A Romantic Getaway in Vincennes, Just Outside Paris
Located in the heart of Vincennes, the four-star Best Western Saint Louis offers a comfortable base, within walking distance of the château, town centre and Bois de Vincennes.
Day 1: Discover the Château de Vincennes and enjoy a romantic dinner
Explore the historic Château de Vincennes
Begin your stay with a walk through the centre of Vincennes. Its shopping streets, cafés and terraces provide a pleasant introduction to the town before heading towards one of the most impressive medieval monuments near Paris.
The Château de Vincennes was once a residence of the French kings and remains one of the best-preserved royal fortresses in the Paris region.
Its imposing 52-metre keep, fortified walls and Gothic Sainte-Chapelle offer a fascinating insight into several centuries of French history.
Allow part of the afternoon to explore the monument and its different buildings. The château is particularly convenient to visit from the centre of Vincennes, with the main entrance located on avenue de Paris.
Before your visit, check the official opening hours and practical information.
For more local inspiration, discover our guide to things to see and do in Vincennes.
A gastronomic dinner for two at L'Ours
After an afternoon exploring the château, spend the evening discovering Vincennes's restaurant scene.
For a special occasion, L'Ours, located on rue de l'Église, is a particularly appealing choice.
Led by chef Jacky Ribault, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced flavours.
Its tasting menu is designed around the chef's inspirations, making it an interesting option for an anniversary, birthday or simply an evening to enjoy together.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
After dinner, enjoy a short walk through Vincennes before returning to your room at the Best Western Saint Louis.
Day 2: Explore the Bois de Vincennes and the gardens of Parc Floral
Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your room
Start the following morning at your own pace before heading out to discover the green spaces surrounding Vincennes.
At the Best Western Saint Louis, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast served directly in their room, a pleasant way to extend a quiet morning together.
For couples looking for additional space, the 34-square-metre Junior Suite features a double bed, a seating area with a sofa and a double bathroom.
After breakfast, head towards the Bois de Vincennes, easily accessible on foot from the town centre.
A walk around Lac Daumesnil
Covering nearly 995 hectares, the Bois de Vincennes is the largest green space in Paris. Its wooded paths, open lawns and four lakes make it an attractive place to explore throughout the year.
Among its many scenic spots, Lac Daumesnil is particularly worth visiting.
Surrounded by trees, the lake features two small islands connected to the shore by bridges. One of them, Île de Reuilly, is known for its nineteenth-century artificial grotto and picturesque rotunda.
During the warmer months, rowing boats can be rented for a different view of the lake.
Alternatively, follow the lakeside paths and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing through the woodland.
The Bois de Vincennes also offers plenty of other places to discover, from Lac des Minimes to the Paris Zoological Park and the Grande Pagode.
Discover the gardens of Parc Floral de Paris
Located near the château, the Parc Floral de Paris is another pleasant destination for a couple's afternoon outdoors.
This 35-hectare botanical garden brings together landscaped paths, themed gardens and an extensive collection of plants and flowers.
The scenery changes with the seasons. Spring brings colourful flower beds, while summer offers open-air concerts and cultural events. In autumn, the trees take on warmer shades and the quieter paths are particularly enjoyable.
The Parc Floral forms part of the Jardin botanique de Paris, a collection of four botanical gardens across the capital.
Good to know: admission to the Parc Floral is free from 1 October to 31 March. An entrance fee applies from April to September.
After spending the day outdoors, return to Vincennes for a relaxed evening, perhaps discovering another local restaurant or enjoying a walk through the town centre.
Day 3: A final morning in the heart of Vincennes
Before leaving, take some time to enjoy the town centre one last time.
The streets around avenue du Château and rue du Midi offer a selection of independent shops, cafés and local businesses. Stop for coffee, browse a few boutiques or simply enjoy a quiet morning before your departure.
If your schedule allows, you can also extend your stay with a visit to central Paris.
From Château de Vincennes metro station, line 1 provides direct connections to several well-known Parisian neighbourhoods and landmarks, including Bastille, Saint-Paul for the Marais, the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées.
Vincennes is therefore a convenient choice for combining a peaceful weekend with some of the capital's most popular attractions.
Where to stay for a romantic getaway in Vincennes
Located in the heart of town, the Best Western Saint Louis welcomes visitors looking to explore Vincennes and nearby Paris.
The hotel's central location makes it easy to reach local restaurants, the Château de Vincennes and public transport on foot. The entrances to the Bois de Vincennes and the Parc Floral are also nearby.
For a romantic stay, the 34-square-metre Junior Suite offers a comfortable setting with a double bed, sofa seating area and double bathroom.
Classic and Superior rooms are also available, providing different options for a weekend or a longer stay.
Explore the rooms and amenities at Best Western Saint Louis and plan your next getaway near Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can couples spend a romantic weekend near Paris?
Vincennes is a pleasant choice for a romantic getaway near Paris. The town combines a medieval château, restaurants, local shops and easy access to the Bois de Vincennes. The four-star Best Western Saint Louis is centrally located, within walking distance of these attractions.
What are the best things to do as a couple in Vincennes?
Couples can explore the Château de Vincennes, enjoy a gastronomic dinner at L'Ours, walk around Lac Daumesnil or discover the gardens of Parc Floral. The town centre also offers cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
Where can you enjoy a romantic dinner in Vincennes?
L'Ours, located on rue de l'Église, is a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Jacky Ribault. Its contemporary French cuisine and tasting menu make it a good choice for a special evening together.
Where can couples go for a walk in the Bois de Vincennes?
Lac Daumesnil is one of the most picturesque areas, with tree-lined paths, two islands and rowing boats available during the warmer months. The Parc Floral also offers landscaped gardens and peaceful walking paths.
Is Parc Floral de Paris free to visit?
Admission is free between 1 October and 31 March. An entrance fee applies from 1 April to 30 September, and opening hours vary depending on the season.
Which hotel is suitable for a romantic getaway in Vincennes?
The four-star Best Western Saint Louis is located in central Vincennes, close to the château and Bois de Vincennes. Its 34-square-metre Junior Suite features a double bed, sofa seating area and double bathroom, making it a comfortable option for couples.
