Why is Paris considered such a romantic city? What makes it romantic?

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Interesting question. My guess is the idea got started in late-19th-century and early-20th-century England, when Paris’s obsession with the good life—food, entertainment,—was in stark contrast to London’s more uptight attitudes. Paris’s unique architecture (courtesy of Napoleon) would also appear romantic when compared with just about any American city. What makes Paris romantic right now? Great food everywhere, served everywhere from impressive culinary temples to simple side-street cafes. Sophisticated entertainment. General livability—the slums, if any, are outside the city. Preserved Napoleonic architecture that gives the city an almost theme-park-like appearance. And, of course, at least 100 years of nonstop hype.