Valentine has come to be known as the patron saint of lovers.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14th was the beginning of birds’ mating season,

which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance…

The true story of Valentine’s Day

There are several origins of Valentine's Day, but one of the most known is the one contends that Valentine de Terni was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.

When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform secrets marriages for young lovers.

When emperor Claudius II discovered Valentine’s actions he put him in jail.

In prison the priest Valentine fell in love with his jailer, Julia, born blind. The legend say that he made the blind women see again.

He wrote her a signed love letter "Valentin" before being beheaded on February 14th.

After his death, Julia's whole family is converted to Christianity to honor the Valentine’s memory. The story say that Julia planted an almond tree near Valentine’s grave.

This tree is now Valentine’s Day symbol of love.

Therefore, since the, one honor Saint Valentine and lovers on February 14th because he gave his life for the freedom to love.

Valentine's day tradition around the world

Denmark

The popular Danish Valentine’s Day tradition is the exchange of “lover’s cards.”
On February 14th, men also give women a “joking letter” (gaekkebrev), consisting of a funny poem or rhyme written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots.

France

Traditional Valentine’s Day event in France was the loterie d’amour, or “drawing for love.” Men and women would fill houses that faced one another, and then take turns calling out to one another and pairing off. Men who weren’t satisfied with their match could simply leave a woman for another, and the women left unmatched gathered afterward for a bonfire.

South Korea

Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday for young couples in South Korea, it is celebrated monthly from February through April. The gift-giving starts on February 14th, when it’s up to women to court their men with chocolates, candies and flowers. The tables turn on March 14th, a holiday known as White Day, when men up the ante with a gift.
And for singles, on April 14th there is a Black day where it’s customary to mourn their solitary status by eating dark bowls of jajangmyeon, or black bean-paste noodles.

Wales

Wales celebrate Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, on January 25th.
One traditional romantic Welsh gift is a love spoon.

China

The equivalent to Valentine’s Day in China is Qixi, or the Seventh Night Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year.
During Qixi, young women prepare offerings of melon and other fruits to Zhinu in hopes of finding a good husband. Couples also head to temples to pray for happiness and prosperity.

England

On the eve on Valentine’s Day, in England, women used to place five bay leaves on their pillows to bring dreams of their future husbands. Alternatively, they would wet bay leaves with rosewater and place them across their pillows.

Philippines

While Valentine’s Day celebrations in the Philippines are similar to celebrations in Western countries, one tradition has swept the country and led to thousands of couples sharing a wedding day on February 14th.

Italy

Today, Italians celebrate Valentine’s Day with gift exchanges and romantic dinners between lovers. One of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts in Italy is Baci Perugina, which are small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts wrapped with a romantic quote printed in four languages.

Brazil

With Carnival held sometime in February or March each year, Brazilians skip the February 14th celebration and instead celebrate Dia dos Namorados, or “Lovers’ Day,” on June 12th.
In Brazil, people celebrate this day of love by exchanging gifts and sharing dinner with friends and relatives, too.

Germany

These little critters, a sign of luck and lust, adorn Valentine’s Day paraphernalia. Another popular treat are the giant ginger cookies! Often decorated with more provocative messages than just “Be Mine”.

Colombia

It is actually called the Day of Love and Friendship, it is celebrating the fourth week of September. A very popular tradition involves anonymous gift-giving from one friend to another.
Throughout South America, the day is much more about friends and family than romance.

Thailand

Adventure and love have become synonymous in Thailand. Sky diving and underwater weddings are incredibly popular. In a slightly more traditional way, single women lay red roses at the feet of the Trimurti shrine to pray for a good hubby.

India

Whether you’re trying to be part of the world record-breaking kiss, giving anonymous gifts to friends and family, or simply signing a Valentine’s card to give to your Valentine, these Valentine’s Day traditions are very popular.

South Africa

It’s a customary for women in South Africa to wear their hearts on their sleeves on February 14th; women pin the names of their love interest on their shirtsleeves, this is how South African men learn of their secret admirers.

The perfect gift

For Valentine’s Day, a woman offered to her husband, an island heart shaped and located not far away from New York.

This is the best proof of love.

Excellent food and service, Atmosphere is welcoming, food is delicious, fresh, carefully prepared and good wines…
Enjoy a memorable romantic time aboard a gentle cruise on the Seine !
Rediscover the magic of the Seine as you float by the legendary landmarks of the City of Light.

We  highly recommend you step aboard "Le Calife" for an authentic cruising experience through the heart of Paris !

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• Info : Boarding is between 12 pm and 12.15 pm, Please be punctual – after 12.30 pm your table could be given to other clients. The walkway will be removed at 12.50 pm and we set sail.

• ​Adress : 3 Quai Malaquais, Paris 6ème (Pont des Arts)

• Price : Menu des Saints Pères at 43€ with a 2-hour cruise at 24€ : 67€ ~ Menu Grand Palais at 84€ with a 2-hour cruise at 24€ : 108€

• Tél. : +33 (0)1 43 54 23 31

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3 ~ Hotel Amour

An experience to live for a couple !

A restaurant with a garden where Parisians of all nationalities meet up for a glass, a brunch or dinner.
Decorated with art deco tables and 50's chairs, L'Hotel Amour is a quiet & relaxing place. The waitresses are very friendly and the prices reasonable.
The terrace and the garden are perfect in the afternoon for a coffee or a selected tea from a beautiful Japanese perfumes card and "Mariage Frères". 
Let yourself be tempted by an exquisite selection of French wines or cocktails, such as Love Hotel (vodka, elderflower , apple juice and red fruit sauce) !

For a special celebration, we would be glad to take care of your reservation…

• Info : Open every day

• Adress : 8 rue Navarin, Paris 9ème

• Price : A la carte : 25€

• Tél. : +33 (0)1 48 78 31 80

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  4 ~ La Table du Palais Royal

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

A Bio creative & personal cuisine !

The Chef Caroll Sinclair fell in love and acquires the premises located at the Palais Royal, to cook organic food!
She warmly welcomes you to make you discover traditional cuisine in a charming (Bucolique, Restaurant, Orient Express atmosphere!) Let yourself be tempted by the grilled mackerel plancha, candied potatoes and soy nut vinaigrette.

Our dedicated team suggest you this restaurant where everything is homemade !
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• Info : Open every day

• Adress : 8 rue du Beaujolais, Paris 1er

• Price : Menu : 22, 55€ ~ A la carte : 55-70€

• Tél. : +33 (0)1 42 61 25 30

Traditional egelance & Gastronomy !

L'Orangerie has been revamped and projected in movies black and white. Bath you in a cinema atmosphere!
In a Noble House Mansion in the heart of the Ile Saint-Louis, discover authentic flavors like the roasted Challans, candied orange and dessert, sweet chestnut honey sorbet…

Romantic restaurant within walking distance from your Ile Saint Louis, Paris apartment !
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• Info : Daily open from midday to 2:30pm & from 7:00pm to 10:30pm and closed Monday.

• Adress : 28 rue Saint Louis en l'île, Paris

• Price : Lunch menu :25€ ~ Dinner menu : 35€ 

• Tél. : +33 (0)1 46 33 93 98