Dating in France: finding love as an expat

From stolen kisses by the Seine to late-night apéros on a Parisian terrace, dating in France can feel effortlessly cinematic. Whether it’s a casual fling or a long-term relationship, the French approach any type of romance with charm, subtlety, and a touch of mystery.

So, how do you meet people and impress them on a first date? What are the rules when it comes to punctuality and dressing up? Get ready to be swept off your feet:

Is it easy to date in France?

More than one-third of the French population (38.0%) lives alone (INSEE, 2021). And in Paris, the share of single households is as high as 52.7%.

Of course, it would be wrong to assume every one of those is also single (i.e., without a partner). Similarly, single people living with flatmates are also not accounted for. But with those statistics being the only ones available, it’s hard to say whether dating in France is easy or not.

It is true, though, that there are many singles in France. According to one report, that’s because they are simply too busy to find romantic partners. With long hours at work and the commute, modern life has made it difficult to meet new people and build a life together.

There’s also the issue with online dating. People are swiping left and right without really thinking, hoping that the next profile will be better. And because the options are endless, relationships have become disposable, leaving some people incapable of emotional commitment.

Some French singles are also dealing with the phenomenon of “dating fatigue”; they are tired of months and years of dating without any luck and choose to just stay single for a bit.

While some people embrace their independence and so-called “solo dating”, others feel societal pressure to settle. Around 40% of singles believe it’s better to be in a relationship than to be alone (IPSOS, 2022). In fact, 48% of men and 35% of women aged 35–45 have invested time in relationships that they didn’t believe in. This includes seeing someone they didn’t like, staying in a relationship they didn’t want, or even moving in with a partner they didn’t want to be with.

How do you meet single people online in France

The best dating websites in France

Unsurprisingly, in the modern era, one of the easiest ways to enter the French dating scene is by going online.

To meet other single, like-minded internationals, try our own online dating service: Expatica Dating France. Popular with both men and women, it helps to connect people who share similar interests and passions and ultimately find love in l’Hexagone.

Other popular dating sites in France are Badoo, Meetic, and OkCupid, which are free to use but may require payment in order to access special features.

The best dating apps in France

International dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are commonly used apps in France. Fruitz is also popular. This dating app has assigned fruit to relationship goals. For example, if you’re looking for a friends-with-benefits situation, you pick the watermelon, and a cherry means that you’re trying to find “the one.”

The social eating app Timeleft offers a great alternative. This platform allows singles to meet and share dinner with four strangers. Although it’s primarily focused on creating friendships, you might meet someone who’s open to something more.

Singles looking for same-sex relationships in France may want to check out the dating apps Disco, Her, Taimi, and Zoe.

As might be expected, users of dating apps tend to stumble upon the same issues as they would in other countries. For example, the apps are primarily focused on hooking up and are geared toward making rapid decisions. So, if you are looking for a genuine connection, you may be better off signing up for a website or meeting someone in person.

How do you meet singles in person in France?

If online dating is not for you, then in-person meetups can be a good alternative. You can start by going to social events organized by Meetup groups. There are numerous events throughout France that allow you to meet like-minded people in a fun and safe way. Even if you don’t find the love of your life, you might make some new friends.

Another great way to meet potential partners is by joining a local club or sports association. From art classes to pétanque groups, these offer a great way for you to meet new people and bond over shared passions and interests.

Meeting people through friends

Of course, you can also reach out to your social and professional network to find a date. If you have friends or close work colleagues you trust, see if they know of any suitable singles they could set you up with. Otherwise, keep an eye out for social gatherings and do some searching yourself.

If you’re feeling confident, France has plenty of opportunities to acquaint yourself with strangers, for example, in bars, nightclubs, or a local event or festival. Some people also meet their partners while vacationing; you just have to be a little outgoing.

While this method requires more effort, it can be rewarding to find attractive singles without the worry that their online personality might not match their real-life one.

Local speed dating events

Speed dating is another interesting way of meeting potential dating partners in France. This is where singles meet at a venue and are matched for a series of quick-fire conversations with others to see if compatibility or a spark exists.

