Ahhh, Paris, the city of passion, romantic dinners, couples entwined, strolls across bridges, lovelocks and l’amour! What better place to find a boyfriend?
And if we’re honest, that’s what a lot of us ladies not-so-secretly desire when we take the plunge and move to Paris. We all dream of walking along the beautiful banks of the Seine and bumping into a Vincent Cassel look-a-like, a beautiful French man oozing sensuality, sexier than any man you’ve ever met on your side of the pond. Falling in love will be as simple as that, right?
Wrong.
For women who live here, romance can be elusive. We all know that Paris has inspired movie directors for years, bringing us gems like Midnight in Paris and Dangerous Liaisons, but what about reality? Do we meet sexy French men on every corner? Do devilishly handsome men approach us in the park? Is love really all around?
Cultural differences and different rules can make dating a little complicated in the capital of romance. Consider these points:
- Parisian culture dictates that men don’t approach women, so don’t be surprised when they don’t confidently offer to buy you a drink. And here’s a tip: don’t approach them first; it gives off the wrong message.
- And what about eye contact? This sends a clear message so be very careful about whom you’re eyeing up. Eye contact in France between a man and a woman is often a clear indication that the two are mutually attracted to each other, encouraging the man to strike up a conversation. Attention! One quick glance and you may find yourself talking to someone that you were in no way giving the eye.
- Last but not least, a little tip for flirting. Do not try to banter with French men. It doesn’t translate culturally; and although in the US and UK, the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks is the most common way to show that you are interested in someone, in France it could cause offence and confusion.
But take it from someone who knows, there is someone out there for you. And even if dating a French man is very different to dating an English speaker, it’s a new adventure and definitely one that will teach you that the French and their prized capital really did invent romance.
Now ladies, there are plenty of fish in the sea in Paris, you just have to know where to catch one. Check out our recommendations below. Happy dating!
The Ultimate Singles Bars in Paris
Paris’ nightlife scene offers something appealing for everyone. For single people, one of the city’s most eccentric and hip bars is The Experimental Cocktail Club.
The Experimental Cocktail Club is proof that Paris has finally taken a leaf out of New York’s classy and creative cocktail bars book. This cocktail bar is one of the city’s most sophisticated places to mingle and serves delicious, unique cocktails that will blow you away. Forget mojitos and Cuba libres, this bar creates cocktails that you couldn’t even dream up!
Experimental Cocktail Club
37, Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
Eat at Derrière – the restaurant of the moment.
It’s not often that you walk into a restaurant that looks like you’re in a shabby chic, Parisian apartment but when you do, you’re in for a real treat. After walking through an archway and onto a small open terrace with tables outside, you’ll see the entry to the restaurant Derrière. Once inside, you’ll find guests drinking, dining and flirting in the bedroom, living room, dining room or boudoir, making themselves quite literally “at home”. There’s even a Ping-Pong table and a smoking room hidden behind a mirrored wardrobe…très chic. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a comfy setting to help break the ice.
Derrière Restaurant
69, Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris
Metro: Arts et Métiers (lines 3 and 11)
Go to restaurants with a communal spirit where you can easily get to know your neighbor!
Following on from the cozy feel of Derrière, meeting in small, quaint restaurants can facilitate close encounters. My two favorite informal restaurants include Candelaria and Blend.
Candelaria is a small Mexican restaurant in the third arrondissement where the lack of space (and maybe the strength of the frozen margaritas) means that you naturally get to know your neighbor. There is even a small speakeasy hidden at the back of the restaurant behind a white, unmarked door.
Candelaria: 52, Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (line 8)
Blend is a burger joint with 4 restaurants in the city; my personal favourite (and coziest) being the one in the second arrondissement. Blend serves delicious burgers on wooden picnic style tables so you are often sitting with people you don’t know. It’s easy to get chatting, especially after you take a bite of their burgers and taste how delicious they are!
Blend: 44, Rue d’Argout, 75002 Paris
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
Enjoy Nuit Blanche in a One Night Only Nightclub!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
This year, to celebrate La Nuit Blanche, Paris’ infamous White Night, the Gare du Nord train station is being transformed into a hip and happening nightclub for one night only. And best of all, it’s going to be a SILENT DISCO! Everyone attending will receive a pair of headphones with three different styles of music so you can choose what to listen to! There will be a VIP area where the Eurostar usually leaves from and the drinks will be reasonably priced between 4 and 10 euros so your soirée won’t break the bank! Open from 11:30pm until 5am the nightclub will be the place to be for La Nuit Blanche.
Gare du Nord Nuit Blanche: Train Station, 18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010
Nice article, Chloe! Great recommendations. I haven’t heard of Derriere. Can’t wait to try it!