8 most Romantic Cities in the World

Valentine's Day 2013

Time to reflect on those we love, the places we love, and the places we have been with those we love. Sometimes that special one is my bike, but I have been fortunate to travel to some incredible places creating wonderful memories with loved ones.

In my humble opinion, what is most needed for romance while traveling is an interesting place, a super nice hotel, a slow stroll, a peaceful meal, and lots of free time. Time to simply slow down and enjoy being together. Good food, music, a nice setting and a good view (nature or human) always helps too.

Sometimes romantic settings are found in nature or national parks, or in small country villages, not necessarily in large cities, but here is a list of eight romantic cities for you to ponder (or amend with your own preferences):

1. Paris, France
2. Florence, Italy
3. Bruges, Belgium
4. London, England
5. Vienna, Austria
6. San Francisco, California (can I extend into the wine country)
7. New York City, NY
8. Spain (anywhere at night!)

Many people add Prague, Czech Republic and Buenos Aires, Argentina to the list to make ten, but I have never been to those cities so I wouldn't know. These cities I have been to and liked a lot. Other cities I hear mentioned as most romantic include Kyoto, Japan; Sydney/Melbourne, Australia; Bath, England; Marrakech/Fez, Morroco; Jaipur, India; Montreal, Canada; San Sebastian/Barcelona, Spain; Charleston, South Carolina; Edinburgh, Scotland; Dubrovnick, Croatia; Lisbon, Portugal; Copenhagen, Denmark; Istanbul, Turkey; Rio de Janero, Brazil; Budapest, Hungary; Wellington, New Zealand. What would your final two be?

I also really enjoyed the Bourgogne and Beaujolais wine regions of the Rhone River Valley in France last summer - spectacular setting.

Hilltop view in Lyon, France ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Picnic with a view in wine country near Fleurie, France ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Character in small villages ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The Rhone River Valley regions of wine

Beaujolais vineyards in France ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Last July I enjoyed the wine region west of the magnificent city of Lyon (Region du Bourgogne and Region du Beaujolais), when a couple stages of the Tour de France were nearby. The Rhone River runs south through the old Roman region and Provence. (Mont Ventoux is just to the right (east) of Orange on the map). We all know the area has some wonderful hotels and great food. Hotel, food, wine, scenery, add some free time and a real sense of a vacation get away - now we're talking romance.

Happy Valentines Day!
Karen



Related Posts:
A fabulous place in Provence
A day in the Vacluse and Rhone River Valley

Stijn Vandenbergh at the Tour of Oman (of Belgium sending a ♥ to his girlfriend Randy)