In Paris For The Games? A Guide For Navigating French Dating This Summer
In Paris For The Games? Bumble Shares A Guide For Navigating French Dating To Find Your (real) Gabriel This Summer
As the world gathers in Paris this summer, people from very different nationalities are sparking romance in the city of love. To help single people avoid cultural deal breakers and make the most of summer dating, Bumble has brought together its global relationship experts to give you the inside scoop on how to date the French way.
Recent research from Bumble and YouGov shows that the overwhelming majority of French singles aged 18-34 (78%) are open to dating non-French people this summer. To make your French dates successful, Bumble has partnered with Dr. Aurore Malet-Karas, a French neuroscientist, sexologist and relationship therapist, and has prepared a guide to help you navigate dating in en Français – whether you’re there for the 2024 games, a holiday, or just want to take a cue from your favourite Netflix show for your summer dates.
- Engage in thoughtful discussions – French culture loves a good tête-à-tête, and they hate small talk, so get ready to dive into discussions ranging from sports and literature to the latest in politics, music, or cinema. Don’t be afraid to unleash your inner philosopher and share your culture. Almost half (49%) of French singles aged 18-34 wants to discover your country’s customs and history and the Irish have lots to add to this conversation! Adding a dash of humour can turn a stimulating chat into a laugh-out-loud rendezvous. Bonus: instead of Edith Piaf, say that you also love Françoise Hardy, France Gall, or Barbara. Extra points for more nuanced references!
- Get fluent in Flirty French – Even if your date speaks English, trying out key French expressions can add a touch of romance and is a green flag for more than 1 in 3 (37%) French people. Try to remember your Leaving Cert French classes for some inspo…start with essential phrases like “Je t’adore” (I adore you), “Soirée ensemble” (Date Night), and “Peux-tu m’embrasser ? ” (Can you kiss me?). Engaging in a playful discussion over the pronunciation of “croissant” or sharing a laugh trying to master the nuances of “éblouissant” (Dazzling) can bring a fun twist to your date.
- Modern Chivalry – Who pays the bills? In French culture, it’s often seen as polite for the person who invited (or initiated the date) to offer to pay the bill but there are no particular rules. The best approach is to explain your expectations and be flexible. You might consider splitting the bill in half (“on fait 50-50”) or taking turns treating each other. The most important thing is to communicate openly and find a solution that feels comfortable for both of you.
- Quart d’Heure de Politesse” – In France, there is a concept known as the ‘quarter-hour of politeness’, a fifteen-minute buffer for meeting times. For more than a quarter (28%) of French not respecting this rule is a red flag. If you’re meeting someone for drinks at 7 PM, you both know you can show up anytime between 7 and 7:15 PM without anyone batting an eye. Arriving after that? Cue the worried glances and awkward apologies! It’s like an unspoken rule where being fashionably late is part of the charm… just don’t push it more than fifteen minutes.
- Despite what you see on TV, the French love a low-key date – Breaking away from the cliché of elaborate and expensive dates, modern French dating favours low-key, spontaneous outings but don’t forget to keep it elegant. Today’s French dating scene celebrates casual, relaxed settings where authenticity and connection take centre stage. A popular choice is a glass of wine on a casual terrace. Also make sure to moderate your intake, being drunk in public is a faux-pas
- Put your safety first – Safety is paramount, especially when you’re somewhere new and unfamiliar and you may not speak the language. Plan to meet your date in a public space, don’t reveal your accommodation address, and let a friend, family, or hotel concierge know where you’re headed. Make sure it’s someone in the local time zone, too. Trust your instincts and look out for red flags of people who are too interested in your financial situation or your solo travel status.
Ready to start your romance abroad? You can activate Travel Mode on your Bumble before you even arrive to get a head start. To activate your Travel Mode (and show your profile and see others in a new city) select Travel in your setting and type in the location you’re planning to visit. For more tips on dating abroad, you can check out Bumble’s Buzz blog here.
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