A fine wine, a conversation
What could be better than a wonderful Côtes du Rhône in hand, and conversation shared with a friend in France?
That friend is a journalist who writes with a refined eye and wicked wit on all things stylish and oh-so French. And what subject comes up? Paris Fashion Week?
Mais non.
The proper temperature for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Not exactly.
Something better. We speak of French men. And as she is married to one (her Reason-for-Living-in-France), she understands my need to set the record straight.
I mean no disrespect to the many remarkable gentlemen in my own country, but I feel compelled to express why French men are utterly irresistible, making a delightful excursion to Tish’s place, A Femme d’un Certain Age, where I offer my thoughts on this subject.
And here, I permit myself a slightly racier version.
Are French men irresistible?
Are French men really irresistible?
We certainly have examples among our cinematic icons. There’s Charles Boyer and Maurice Chevalier if you’re a fan of old films. And surely you recall the debonair Louis Jourdan alongside Leslie Caron in Gigi.
Perhaps you prefer a dashing Alain Delon (divine), or Jean Réno (ruggedly scrumptious). And I confess there’s definite appeal to the likes of Romain Duris (for the younger crowd) or Jean-Marc Barr (for any age). I’d best stop there, or I could go on, and on.
As for the myth of the French man? Isn’t there a kernel of truth to every stereotype? Won’t you always encounter a bit of the good, the bad, and everything in between when you get down to the reality?
And the French man? I’ll bet you know exactly which (good and not-so-good) myths I mean.
The good:
- French men are romantic
- French men are seductive
- French men are charming and witty
And the not-so-good:
- French men smoke too much
- French men are serial seducers
- French men believe their own myth
French men: A matter of taste?
Where myth and reality meet is a matter of individual taste, naturellement, and the experience of who you meet and the context you find usual.
As for me? I am an American by birth, was married to a European (not French), and while I won’t claim to have a representative sample (I’m a busy woman, after all), I have lived and worked in France at various points in my life, spanning three decades.
Might I add that I consider myself very discriminating? Sélective – shall we say? Yet I have many reasons for adoring French men.
My top ten reasons French men are irresistible
- Flirtation is part of the language and the culture. Possibility is always in the air. And the air sizzles, whatever the season, and whatever the circumstance. It is innocent, delicious, and needn’t lead anywhere. Unless you want it to.
- Conversation sparkles like champagne (and flows like foreplay). It may dance along for hours – through the arts, then into history, through political scandals and on to the latest non-fiction you picked up at the FNAC. French men love to discuss and dissect, and what’s sexier than humor and intelligence while sipping a fine Bordeaux?
- And speaking of Bordeaux, savoring is the name of the game. Savoring food, wine, a fragrance, a glorious day – and your company as a woman – all of which makes for the most elegant of preludes to amour, and after all, isn’t lovemaking the ultimate pleasure to be savored?
- A small, romantic gesture (un geste) – or simply a show of attentiveness and good manners – is the rule, rather than the exception. It may have been German-American architect and designer Mies van der Rohe who made this line famous – “God is in the details” – but it is surely the French man who lives it, and the woman in his life who benefits.
- Compliments are paid – and not just for parts of the body (a lovely smile, an engaging curve, your overall appearance), but with great nuance, and to you, as a woman. Those compliments are bestowed with eye contact (the very best kind), and are always sincere.
- Real women aren’t discarded quite so easily as in the States. Nip, tuck, or a nubile physique is not required for a real man of any culture. But my experience with French men in particular reflects that this is true. Perhaps it is that notion of savoring. A woman of a certain age, with all her… knowledge, is a treasure to be revered and cherished. And if a younger man is in the mix? No labels or judgments. Ah, Chéri … Surely Colette isn’t the only one deserving of a Chéri in her life?
- Senses are never, never neglected. Eye contact, the register of your voice, the responsiveness in his… And French men find our accents adorable. Taste? Mais oui. Along with touch, scent, and body language, all of which are of the utmost importance. And speaking of the sensual, that brings me to French lingerie. Is it any wonder that Aubade, Lise Charmel, Chantelle, Simone Pérèle and so many of the finest luxury lingerie designers are French? These lovely bits of satin and lace (and Eiffel-worthy engineering) are luxe, but also necessity. For women of every age. And French men are most appreciative.
- Now that we’re dressed (for undressing?) let’s touch – tenderly – on that topic. I won’t say that I’ve never had enchanting encounters in the country of my birth (it wouldn’t be true), or that every French man is a spectacular lover. But I will venture that a French man who isn’t responsive, curious, playful, and attentive – in all things shared – has been the exception, in my experience. I will admit to a certain bias; my pheromones appear to function best on French soil. (Doesn’t everyone need a Parisian adventure?)
- French men take the Green Movement very seriously. While the men I’ve known love their showers and baths, in the name of saving on natural resources, they generously invite their women to join them. Friendly and socially responsible. Now what could be better than that?
- Games, and laughter are welcome. (And dare I say toys as well?) Open minds make for splendid fun when it comes to the boudoir, or anywhere else around the house in the name and game of amour. And frankly, all of life’s precious moments. From wordplay to role play, French men excel in this arena. It’s all about quality, mutual enjoyment, and respect for what is healthy and natural with far fewer taboos.
