Valentines Day in France

Guaranteed to set hearts fluttering

France is known around the world as the country of romance. No time of year is this aphrodisiacal atmosphere more prevalent than surrounding February 14th, Valentine's Day.

Drive to France with LeShuttle and let us guide you through France's most romantic activities, guaranteed to set hearts fluttering.

Paris

No location in the world is more synonymous with romance than France's capital city. Walking hand-in-hand through the ancient streets of Paris you will find yourself swept up in an atmosphere of amour which has entranced couples for generations.
 

There's no better place to start a Valentine's getaway than by climbing the iconic Eiffel Tower. The stunning views over the city will set hearts racing, and the top observation platform has seen numerous proposals over the years, with the names of young lovers hastily scratched into the surrounding railings. Why not surprise your soul mate with a dinner at the prestigious Le Jules Verne restaurant, on the tower's second floor?

If you're looking for something a little less taxing on your wallet head to the artistic Montmatre district, where you can take a romantic stroll around picturesque streets and visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica, as featured in quirky French romcom Amélie.

Wander down to the Place des Abbesses, in the Square Jehan Rictus, where you will discover the I Love You wall. Made up of 612 lava tiles, the wall acts as a juxtaposition to most physical barriers, aiming to unite the world through repetition of the simple phrase 'I love you' in more than 300 languages.

Getting there: 288km (3hr 15mins) from Calais

Saint Valentin – The Village of Love

The tiny village of Saint Valentin, in France's Indre Department, has embraced the day of its namesake wholeheartedly, and every year on February 14 its 280 inhabitants open their doors (and hearts) to romantic pilgrims from around the world.
 

Houses and gardens are bedecked with red hearts and celebrations are held in a huge marquee, with dining, drinking and dancing into the night. Couples visit the village from around the globe, and what better place to get married than the gazebo in Saint Valentin's aptly named Lovers' Garden?

If you're not quite ready to exchange rings you can still celebrate with your partner by tying your feelings to the garden's Tree of Vows. Or if you are already happily hitched then why not celebrate your anniversary by planting a new tree for the town?
In the event that you still have to tell that special somebody how you feel then you could always send them a card from Saint Valentin, which has its own special romance-themed stamps issued by the French Post Office.

Getting there: 531km (6 hrs) from Calais.
More Information: www.village-saint-valentin.com/saint-valentin

Île de Ré – An Island Getaway

One of the benefits of a Valentine's Day break is that, in February, it's still very much off season. So you can enjoy peace and quiet in scenic destinations which in Summer months are often crawling with tourist families.
 

Nowhere is this more evident than the picturesque Île de Ré, situated off France's west coast, halfway between Nantes and Bordeaux. Just getting to the island is an impressive spectacle, as you drive across the three-kilometre toll bridge which connects it to the mainland.

Once you're on the island you will find a huge choice of activities, including romantic horse rides along the beach, galloping in the surf, an afternoon sailing on the Atlantic on a yacht, or even braving the Winter waters for a spot of surfing.

If you're looking for something a little more relaxing then you can book yourself and your partner in for an indulgent thalassotherapy programme. This coastal therapy uses seawater, seaweed, mud and other fruits of the sea to help you relax and rejuvenate. The island has a wide range of top class hotels to choose from, so you can find luxury even if you decide to just stay in your room.

Why not surprise your loved one this Valentine's day and take them on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to France for an unforgettable romantic experience?

Getting there: Only 719km (8hrs) from our Calais terminal.
More Information: http://www.iledere.com/
 

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