This Friday, on February 14, the world, and particularly Catholics, is set to celebrate Valentine's Day - the shops will be full of signs with hearts and couples in love exchanging valentines and gifts will be hopping in the streets.
During Valentine’s Day Paris, rightly bearing the title of the most romantic city in the world, becomes the epicenter of love. On February 14 it becomes the largest venue for romantic dates and popping the question on the Eiffel Tower.
However, besides Paris, there are other French cities that are saturated with love and romance, especially on this special day. Each city has its own charm, and on February 14 city authorities are trying to offer their guests something special. Therefore, EcoTourism Expert has set up a list of top destinations to celebrate a unique Valentine’s Day in France.
Saint-Valentin - the French Village of Love
Not surprisingly, the small village of Saint-Valentin, which is located 220 km south of Paris and the only village in France that bears the name of the patron saint of love, declared itself the Village of Love at the end of the 20th century.
Every February, the village holds a three-day festival dedicated to St. Valentine’s Day. All streets are covered with flowers, in particular red roses - a symbol of love.
The garden is full of trees planted by couples who visited the village.
Cupid's mailbox which is well placed in the garden is a smash-success. It is also a charming little work of art in which you can throw a postcard to mail your Valentine.
Moreover, couples who have been married for at least seven years can receive a Marriage Confirmation. This special ceremony is held by the mayor of Saint-Valentin, who presents the couple with a personal certificate. Then the lovers can engrave their desires on a metal heart, which is afterwards attached to the Tree of Vows.
Listen to your heart in Bordeaux
Those who wish to escape on this romantic holiday may decide to opt for an old castle, the Chateau Bardins near Bordeaux, which offers a musical evening with a wine tasting in a romantic setting. On the occasion of Valentine's Day the owner of the castle-hotel, Stella Puel will welcome visitors in the hall by the family piano. Guests will be offered a musical journey through styles and eras. After the concert, a tasting of organic Bordeaux wines will take place.
You won’t run away from love in Marseille
Lyon’s in the eyes of the beholder
On St. Valentine’s Day Lyon authorities decided to help those who do not dare to talk about their feelings. The official website of the city was receiving messages from all “Valentines” who wished to declare their love. They will be broadcast on February 14 on all light screens of the city.
On St. Valentine’s Day the whole of Lyon, which is considered the capital of «haute cuisine» in France, will be enveloped in a festive atmosphere. More than 4 thousand restaurants located in the city have prepared a special holiday menu. In Rue Victor-Hugo shops decorated with flowers will please the customers with special offers on the «Love Day». In Rue Romarin, the boutiques will participate in the competition for the best shop window decorated for the holiday.
Toulouse - a large-scale party for lonely hearts
On St. Valentine’s Day, all the loners are invited to the «single’s party» hosted by the Happn dating service, which brings people together through geolocation. The party will take place in the Blagnac commercial center near Toulouse. During the party, application users will have the opportunity to meet in real life. On the agenda is musical entertainment, games, and other initiatives that will help to build bridges.
Play it cool in Lille
The Lille Museum of Natural History proposes to spend the evening of February 14 playing the unusual game for lonely hearts - “Love lasts for three hours” - and make new acquaintances.
For those who have already found Mr. or Mrs. Right, the Ludibreak event organizer provides an opportunity to spend a quiet evening playing games for two in a romantic setting. La Luck also invites to enjoy board games on St. Valentine’s Day. For lovey-doveys that evening the organisers will offer diner by candlelight to make the atmosphere even more romantic.
In addition, Lille has a special attraction related to love - the church Sainte-Catherine de Lille, which is a miniature charming building in the very center of the city. Local residents say that the saint is very supportive of the prayers of lovers, especially young girls who are looking for a «match made in heaven».
St. Valentine’s Day paints Strasbourg red
For those who are tired of traditional restaurants and bars, Strasbourg offers unusual entertainment - the “tent of love”. It is traditionally installed in the city center and from 8th to 16th of February hosts the events to cater for every taste - from salsa to a children's disco. At certain hours it is possible to book a table and enjoy a concert or a special show. The tent was designed so that the light of street lamps penetrate through the stained-glass windows, creating additional color lighting, and the hall with festive decorations will definitely touch the visitors to their hearts.
Valentine’s Day among other things is a holiday that provides an excellent occasion to show love and attention to our loved ones and to ourselves.