My personal tour of the French landscape: from Paris to Provence
Of course there are wonderful men and women everywhere, and likewise, more than a few who won’t be your type. Or mine. But the French men I’ve called loved ones, lovers, and friends are so delectable, wry, charming, genuine, and sexy – hélas, I simply haven’t enough adjectives to do them justice.
Another mention, if you’ll allow? The French do adore a good argument. So if you love your language skills, get ready for some serious attention to linguistic intention. And a little friction never hurts now and then. After all, you will have to kiss and make up. As for the dénouement – if and when a love affair comes to a natural end, my French men remain friends. What could be better? And having had long distance relationships, French-American style – I’ll just say they were transcontinentally divine, and the friendships that remain, even more sublime.
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Ooooh! I envy your French liaisons!
I’ve heard that one of the sexiest things about French men is that they REALLY focus on you when you’re saying something. Eye contact, full attention, thoughtful response. Ah…
I cannot speak for others, of course, but it is my experience that when you are in the company of a French gentleman, you are very much the center of his attention. And it is subtle, intense, flirtatious, and delicious. And tends to bring out the best in a woman, in return. (Should I offer my communication services to the French Travel Board?)
Ha! My favorite is #9 – taking showers and baths together is environmentally friendly!
Let’s talk about Australian men (actors, specifically). Eric Bana, Sam Worthington, Dominic Purcell, Hugh Jackman. Rarrr!
Eva – Australian men! I’ve never journeyed Down Under. Perhaps you could enlighten us? I’m all for world peace. And what better way to encourage it than one-on-one interaction?
I am on the periphery of this one, but I will say that I am hopelessly spellbound by French Moroccan men. Oh my pineapple. I have had the most delicious and intoxicating romances with them in my previous life that I can’t help but wonder…
“Spellbound.” Glorious word, Kelly. And oui, I get it. And what about Zinedine Zidane the French-Algerian soccer player? (At times, controversial, but very hot.)
I am currently dating a French Moroccan man. I would love to hear your experience?
Hi Tera. I don’t have any experience, personally, of anyone from Morocco. Is he good to you? Is he a man of character? Are your values in sync? Do you laugh together? Do you like his friends and family?
Ultimately, when you begin to get serious about someone, wherever they may be from, aren’t these among the questions we should ask ourselves?
Culture does matter. Enormously. It seeps into us in ways we may not discover for years, but that includes includes or familial culture as well as other aspects of upbringing.
Um, wow, I think I’m packing my bags! I’m so glad you included Jean Reno in your list – definitely hot!
Oh Mary – I’m so glad you agree with me on Réno. I have adored him for so long – in everything from The Professional to French Kiss to his slightly neurotic role in a quirky film with Juliette Binoche – Jet Lag.
And to Kelly’s point, I believe technically he is Moroccan (of Spanish parentage). And Réno is the perfect illustration that charisma has nothing to do with classic good looks. It is something indescribable. Talent. Smarts. A presence. A powerfully sexy presence in the case of Réno.
While I’m afraid that I have never had the chance to experience the wonders of French men personally, I am suddenly very glad that Husband spent some time studying in France. Ahem…
And a big, fat oui to Jean Reno!
I agree, there’s a kernel of truth to many stereotypes. I like that you’re drawn to French men like that. I was drawn to Italian women. I married one, and enjoyed her Italian family. After the divorce, my tastes changed, and now I’m drawn to South American women. Enjoying that kernel of truth…
Tell us more… like details of those French liaisons. You gave us a nibble and left us hanging!!!!! Kidding, I liked this post, and I’ve heard some of these same things, so must be true.
I have not sampled French men, but I have sampled the cuisine. And any country that embraces cheese, bread, and wine with every repas and invented crepes with Nutella must surely be doing something right.
Well, I am completely biased because I have an ex-French man and I find him revolting. But then again, he did seduce me once upon a time. It’s too bad it turned out to be an act. Oh, and he smelled. The smoking was terrible.
Hmm. Rebecca. I would prescribe the following (a different French man!) except you’re married, aren’t you?
But for anyone who has had your experience, here are my thoughts.
I have an ex from a country other than France, which shall remain unspecified. However, I recognize that there are wondrous men (and women) from that nation, with whom I might (and have) gotten along exceptionally well. I have had friends (and yes, more than friends) from that particular part of Europe. They were divine.
As with all things, we have good and bad experiences. And hopefully recognize them as such. Individuals, and individual experiences.
(I also have one or two French friends who smoke. I loathe smoking, but that doesn’t mean I loathe the smoker. My French friends who smoke are extremely polite about exiting for the occasional cigarette, out of doors.)
I found myself riveted to every word of this post.
I second Jean Reno. Hot, hot, hot.
My weakness has been for Italian men. And I am swearing them off forever more. NO MORE ITALIAN MEN!
I love a good argument myself. Better brush up my French — or can American men be molded into Frenchmen? (smile)
Wonderful words for a luscious type of man! I am not even sure I could pick just one – Reno, Duris, Barr – YUM! Of course, I had a huge crush, growing up, on Jean-Claude Killy.
