How The French Celebrate Valentine's Day
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Loading... - Hayley Baker
- 28 Jan 2022
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According to this study, one in two French people in a relationship says celebrating Valentine’s Day in one way or another. And this celebration is even more popular among young people: 60% of those under 35 admit to celebrating Valentine’s Day.
If some of them consider Valentine’s Day as a commercial affair —even if I don’t think the French Valentine’s Day is as big as in the United States—, it’s a great way for couples and lovers to express their love for each other and to do something that changes from daily routine.
How To Say Happy Valentine’s Day In French
You can simply say “Joyeuse Saint-Valentin”. However, you only say that to your significant other. Indeed, Valentine’s Day in France is just for people in love and only couples celebrate la Saint-Valentin. Children do not give gifts or cards to their parents, friends, or teachers and parents do not give cards or gifts to their kids.
Some French love vocabulary to inspire you:
- Joyeuse Saint Valentin – Happy Valentine’s day
- L’amour – love
- Je t’aime – I love you
- Veux-tu m’épouser? – Will you marry me?
- Tomber Amoureux / amoureuse – to fall in love
- Embrasser, s’embrasser – to kiss
- Un bisou – a kiss
- Se fiancer – to get engaged
- Le mariage – marriage
- Un amoureux / une amoureuse – a sweetheart
- Un petit-ami – a boyfriend
- Une petite-amie – a girlfriend
- Mon chéri, ma chérie, mon amour, mon coeur
French Valentine’s Day Traditions
Card giving for any occasion is rare in France and Valentine’s Day is no exception. The French do not send cards for Valentine’s Day but instead, they prefer to celebrate it in person by setting romantic evenings for their significant other.
According to this research, among the French who plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, 60% plan to go to a restaurant, 21% plan to cook at home, and 14% to go for a drink. In France, restaurants usually create a special menu or some form of a romantic special offer on the 14th. To have a romantic dinner in one of the best restaurants in France on Valentine’s Day, a reservation is generally required (and well in advance). Also, Parisians have even more options for celebrating this holiday: some Paris restaurants, bars, parks, and cabarets host special events to mark the occasion.
Valentine’s Day Gifts In France
If you’re looking for the perfect French-inspired Valentine’s Day gift, here is my selection.
Couples and lovers express their love for each other by giving small presents, booking a romantic meal or even a weekend away. According to this study, when the French are asked about the gifts they plan to give to their partner on Valentine’s Day, flowers (22%), perfume (16%), and jewelry (13%) are the top 3. Read More...
