks to these coordinates:
47°48’01.8″N
2°44’21.0″E
And you?
