Pecia!
Parisian women are so sexy and elegant. There’s no way an American girl could compete, right?
Wrong.
waynemah
There are, of course, as many ways to snag a Frenchman as there are French men, but in my humble experience and observation, there are elements a girl should keep in mind as she searches for her Prince Charmant.
Carin Olsson
First and foremost, be yourself. I know, I know, I sound like your mom. But she isn’t totally off base here. It’s important to remember that you have something all those elegant, well-heeled Parisiennes don’t: you’re American.
ciaoparis.fr
You just might come from someplace exotic like Miami or Los Angeles or – that holy grail of all cities in the Parisian mind – New York. And even if you don’t, you still have the halo of something fresh and new about you, which can be just as seductive as a pout or an arched eyebrow.
osecours
Second, we aren’t French and really shouldn’t try to be. For a Monsieur, Mademoiselles are a dime a dozen. They’re at school or work or on the metro. Depending on what has brought us Americaines to France, we may be gone in a few weeks or even a few hours. The opportunity to get to know us, and to test the accuracy of a few mythical stereotypes (Does she know how to find France on a map? Can she eat steak that isn’t as tough as shoe leather?) is irresistible. And a man, is a man, is a man. If there’s one thing that piques his interest, it’s knowing that time is limited.
Jagrina & MysticMeyli
Third, we say “Why not?” My now-husband loves to tell stories about all the tiny out of the way places he took me for weekends when we were first dating. Years later and he’s still astonished that I was willing to say, “Hey, why not, let’s give it a try!” Apparently, this was not his experience with French women, who would not have considered the train-bus-car trip to the “spa” in the middle of nowhere a romantic “adventure”. We tend to be more positive (and naïve) as a group; therefore, we’re more optimistic and less difficult to please than our Gallic sisters.
wakingphotolife-
Fourth, a list wouldn’t be a list without a caveat. Be optimistic and open to new experiences, but do not be afraid to disagree with him. If there’s one thing a Frenchman worth keeping can’t respect (apart from “OMG, OMG the Eiffel Tower! A Baguette!!!” – that does need to come to a stop. I’m forbidding you from saying OMG right now), it’s a woman who doesn’t have her own mind and opinions.
osecours
If you don’t like the wine, say so. If you don’t feel like eating foie gras, say “no thank you,” politely and without disdain. Bad manners never got anyone anywhere, but there’s nothing enticing about pushovers either. Speak your mind fairly and you’ll earn the respect of even the toughest French rogue.
Carin Olsson
Just remember, you are your best asset. Be who you are and do what you feel like doing, and chances are your enthusiasm and confidence will make you completely irresistible. The advice on finding love in Paris is the same as finding love anywhere else. No need to feel intimidated. You aren’t in direct competition with the Parisiennes. You’ve got something different to offer, so go for it!
philippe leroyer & Christophe Verdier
Related links:
- Where are the most romantic places in Paris? Marie Claire lists their top 10 tips
- David Lebovitz suggests 10 romantic and sexy things you can do in Paris!
- Of course, it goes the other way too: read about how an American guy finally got his French girl
Written by Regina Joan Grangé for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
WRITTEN BY
Regina Joan Grangé
After moving all over the US as a child, Regina left a promising career in politics to pursue her childhood dream to move to Paris. It isn’t a fairy-tale every day, but she and her Prince Charming are working on their happily ever after. She is a freelance teacher, translator and editor. You can find updates from her life on her blog, Life Like in Paris. (Regina’s photo by Summer Street Photography)
I like it whenever people come together and share opinions.
Great site, stick with it!
Also visit my web site :: Sylvester
I love your blog. I could spend all day reading it and dreaming of my next visit. I’m so glad I’ve found it
I had never really seen it this way. And though I’m not american I can relate. Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about the fact that french girls tend to be a bit “negative” (of course not all) and when guys meet a girl who is enthusiastic and is willing to experience new thing they feel it’s refreshing
Great post!
Loved this article, and I completely agree with you. I lived in Marseille for 3 months when I turned 21, and the French boys loved me–not because I was sexy and stylish (the least sexy and stylish I’ve ever felt in my life being around those beautiful women), but because I was adventurous (apparently French girls only like to “shop”), loved to eat (according to them French girls “won’t eat because they are afraid of getting fat”), and I was from Los Angeles! I loved those Marseille boys 😉
I’ve heard that this is the best way to improve my French, too! Ha. It’s really too bad I’m already dating a German guy in Paris 😉
I love this article! When I lived in Paris for a summer in 2002 I found love with a Frenchman for many of the reasons you highlighted below. It’s a fun article that allows one to dream and fantasize their experience in Paris!
@Wafgs: 🙂 Have you ever tried the Swiss women? LOL We’re great…. in nearly every way!(just kidding)
what a lovely and beautifully written article this is! I so agree and not being american doesn’t matter. I always said that being oneself (at his/her best bien sûre) is the surest way to lead a happy partnership. Don’t pretend to be something you aren’t and can’t be; you’re wonderful the way you are.
Thank You for this uplifting post with the most wonderful collection of pixies.
I absolutely loved this article. So so so true!! Foreigners in Paris (Americans and otherwise – I fall in the “otherwise” column) are just as seductive as Parisiennes. Only in a different way. 🙂
Milsters
(http://www.littlepiecesoflight.com/)
I would love a mariage pour convenience if these Frenchmen are all that easy!!!!!!! Please email me!
Love this. Thanks xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Having “snagged” more than one frenchman in my day and now happily living life with the winner, I could not agree with you more. If I could I would add to this, learn his language even if you are not very good at it….he will love you for it.
Maryanne, You are right on! I have been living with a Frenchman for 9 years and I speak fluent French. He hates it when people we know do not make the effort to learn the language. He is so happy and proud when the do! Bravo – Erica
@What about for guys:
We’ve got you covered:
https://hipparis.com/2011/02/11/finding-love-in-paris-how-this-american-guy-got-his-french-gal/
I seem to go along with almost everything that is written inside “HiP Paris Blog
Love it.
As I live in New York, I might have a chance 🙂
How about an article for men to snag a French women?