This city knocks Paris off top spot for most romantic destination - fly direct from Scotland

Man looking at Eiffel Tower (stock photo)
-Credit:stock_colors via Getty Images


Paris is know as the city of love. Millions of couples from across the world travel to the French capital every year to enjoy the romantic vibes the city has to offer.

The place oozes romance, so much so that it's believed 10 marriage proposals happen at the Eiffel Tower each day. So it might come as a surprise that Paris did not rank number one in a list of the country's most romantic destinations.

Travel experts at Seine River Cruises ranked the 30 largest French cities. The results were based on reviews, Google searches, and luxury experiences. They also considered the number of tourist attractions for couples, the availability of luxury hotels with romantic keywords in reviews such as ‘intimate’ and ‘romantic,’ as well as the presence of Michelin-starred and romantic restaurants with reviews mentioning words like ‘dreamy’ and ‘secluded’ in each city.

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France, Gironde, Bordeaux, area listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Saint Andre cathedral seen from the top of Pey Berland tower
Bordeaux in France has been named the most romantic city for Valentine's Day -Credit:Getty Images/Hemis.fr RM

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To ensure fairness between cities of different sizes, the results were adjusted per 100,000 people, highlighting the best spots for couples and providing a curated guide of must-visit locations for unforgettable experiences.

And the study revealed Bordeaux as the most romantic Valentine's Day destination in France. Known as the wine capital, Bordeaux records an impressive 40.62 romance-related Google searches per 100,000 people each month.

You can fly with easyJet to Bordeaux with prices starting at £51.99 one way. The city is conveniently located just five km from the nearest airport. While not a coastal destination, Bordeaux offers 42 attractions designed for couples and 46 luxury or romantic hotels, with reviews that include words like 'romantic,' 'intimate,' and ‘passionate’.

With an impressive 98 Michelin-starred or romantic restaurants per 100,000 people, it is a top choice for couples seeking a charming and unforgettable experience.

Paris ranked number 2 on the list. The city's proximity to the nearest airport—just one kilometre from the centre—makes it incredibly convenient for couples to reach their accommodation. While Paris is inland and lacks a beach, its global status as a hub for art, gastronomy, and culture more than compensates.

Aix-en-Provence, a charming university city in the south of France, takes third place as the most romantic Valentine's Day destination. Although relatively unknown among couples, with no monthly Google searches, it remains a hidden gem.

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