There are lots of stereotypes when it comes to a Valentine’s date. Some of the old cliches are great when delivered well. It can be difficult to beat a romantic dinner for two at a top restaurant, followed by an evening’s entertainment at the theatre. Add in a romantic walk and some luxury chocolates and it is many people’s idea of heaven. But, there are other places to enjoy a romantic date that do things a little differently.
In the heart of the 7th arrondissement, near the Hôtel de la Motte Picquet, can be found the prestigious Hôtel des Invalides. This complex of buildings and its huge golden dome, a Parisian landmark, is home to the Army Museum and monuments relating to French military history. Here you can see a magnificent collection of weapons, uniforms, armour, military models and more, as well as the tomb of Napoleon.
For Valentine's Day, take your other half for a romantic and cultural getaway in one the romantic museums of Paris. From your base at the Hotel La Motte Picquet, you can head out to discover these authentic places where love is a central theme. From the Museum of Romantic Life to the Orsay Museum, via the Rodin Museum and the Cluny Museum, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Great pieces of art push boundaries into areas of modern expression or call back to ideas and images from the past. They help us to see where we have been, as well as where we are going. In some cases, the very best pieces can do both. The Throne at the Musee du Louvre is a great example of this.
Yves Saint Laurent was one of the leading creative geniuses of the Parisian fashion world. He had this strange way of tapping into ideas and cultures and adding his own slant on the themes and designs. This is brilliantly clear in the way that he worked with designs from Eastern cultures.
Tucked away and picturesque, the covered passages of Paris are the very essence of quaint charm. Take a stroll through these sheltered, historic, beautifully preserved and elegantly lovely shopping arcades, each of which has its own special ambiance.
