The lovers' party is fast approaching. To spend a romantic moment or simply take it easy, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity. Isn't going to a romantic weekend the best gift? Le Figaro has selected five cities to coo with two, accessible by train in less than three and a half hours from Paris.
In Bruges, holding hands on the canals
Colorful facades, cobbled streets and canals. In Bruges, lovers are a little like home. The delicate charm of the Belgian pearl envelops them with unparalleled softness. The streets of the capital of West Flanders lead to countless romantic treasures. The elongated trees of the Beguinage courtyard, its whitewashed façades where the Beguines lived, in the 13th century, women who had taken a vow of chastity. The variegated houses of the Grand-place, overlooked by the imposing Belfry. The Lac de l'Amour and the canal cruises that weave through the old town.
What make Bruges the preferred destination for valentines. And even, if it dared, the capital of lovers in front of Venice and Paris.
»Our guide - Weekend in Bruges: romantic getaway in the Venice of the North
In Marseille, kissing under the sun
In Marseille, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica watches over the Old Port. 113179007 / Boris Stroujko - stock.adobe.com
The Marseille city promises lovers a warm welcome. People come to Marseille to walk hand in hand on the Old Port, along the boats tossed by the gentle eddies of the Mediterranean. Or in front of the colorful façades of the Panier district. The ascent of the Garde hill on which the Good Mother sits is less tiring for two. The panorama, more beautiful. Inside the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica, you can admire the vault of the Byzantine basilica where touching ex-votos are hung.
A dinner at the Orphéon, a relaxed bistronomy where you do not know in advance what you are going to eat, concludes a radiant Valentine's Day.
»Our guide - Weekend in Marseille, between the sea and the hills
In Saint-Malo, shout your love against the wind
In Saint-Malo, all the alleys lead to the ramparts. Kavalenkava Volha / Kavalenkava - stock.adobe.com
It does not matter in which direction the lovebirds take the alleys of Saint-Malo. Always, they will end up colliding with the ramparts which surround the corsair city. And perhaps by climbing them to shout "I love you" against the wind pushed by the ocean. Even in winter, the Breton city reserves a few nuggets for lovers. From the charming house of the Duchess Anne, survivor of the fire of 1944, to the figures carved directly in granite by Father Fouéré between 1894 and 1907, passing through the Thermes marines.
At low tide, the National Fort is accessible from l'Eventail beach. We discover a place steeped in history and an exceptional panoramic view of the bay of Saint-Malo. Not too long, at the risk of being trapped by the sea surrounding the fort. Unless it is a ploy to hide in love in one of the most beautiful sites in France.
»Our guide - Weekend in Saint-Malo, the charm and the softness of the sea air out of season
In Amsterdam, prove your feelings
With its colorful canals and facades, Amsterdam is not only the city of revelers. DARD RODOLPHE / Laura - stock.adobe.com
The charm of the capital of the Netherlands makes it the meeting place for lovers. To hell with the revelers and the bachelor parties. By bike, on foot or by ferry, explore Amsterdam for its cultural places. The Eye Film Institute will appeal to movie lovers. The presence of the numerous music companies gathered in a 24-storey building will delight valentines (e) s musicos.
We take a break at the top of the A'dam tower for a drink with a 360 degree view of the city. And why not a swing round above the void to prove his love for his companion.
»Our guide - Weekend in Amsterdam: from the classic Jordaan to the fashionable De Pijp district
In London, say "I love you"
In a cabin of the London Eye, romanticism reaches new heights. 176378202 / Daniel - stock.adobe.com
The capital of England and its beautiful hotels lend themselves easily to a romantic getaway. In a cabin of the London Eye, romanticism reaches new heights. And London offers many other activities for two. A visit, for example, to the amazing tropical greenhouse of the Barbican or to the antique dealers of the Spitalfields Market. We make a detour near the royal parks Hyde Park and Green Park for an afternoon tea in the pretty pastel lounge of Fortnum and Mason, where the queen buys her Earl Gray tea.
To end the day on a high note, there is nothing like a musical in the West End, where the majority of the great London theaters are gathered.
»Our guide - Weekend in London: full of energy in the British capital