Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly, and John Hillman suggests that all you lovers should head to the only desintation worthy of such a date, Paris

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February is almost upon us and as we look forward to ever-so-slightly longer days, the chance of above zero temperatures and the early blooms of daffodils, let’s not forget that this is also the month of love.

In the spirit of Geoffrey Chaucer we celebrate our tradition of courtly love by bestowing upon our most cherished a box of chocolates or a gaudy card, small tokens to provide a respectably romantic veneer, before expensive champagne dinners intoxicate the senses and lead us into the final act of the evening, which is what Valentine’s Day is all about really – sex.

Sex is the theme of a rather peculiar museum found in the heart of Paris, that most alluring of Valentines destinations, although being somewhat classy and sophisticated we prefer the term ‘eroticism’.
Musée de l’érotisme is found on Boulevard de Clichy, central Paris, and features collections of objects used down the ages to stimulate the senses as-well as exhibitions that encourage visitors to contemplate eroticism’s place in different civilizations throughout history.

The fact that I find it hard to write about this subject without throwing an ooo-er! in, I think, says a great deal about the position of eroticism in British civilization, but never mind. Paris is definitely the place to be if you wish to consider these fine and intricate psychological and instinctive emotions without degenerating into a Sid James-type character.

If the idea of perusing medieval sex-toys doesn’t quite fit with your idea of a sophisticated St. Valentine’s weekend then there are numerous other exhibitions taking place in the city which focus much more on the romantic ideals of love.

Musée de la vie Romantique is found in a collection of 19th century Parisian houses by Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, 16 rue Chaptal , which are actually the old homes of many of the artists of the Romantic movement who lived and worked here during the 1830s, such as the painter Ary Scheffer and the novelist George Sand.

Musée Rodin, 79 rue de Varenne, is the home of one of the most important collections of August Rodin, France’s most important sculptor, as well as many of his own works, such as skethes and statutes of his own sweetheart, there are numerous works of art from his own private collection, including works by Monet, Renoir and Van Gough.

Finally, why not visit the home of Ferdinand Victor Eugéne Delacroix, one of the leading French painters of the Romantic movement. The Musée Delacroix, housed in the painter’s apartment and garden studio in Rue de Furstenberg, is home to a fantastic collection including paintings, sketches, lithographs, autographs and personal items which once belonged to the artist.

Paris calls to all romantics at this time of year, and the fact that this Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday means that it’s possible to actually spend the 14th February strolling arm in arm around the streets and Boulevards of the city, rather than rushing out of the office and meeting in a dodgy restaurant somewhere nearer to home. The opportunity is there, so take it.

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