‘Romantic’ museum to reopen on Valentine’s day
Paris has long held the world’s imagination as a city of love. From candlelit dinners beside the Seine to leisurely strolls through flower‑lined parks, this city invites connection in every corner. Having lived in France for several years, I have wandered its neighborhoods, cafes, and gardens enough to understand why the city inspires romance at every turn. This Valentine’s Day, travelers have an especially poetic reason to visit: the Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life) returns to the public stage on February 14, 2026, after extensive renovations that update the visitor experience while preserving its historical charm.
Located at the end of a quiet alley near Montmartre, the museum sits in the former home of artist Ary Scheffer, whose salons once hosted literary greats and musicians. Now reopening with refreshed installations and a special inaugural exhibition, this is not a typical museum visit. While I have yet to visit the museum myself, its reopening with refreshed installations and a special inaugural exhibition promises an intimate opportunity to step back into a period when emotional expression was elevated to an art form.
Step inside romantic Paris
The Musée de la Vie Romantique’s reopening is about experiencing sentiment as history. The permanent collection celebrates the Romantic era, a cultural movement defined by passion, imagination, and personal expression. Visitors can expect to see paintings, personal objects, and archival materials that reveal how artists and thinkers of the 19th century explored themes of love and longing. The inaugural exhibition highlights French landscape painter Paul Huet, whose work influenced the Romantic sensibility in France and whose evocative landscapes capture both the beauty and melancholy that defined the era.
Walking through its rooms offers a contrast to the grand galleries of the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Instead of crowd‑filled halls, you encounter a series of domestic spaces that once belonged to Scheffer and his circle. The garden courtyard and intimate salon rooms allow travelers to imagine the conversations and creative exchanges that shaped Romantic thought. For anyone planning a Valentine’s Day itinerary in Paris, this museum is a uniquely appropriate stop.
For travelers who want to make a day of the experience, the museum’s tearoom-style restaurant is a delightful complement to the galleries. Visitors can enjoy light French pastries, delicate teas, or a warming hot chocolate while overlooking the garden. I have spent many afternoons sitting in similar Parisian garden cafés during my years living in France, savoring quiet moments while absorbing the ambiance of history and art around me. This combination of art, history, and gastronomy makes the Musée de la Vie Romantique a uniquely fitting stop for anyone planning a Valentine’s Day itinerary in Paris, whether you are wandering solo, exploring with a partner, or simply soaking in the romance of the city.
Visitors can enjoy light French pastries and tea at the museum’s charming garden café, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the romantic atmosphere.WikiCommons
(WikiCommons)
Classic romantic spots in Paris
Visiting the Museum of Romantic Life is just one way to enjoy Paris with someone special. The city itself practically wrote the guide on romance. Here are a few experiences every traveler should consider:
Seine river cruises transform Paris into a floating dreamscape. The city glows from the water at sunset and in the evening when landmarks light up and reflect on the river’s surface, creating memories that last long after the trip ends.
Parc des Buttes‑Chaumont offers wooded paths, gentle waterfalls, and hidden garden benches. Less crowded than the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens, it is ideal for long conversations and quiet picnics away from the clamor of tourists.
The covered arcades of Paris are relics from the 19th century with glass roofs and mosaic floors. Wandering through Passage des Panoramas or Galerie Vivienne feels like stepping through time and provides charming nooks for shopping, coffee, or a quiet pause.
Montmartre’s cobblestone streets and viewpoints remain irresistible. Sunset at the steps of Sacré‑Cœur draws locals and visitors alike, and while the traditional love locks have been removed from nearby bridges, couples still adore the panoramic views.
Romantic experiences beyond Paris
France’s romantic appeal extends far beyond the city limits. Many travelers choose to pair a Paris itinerary with excursions that capture the country’s varied landscapes and intimate settings. The Loire Valley combines fairytale châteaux with lush vineyards, creating an ideal backdrop for wine tasting, cycling through rolling fields, or exploring historic castle gardens together. Travelers often describe the sunsets over Château de Chenonceau as unforgettable.
The French Riviera invites seaside romance with elegant promenades in Nice, hidden coves near Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence, and luxury with a personal touch. A stroll along the Promenade des Anglais at dusk feels cinematic, even if you are not watching a movie.
Related: Paris is using the Seine to keep 800 buildings cool this summer, and locals love it
For a quieter escape, regions like Dordogne and Champagne country offer boutique inns, river views, and countryside serenity. Sleeping in a converted mill or dining beside a vineyard tasting room brings the romance of slow travel to life.
Practical tips for travelers
If you plan to time your Paris visit with the museum’s reopening:
Book tickets in advance. Renovated cultural spaces often have limited early access dates. Valentine’s week will likely be popular. Early planning ensures you have a reserved time slot.
Dress for the weather. February in Paris can be brisk. Layers and comfortable shoes make long walks between museums and cafes much more enjoyable.
Consider museum passes. If you plan to visit other Paris museums and monuments, purchasing a multi‑site pass can save money and time in lines.
Explore by foot when possible. Paris rewards walking. From Seine banks to hidden gardens, many of the city’s most romantic corners unfold pace by pace.
The Musée de la Vie Romantique’s reopening on Valentine’s Day feels fitting for a city that has defined romance for generations. For travelers seeking something meaningful, this museum offers both art and atmosphere. And when combined with the city’s parks, river views, hidden passages, and distant valleys, it makes Paris one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Planning your trip around moments like these transforms travel into a memory you carry home.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