You can find events near you on websites such as speeddating.fr, which advertises events in all the major cities. Social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit may also have details of upcoming mixers or speed-dating events.

Marriage agencies

If everything else fails, you can always try signing up for a marriage agency (l’agence matrimoniale). Although quite expensive – prices range from a few hundred to several thousand euros – these professional matchmakers can help you find ‘the one’.

They are also discreet, which can present an added bonus to people whose profession requires them to stay lowkey (e.g., lawyers, doctors, and business leaders).

While this dating option sounds a bit old-fashioned, it’s gaining in popularity in France, even among people as young as 30. Before you sign up, however, be sure to check their credentials; there are fake agencies that will scam you out of your money.

What is the dating etiquette in France?

Generally speaking, the French are sophisticated and charming, but can be a bit reserved. It may take them some time to open up and let you in. They also don’t want to come across too eager and may keep you waiting a few days. Because of this, they seem cool or disinterested, but you just have to see through that.

Their communication is indirect and subtle, and relies on you understanding hints. In fact, dating or asking someone out isn’t really common in France. Instead, you flirt and flirt until someone tries to kiss you – then you know that, oops, you were going out with that person.

The first kiss is very important in French dating; this is exclusively reserved for people who are seeing each other.

A typical dating scenario

First dates usually involve sipping wine at a café, going for a stroll in the park, or having dinner at a restaurant. It’s also common for people to invite their date for an evening out with friends to get to know them in a more comfortable setting. As time goes on, dates will likely center around your shared hobbies and interests (e.g., visiting a museum, going to a comedy show, or watching the sunset on the Seine).

Dates are typically lighthearted and relaxed but can be more direct than in other countries. The French are pretty open when it comes to their feelings (and sometimes come off as rude to those who are more reserved).

PDA (public displays of affection) is considered normal. France tends to be more relaxed about public romance, so seeing couples kissing, holding hands, or embracing on the street, in cafés, or on public transport isn’t unusual.

That said, overly passionate displays (like intense makingout sessions) will raise some eyebrows. The French values discretion and elegance, so there’s an unspoken rule about keeping things tasteful.

Dating behavior in France

While French culture and social norms are distinct in many ways, first-date etiquette is fairly typical. People are generally warm and flirty, meaning that the dating atmosphere will be casual and fun. The relaxed attitude also extends to punctuality; people usually turn up ‘fashionably late’. This typically means you have to wait around 15 minutes (i.e., le quart d’heure de politesse).

The dress code is elegant and stylish, although that doesn’t necessarily mean dresses for women and suits for men. Chic and sophisticated will do perfectly fine, too. Of course, it all depends on the date; a fancy dinner date requires a different outfit than a visit to the museum. Still, it’s best to dress well and make an effort.

When it comes to talking points, taboo topics include money and deeply personal matters. The French value deep, intellectual conversations, so you may have to brush up on your knowledge of news and politics.

It’s worth noting that the country is pretty monogamous. Dating multiple people at the same time is uncommon and even frowned upon. Many people will assume exclusivity unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Gender roles in France

When it comes to gender roles, French dating culture values traditional romance, but with a balance. Men and women are considered equal, and either gender can ask the other out.

However, the man typically pays for the first date. Money is considered a vulgar topic, and asking to split the bill will make you look like a miser. That said, both partners contribute equally to the relationship. So, when you pay for the first date, your date will usually pay the next time.

Similarly, chivalry is appreciated in moderation. It’s expected that men hold open doors, help their date with their coats, and show politeness. However, too grand romantic gestures (e.g., bringing flowers to a first date) are a faux pas.

The French love the ‘will-they, won’t-they’ stage of courtship. Women will appear aloof, while men will seem more persistent – this is all part of the dance, and you just have to roll with it.

What are French relationships like?

Just to generalize the entire population, the French love flirting. Some may see this as playing games or sending mixed signals, but it’s really that they enjoy the initial courtship stage. Like we said earlier, the first kiss seals the deal.

It can take quite a few dates and months before things get serious. However, once you gain their trust, they are very passionate, loyal, and affectionate. This isn’t to say they are codependent; the French enjoy their independence, and couples are expected to have their own friends and hobbies.

