Slideshow

World's Most Romantic Cities

Slide 5 of 26

Paris, France

Why go: While landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries gardens are universally romantic, much of the city’s appeal lies in quotidian attractions, from patisseries and chocolate shops to the Art Nouveau metro entrances.

Where to stay: Each of the 26 rooms at Le Pavillon des Lettres is dedicated to a different writer—quotations from legends like Hans Christian Andersen and Emile Zola are stenciled onto the walls of the elegant former townhouse. Rooms from around $370; pavillondeslettres.com.

Where to eat: At Pierre Jancou’s Vivant, you’ll find natural wines and rustic, impeccably sourced dishes like fat Challans duck leg served with crunchy polenta. Some of Paris’s best brioche can be had at Philippe Conticini’s futuristic La Pâtisserie des Rêves. La Chocolaterie de Jacques Genin is also renowned for its caramels, which come in flavors from cinnamon to passion fruit.