Finding Love in Paris: How This American Guy Got his French Gal

Charlie Almond met a French girl two years ago at his housewarming party back in the states. Now he’s living in Paris and trying to sort the rest out. Here he shares a couple tips to help the average Joe pull one on the Jean-Pierres…

Finding love with a French woman – make sure she’s smiling before you set off after her though (Dave Bloom)

I try to fight it, but I sometimes feel like having a Parisian girlfriend has turned me into a bit of a cliché.  Really though, it’s not my fault.  Parisian girls are cute.  Something about the way the corners of their mouths curl up when they speak French drives me wild.  It’s an inviting half-smile even if they’re talking about how much they hate Belgians.  So when one fell into my lap, the chase was inevitable.  Now that I’m here, what have I learned?

Parisian guys are the reason why I could get a Parisian girl. Sorry messieurs, but when you look like the pilot cast for a European Jersey Shore, you’re not going to bag a classy Parisian lady.  Yes, your chest hair is nice and you can carry on a conversation about hair products, but that’s not enough. Parisiennes do not like competing with their men over who’s prettier, especially if that also means fighting for shelf space in the bathroom.

Romantic evenings in Paris often start with wine, end in a blur… (Dave Bloom)

What Americans bring to the table. Let’s face it: if you’re spending time abroad, you’re probably not too stereotypical.  You’re adventurous, worldly, and probably just fashionable enough to please a discerning French eye (on your good days). To the benefit of our oft-stuffy counterparts and despite our prudish national reputation, Americans are also more open and jovial socially.  What’s more? We’re funny, and we all know humor goes a long way in defeating the rich, successful, over-groomed square in hand-to-hand combat. Right?

Paris is romantic, if you are. Sure, you can walk by the Eiffel Tower on your way to McDonald’s, but that’s not why it’s called the city of love.  It’s not exactly hard when there’s a flower shop on every block, wine is cheaper than dunking your head in the Seine and you can find macarons that are actually worth the 3 Euros-a-pop the patissière will extort from you.  Be spontaneous.  Find a small, quiet nook in the city and have a makeshift picnic.  And yes — it’s still a picnic if the blanket is your jacket and the food is wine.

Designer Roses in Paris – can it get more romantic than this? (Dave Bloom)

Her friends. You are obligated to attempt to speak French, then you will no longer be allowed to speak French.  You see, they often speak English pretty well, and you’re there for them to practice on.  See how that works?  Oh, and make sure to tell her that her friends are hot.  You get in trouble for NOT saying it here.

As for myself, I am the proud, hair-gel free, joke-cracking, coat-top-picnicking newly Parisian boyfriend of a gorgeous Parisian woman. What can I say? Cherchez la femme…

Related Links:

• Check out Le Best of Paris’ Valentine’s day guide to Paris
• Hip Paris friend Little Brown Pen was featured in Daily Candy’s gift guide

Written by Charlie Almond for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.