People usually move in together after one to three years of dating. Many couples see living together as a natural step and typically a sign that you both see a long-term future together. 

When do you meet your partner’s family?

Another tell-tale sign that a relationship has become a big deal is when someone wants to introduce their partner to their family. In France, this often comes after a period of steady dating, ranging from a few months to a few years.

French families, like the culture in general, are warm but reserved. The first meeting won’t likely involve overly personal questions or dramatic displays of affection, but rather a more subtle approach to getting to know someone.

Getting married in France

The role of the family in weddings

Wedding proposals are done in private. It’s not customary for the groom-to-be to ask the woman’s parents for her hand first. In fact, depending on the family, it may even be considered sexist and a genuine offense.

It’s way more common for couples to get engaged and announce it to their friends and family afterward. It’s also standard for the future bride to receive a simple diamond engagement ring from her soon-to-be spouse.

The challenges facing unmarried couples

France doesn’t see marriage as an absolute necessity for a committed relationship. Many couples live together for years without feeling pressured to ‘make things official.’

Couples who choose not to marry could opt for partnership contracts (pacte civil de solidarité – PACS). This provides them with similar legal recognition and rights as married couples (e.g., joint taxation). Without these contracts, unmarried couples do not have automatic rights to shared pensions, inheritance, hospital visitation, or decision-making in medical emergencies.

Things to keep in mind when dating in France

Is France LGBTQ+ friendly?

As one of the most sexually liberated countries in the world, it’ll come as no surprise that France is a strong advocate when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ+) rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013, and transgender people are allowed to affirm their legal gender without needing surgery.

France ranks 21^th out of 197 in the world on the 2025 LGBT Equality Index. ILGA Europe is a little more positive and ranks the country 12^th out of 49.

Most large cities have an open and visible LGBTQ+ scene. For example, Paris is known as one of the world’s most gay-friendly cities, home to many vibrant bars, cafes, clubs, hotels, and saunas. The city also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the annual La Marche des Fiertés de Paris (held since 1977).

Other popular LGBTQ+ destinations include cities like Montpellier, Nice, Marseille, and Cannes. And, if you’re into sliding any slopes, you’ll want to check out Europe’s Biggest Gay Ski Week.

It should be noted that LGBT-phobic behavior is on the rise in France, as well as in neighboring countries like Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

What are the views on mixed dating?

France is built on the idea of liberté, égalité, and fraternité (liberty, equality, and fraternity). The country prides itself on being a secular and egalitarian society, where love is seen as a personal matter. And, thanks to its history of global trade and exploration (i.e., colonialism), they’re more than familiar with both interracial and interfaith relationships.

But while the official stance is one of tolerance and equality, the real picture can be more nuanced.

Mixed couples are common in large cities like Paris, Marseille, or Lyon. The younger generations especially see mixed dating as normal and reflective of France’s diverse society. However, smaller towns or more conservative regions may still dish out occasional stares or subtle judgment, particularly if the couple challenges local norms or expectations.

While overt racism is socially unacceptable, sly comments or assumptions may still arise, even within families. Indeed, there are many reports of the mismatch between France’s ideal of being “color-blind” and the lived experience of racial, cultural, or religious minorities.

Similarly, interfaith couples may experience some uncomfortable moments. The French are strong proponents of separation between religion and public life, meaning people are often expected to keep their faith private – even in relationships.

Although many people don’t mind dating someone of a different religion, their beliefs should not be central or visible to everyday life. As such, secular traditions (e.g., diet, clothing, and holidays) may need compromise or negotiation.

What challenges come with online dating?

Like elsewhere, online dating in France comes with its risks. People might not always be who or what they say they are on their profile or during initial chats. Indeed, the country has had its fair share of romance scams, where criminals pretend to be in love in order to steal money from their victims. One woman lost €830,000 after believing she was in a relationship with American actor Brad Pitt.

Never agree to send money to someone, arrange your first date in a public place, and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you’ll be.

Useful resources

• European Banking Federation – website with information on romance scams (also available in French)
• Culture Atlas – website with more information on French culture and society, including conversation do’s and don’t’s