Valentine's Day in Paris

Q: I am hoping to spend Valentine's Day with my wife in Paris next year. As I really want to make it memorable, could you suggest some of the best places to wine and dine. We will be staying near the Place des Vosges in the Le Marais district. - Geoff Carlisle

A: You must realise there is no more romantic place on earth to celebrate the day of love. In Paris, you just can't go wrong. For pre-dinner drinks, head for the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris Hotel. Rub shoulders with the elite as you sip cocktails adorned with orchids and roses. If you prefer a pub with a history, then try Harry's Bar. The story goes that in 1911 a bar owner dismantled his bar in New York and shifted it to Paris, where it was opened by one Harry MacElhone. Harry's Bar was born and you can still find it at 5 Rue Daunou. For dinner, what could be more romantic than the Eiffel Tower? Try Le 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant on the first level or go for broke and book a table at the one-star Michelin restaurant on the second level, Le Jules Verne. Run by the legendary Alain Ducasse, you reach it by a private elevator in the south tower. Another restaurant with superb views is Georges Restaurant on the Centre Georges Pompidou's top floor. As you admire the city vista, you are bound to run into one or two celebrities - this is definitely one of the city's A-list eateries. If you prefer to be at ground level, you can't do better than Les Ambassadeurs restaurant at the Hôtel de Crillon. Under a 25-foot ceiling studded with Baccarat chandeliers, chef Jean-François Piège spins his culinary magic. A final alternative is to take a dinner cruise on the Seine River. It may sound cheesy, but it remains intoxicatingly romantic. If you're in the market for after-dinner drinks, try something very different by heading to Esmerelda's on Rue Xavier Privasin the Latin Quarter. The building is enchantingly ancient and margaritas are the drink of choice. For something more sophisticated, try the 24-hour club at the Mondrian on Boulevard St-Germain. The cocktails are named after famous islands and the atmosphere is ultra-hip. What a great way to end a romantic evening. (27/11/11)