Could it be the wide, sweeping streets that give couples the space to wander along as though the rest of Paris didn’t exist? Maybe it’s the beauty of the sandstone buildings that help to create a special backdrop to a love affair? Whatever it is, the French capital has a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world. We spoke with couples on the Eurostar and at Paris landmarks to ask why they chose Paris as their romantic destination for Valentine’s Day.

Tracy and Alex Silva travelled from Chicago, USA, to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris. Tracy, a 29 year-old manager for a cosmetics firm, and Alex, a 30 year-old fire fighter, say they are looking forward to strolling along the Left Bank.

“We’ve not been to Paris before, but from the films set there I’ve got the impression that the scenery and the architecture is very inspiring, very romantic,” says Tracy.

“I think you can always create a feeling of romance wherever you are, but from what I’ve been told and read, Paris has a romantic atmosphere all of its own. We’re both looking forward to being part of that.”

Kate Cole is a 17 year-old student from Brighton. Her boyfriend, 21 year-old retail manager Liam Parris, surprised Kate with the trip.

“I’ve found that the romantic atmosphere really does come from the scenery, it is just so beautiful here,” says Kate.

“The streets are lovely and wide, so you’re not crowded and you can just wander along at your own pace. And the Eiffel Tower is amazing, the view is wonderful.”

Liam says that he’s found Paris most romantic in the evening.

“The way the city is lit up, especially the Eiffel Tower, it really makes you feel that you’re in a special place,” he says.

Samantha Flux and Jason Sutton are from Norfolk and have been dating for seven weeks. The trip to Paris is a Valentine’s Day surprise from 31 year-old Jason to 29 year-old Samantha.

“I couldn’t believe it when he told me where we were going,” says Samantha, a sales assistant. “I’ve always wanted to be swept off to Paris, the city has such a romantic image that I should imagine that’s every girl’s fantasy.”

Jason, a store manager, says: “I wanted our first Valentine’s Day to be special, and Paris is known as the most romantic city you can visit. Everyone talks about its special atmosphere, and that’s what I’m hoping we will experience.”

26 year-old Sally Ann Poole and 29 year-old Kane Nicholson travelled to Paris from London.

“It would have been a surprise if I had been able to stop myself blurting it out,” says Kane, a tax consultant.

“I just couldn’t keep quiet. I think the city has a very relaxed vibe, and that makes it very romantic. Unlike in London where you always feel you have to do stuff at the weekend, here people really do just take things easy.”

Sally, who works in telecoms, agrees that it’s the laid back feel that helps to fuel romance.

“People just tend to stroll around, talking and being together. Paris has such fantastic scenery that it’s a pleasure to walk around the city, especially by the river. Plus, all the films and great romantic literature set in Paris helps to build the atmosphere.”

Jane and Joseph Bray live in Aylesbury and are making the trip to Paris for a double celebration, Valentine’s Day and Jane’s 28th birthday.

Jane, who works in marketing, and 27 year-old Joseph, a furniture design lecturer, have previously visited Paris.

“I don’t think there is one thing that makes Paris so romantic, so many things build up the atmosphere – from the impressionist painters, to the movies set there and then there’s the architecture,” says Jane.

“There’s a very special feeling to the city,” says Joseph. “At the weekend life seems to wind down more than it does in London. We feel like we can stroll around and because you feel more relaxed, you pay more attention to each other.”

Janice Gurney is a 43 year-old nurse from Northern Ireland. Her husband, 47 year-old Alwyn, is a civil servant. This is the first trip they have taken without their teenage children.

“I feel like we’re re-living our courtship years,” says Alwyn. What is really lovely about Paris is that the French are so tactile, you see couples of all ages holding hands and kissing.”

“It is really nice to see older couples being just as loving towards one another as teenagers,” says Janice. “You just don’t seem to get that in the UK or Northern Ireland, it certainly makes you feel more relaxed, and I think the scenery helps too. It’s such a beautiful city.”