Top places for a festive proposal in France

proposal in france

 Christmas holiday engagement ring – photo credit: Kristen Homberg Photography
via The Bride and Groom Blog

 

According to a recent survey by Chili Sauce Christmas Eve is the most popular time of the year to propose. In fact the whole Christmas and New Year’s season is one of the best time to pop the big question. Cheerful ambiance, sparkling lights, festive decorations, bubbly drinks, crackling fire, the mood is set pretty much anywhere you chose to do it.

Today our resident wedding planning expert Fabienne Slater owner of Elian Concept Weddings and Events and member of UK Alliance of Wedding Planners takes us through her top favourite places for a festive proposal in France.

Fabienne:

When Monique suggested to me to write about planning a festive proposal in France, I initially wanted to cover one spot or idea per various French regions. Yet I had flashes of two particular places that were standing out in my mind as the favourite locations for a perfect proposal during the Christmas holiday period. May be unsurprisingly, one is Paris. Then undoubtedly even more season related, is the awe-inspiring snow-capped scenery of the French Alps.

Festive Marriage Proposal ParisProposal in Paris – Photo source: Emma Jo Stationery
 Festive Marriage Proposal Snow MountainsProposal in the Snow – Photo credit: Claude Masselot

 

I know Paris is kind of obvious, is it not? After all the City of Love is beautiful and a wonderful choice all year round offering an amazing collection of places where you can ask the most cherished question.

Festive Proposal Paris Popular SitesProposals in Paris-Some of the most popular sites. Photo credits: Pic My Trip [Top left ] Shoot in Love [Top Middle] David Bacher [Top right], [Centre left] & [Middle centre], Greg Finck [Middle right], Krystal Kenney [Bottom left], David Bacher [Middle centre], Pierre Torset [Bottom right]

 

Amongst them are:

On the bridge ‘Pont des Arts’, in front of the ‘Wall of Love’, near ‘Notre Dame’ on the ‘Isle St Louis’, at the ‘Jardin des Tuileries’ or ‘Jardin du Luxembourg’, at Montmartre on the hill of the ‘Sacré Coeur’ basilica, in front of the ‘Louvre Pyramid’ and of course on top of the iconic ‘Eiffel Tower’.

The latter is one of the most sought after locations and is particularly magical for an evening proposal, as it lights up and sparkles every hour until 11pm.

Festive Marriage proposal Eiffel Tower Arcde TriompheParis Christmas Love– Photo credits: Eiffel Tower [left] Champs Elysees by Wilf James Photographer[right]

 

These are the most famous sites, but anywhere will do in Paris, a secluded corner in a quiet, charming garden or a discreet table in a picturesque café. It is THE place to propose (I do apologise to all the other beautiful cities and sites in France or elsewhere in the world), but in my mind Paris is hard to beat. My husband proposed to me in Paris, in December and even though I was in fact living there (he was not), it felt rather special.

Festive Marriage Proposal Paris CafeA Private Proposal in a Paris Café – by Goncalo Silva Photography. Photo source: Flytographer
Festive Marriage Proposal Jardin Tuileries ParisParis during the Christmas Season – Photo credit: Krystal Kenney Photography

 

During the festive season, the city looks even more magical, with the glittering of the Christmas lights. If the weather is not clement enough for an outdoor proposal, here are my favourite indoor locations that have all the enchantment of the views and the atmosphere without the wintery climate drawbacks:

The restaurant at the top of the Montparnasse Tower

Appropriately named Le Ciel de Paris (Paris’s sky), with its 59 floors the modern building is not the most attractive from the outside, but who cares, as when inside at the top you can enjoy the most fabulous view and Paris is at your feet. The perfect place for your very unique moment.

Festive Marriage Proposal Le Cielde Paris‘Le Ciel de Paris’ Restaurant on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower – Photo source: Ophelie

 

The River Seine by night.

Take your sweet heart for a romantic and private riverside diner cruise, a luxury treat that will never be forgotten.

Festive Marriage Proposal Le Cielde ParisPrivate Dinner Cruise – Photo source: Yacht de Paris

 

From the height of Paris’s skyscraper to the height of the mountains, my second favourite scene for a festive proposal is the French Alps and more specifically the valley of Chamonix. You will find there the highest (accessible by cable car) peak in Europe, the Aiguille du Midi, which breath-taking views of the Mont Blanc make for the most stunning proposal background.

Outdoor proposal

You can choose to surprise your beloved on the slopes (be careful not to loose the ring in the thick snow!), or to go for the more extreme “Pas dans le Vide” –the skywalk -proposing at 3842m (12,605 feet) high, while more romantic souls may prefer the idea of snuggling up under a warm blanket together on a horse drawn carriage ride.

Festive Marriage proposal-Slope Skyfall Horse Drawn CarriageProposal in the French Alps– Photo sources: Slopes [Top Left] and [Top Right], Skywalk [middle], Horse-drawn carriage [Bottom]

 

Indoor proposal

If you are considering a more cosy and comfortable setting, then opt for an indoor proposal, by the fireplace of your own private chalet. It does not get much more romantic than cuddling together in front of a crackling fire. All set for the perfect moment to ask.

Festive marriage proposal Cosy ChaletsA Romantic Christmas Proposal in the Alps – Photo sources: Chalet Anchorage in Chamonix [Top], Chalet at Les Fermes de Marie in Megève [Bottom Left], Private moment by Ingrid Lepan [Bottom right]

 

Will you be proposing during this year’s Christmas holiday? What is your favourite choice?

For now, I leave you with all my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Fabienne

 

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