Romantic city breaks: All the reasons why we think Nottingham is a more romantic city than Paris

I logged on this morning to a press release from Amazon Books saying that Nottingham has been named one of the UK's most romantic cities.

Of course, this data is based on the number of romance novels sold in UK cities, rather than the number of romantic hotels, restaurants, or date spots. But it got me thinking... (always dangerous!)

What makes a city romantic? Take Paris for example, the City Of Love, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming architecture, and cinematic influence, it's the backdrop to many romantic tales such as Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Amelie and Midnight in Paris.

READ MORE: LOVE NOTTINGHAM

But what does Paris have, that Nottingham doesn't? Do you want to take a romantic trip along the River Seine? You can do that along the River Trent! (Check it out here.)

Or do you dream of going for a moonlight stroll through the city's cobbled streets? Pop on over to Lace Market and stop off in the many pubs along the way for a romantic walk turned pub crawl.

Forget Jardin du Luxembourg, visit the Arboretum if you want to immerse yourself in nature, without leaving the city!

We've even got our own version of Pont des Arts (the Love Lock Bridge), sure, it caused a bit of a stir back in 2013 when the padlocks started appearing but they remain there nonetheless.

Paris is famous for its art galleries and museums (you can see where this is going...) Nottingham has its fair share too! Shout out to The National Justice Museum, Wollaton Hall, The Museum of Curiosities, and Nottingham Contemporary, to name but a few.

Paris has been a witness to many historical love stories and events, such as the romance between Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, which adds to its romantic legacy.

That's cute but Nottingham is a UNESCO City of Literature and was the old stomping ground of Lord Byron, a leading force in the ROMANTIC movement. Pop on over to Newstead Abbey just outside of the city, and recite poetry to one another. Or head on over to Sherwood Forest and role-play as Nottingham's most famous lovers, Robin Hood and Maid Marian (there's no judgement here.)

Aha! There's nothing more romantic than French cuisine. Ok, you've got me there but you can get your French foodie fix right here in Nottingham at several restaurants including French Living, Bistrot Pierre or Le Minstral.

In addition to this, we also have many brilliant bakeries (boulangerie) serving pastries, cakes, and patisserie. The Ugly Bread Bakery, Tough Mary's, and Small Food Bakery are our favourites.

"But Paris is famous for its fashion houses", I hear you cry. Cue, Mr Paul Smith - one of Britain's biggest designers, whose career began in a tiny shop, right here in Nottingham.

The sticking point is the Eiffel Tower with its panoramic views over the city and its sparkling lights, it is a sight to behold. But I ask you this, what is more romantic than a castle? Absolutely nothing if you ask me, so stuff the Eiffel Tower and say I love You at Nottingham Castle instead.

Let's revise our romantic checklist:

• Impressive architecture (check!)
• A river (check!)
• Great restaurants (check!)
• Arts & Culture (check!)
• Love lock bridge (check!)
• Love stories from time gone by (check!)

But what about the Moulin Rouge, Versailles, or the Arc de Triomphe? Give me another 600 words and I'm sure I can find you a Nottingham counterpart!

I appreciate this article might feel like a bit of a stretch for some of you hopeless romantics but with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted to prove that nowhere is more lovely than the place we call home.

And for the bookworms among you who are dying to know, Nottingham placed forth for the number of romance books purchased per capita behind Bristol, Edinburgh and Sheffield