To truly experience the romance of Paris, head to the sixth arrondissement, in the heart of the artistic and literary district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Surrounding boulevard Saint-Germain is a channel of winding streets (Rue du Four and Rue Bonaparte are must-visits), all fizzing with bustling markets, cafés, art galleries, studios and historic universities. Long adored by famous figureheads, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre and Ernest Hemingway, follow in their footsteps on a romantic outing here.

Amongst a tangle of cobbled lanes and a flurry of flowers lie staircases wrapped with wrought-iron railings and the studios of a thousand inspired artists, painters and illustrators encased in elegant buildings. Behind a blur of caricaturists tucked in at their easels, far-reaching high up on the hill, the Sacré-Coeur in all its splendour. Montmartre is just as romantic as it is described, making it the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon arm-in-arm.

Almost 80% of the capital's current green spaces were created between 1850 and 1870, on the initiative of Napoleon III. This was the beginning of the influence of English-style gardens, which – with their winding paths and irregular shapes – were uncommon in Paris at the time. Perfectly maintained, they’re idyllic for a hand-in-hand stroll, a soothing stop on a bench or an open-air café visit. Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau, Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Parc Montsouris...which will it be?

Climb aboard the world's largest tethered balloon (which can carry up to 30 passengers) and glide into the air to admire Paris from an altitude of 150 metres. Spot the city’s main monuments from the comfort of your gondola and soak up a unique view of the City of Light. The Ballon de Paris Generali is accessible from the Parc André Citroën, in the fifteenth arrondissement on the banks of the Seine.

From the baroque church of Saint-Louis-en-l'île to the quays d'Anjou, de Béthune, d'Orléans and de Bourbon – and not forgetting the must-see Rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île, this Parisian island is a veritable jewel of softness, elegance and romance. Steeped in history – as though plucked straight from the past – take your time to wander from its extravagant mansions through to the charming little Square Barye, while exploring everything this unique space has to offer.

There's nothing like the emotion that a work of art can evoke. Paris abounds in magnificent museums, beyond the architectural and sculptural marvels on every street corner. To complete your romantic tour of the capital, devote a few hours to one. You'll be spoilt for choice; from the rich collections of Musée du Louvre to the illustrious Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former railway station, there’s so many to explore.

Nothing quite exudes an air of romance like watching the warm glow of the sun trickle down the city’s most grandiose buildings, all from a unique vantage point. For the best views, we recommend a seat on the Trocadero esplanade, where you can watch the sun set over the Eiffel Tower with the Champ de Mars glistening in the background. There’s a lawn to enjoy a picnic, or, if you’re feeling spontaneous, plenty of options for a candlelit dinner nearby.

With an arts scene built on the shoulders of the great Romanticists of the eighteenth century, there's plenty with which to delight a loved one on date night. Firstly, the legendary Grand Rex, whose Art Deco-modern façade is a must for movie lovers. Prefer singing or ballet? Secure tickets to a show at Palais Garnier or Opéra Bastille. Or, there’s the famous Parisian cabarets, from the Crazy Horse to the Paradis Latin and the Moulin Rouge, for a feathered revue to the rhythm of the French Cancan!