Bonjour ma puce !
En ce jour de fête nationale américaine , je t’envoie tous mes meilleurs voeux de bonne journée ensoleillée … Ce sera Meximieux !
Je te lis de temps en temps , toujours avec plaisir , et en souriant !
Kisses from Provence .
Quelle surprise – meximieux, et même mexi-le-meilleur ? Une journée ensoleillée, oui, et moi, inondée par du paperasse (ça existe, un tel mot ? Punaise … ) Contente que tu me lises de temps en temps et que tu dises coucou ici – n’hésite pas à me visiter plus souvent. Et l’article sur le fait que l’homme français soit irrésistible ? Tu es d’accord ?
Bisous, cher ami. J’espère que tu passes un été agréable. Je pensais à toi, en effect, il y a quelques jours. Des souvenirs qui me font sourire.
Paperasse ! Oh , oui , je connais , je dois te battre à plate couture dans ce domaine ! Je suis inondé de papiers en tout genre , n’est-ce pas une spécificité française ?? Quant aux hommes français , ils ne sont pas meilleurs que les autres , mais les bons sont apréciés par celles qui ont les valeurs d’avant , puisque c’est avec regret que les “cagoles” ( tatooed stupid tacky blonde bimbos , pour résumer) dominent le terrain médiatique aujourd’hui ! Kisses to all …
Based upon everything I’ve just read, I must be French. What man, anywhere, doesn’t enjoy good conversation? Why would anyone not be polite, witty and charming at every opportunity? Who wouldn’t enjoy a beautiful or engaging woman of any age? As for sex, it should always be fun and a good partner is one that is attentive to their partner’s needs and desires.
I love women for a variety of reasons and every man should use your “top reasons French men are irresistible” as a template for their own lives. I can attest that it would make their lives richer.
Mr. Posky – my chapeau is off to you! (And yes, if all men would adopt some of these “irresistible” attributes, oh – the world would be a lovely place, indeed.)
I was smiling all through the time I was reading 🙂 I’ve recently been wanting to visit some part of France and reading this makes me want to go more 😉 I’ll add how much I enjoyed reading this. The writing style you have is one I wish many people had. How do you say goodbye in French? Au revoir? Well, what ever it is, merci!
So happy you stopped by to comment, Katie. And welcome. Glad you enjoyed this musing. (It was great fun to write, and I stand by chaque mot (every word). If you haven’t been to France (yet), do put it on your Lifetime To Do List. It’s a gorgeous, diverse country, rich in culture and tradition, and I’ve made lifelong friends there. (The men really are fantastic, besides.) 🙂
I absolutely loved #’s 4, 5 and 10! but I have two questions..First of all I am a French Language University student and I adore everything French but yet still I am not fluent because I live in a English speaking country and don’t get enough practice, do you think this would be a turn-off for a French guy? and Second of all, I am going to France for 7-8months as an assistant (from this September-next April) and I really want to find a French guy, I am from the Caribbean, but the real question is..Do Frenchmen appreciate black women ( this is my fear…that race might be an issue) It is not that I am insecure about my identity but I am just curious and would like to know what to expect!
Hi Kendra. Thanks so much for joining the conversation! The fact that you are studying French and already speak some will be a huge asset – and you’ll quickly pick up more when you travel there. In my experience of living and working abroad (especially in France), race is not an issue any more than it is with ignorant people anywhere. In fact, I think you will find that since the French have a long history with Caribbean countries (and African), mixed race couples are often seen and no one blinks an eye (not in my circles, certainly). French men like great women. Period. A generalization, of course, but I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Vous trouverez une appréciation pour votre beauté, votre humour, et votre façon d’etre. And please stop by again soon!
Thank You so much or should I say Merci beaucoup for the insight! J’apprécie vraiment votre réponse réaliste et votre honnêteté! That has always been a concern of mine and I have never gotten a response about it. For me it was as if those who have actually been to the romance capital of the world were avoiding the question and I am a sucker for love and romance, regardless of color or creed, so I felt a bit downtrodden but as I said, I am grateful that u were honest and so I hope to have une expérience magnifique là-bas! I will let you know how it turns out! 🙂
Please do! My own experiences with French men have always been overwhelmingly positive. (But I guess you know that.) Keep studying – and keep us posted!
(Et n’hésitez pas à discuter en français ici, si vous en avez envie!)
After getting married to my Frenchie, one of my relatives said to me, “My friend’s grandmother is married to a French man. She told her, French men are fun to fool around with, but never marry one.” As an American, no truer words spoken. I came by your blog from Huffpo – your Something Like Marriage and your post is my life… except I’m in a different country, with a small child, without family and community, and a very detached passive-aggressive husband. True, when we dated he was so very charming, witty, etc. Had I been wiser or/and more experienced, I would have realized that during the courting phase, he was supposed to be witty, charming, etc. I really don’t know what to do… as you wrote in another post, I don’t want a divorce, just a different type of marriage. At least I have learned some valuable lessons:
Never marry for just love because once it’s gone, there’s nothing left to hold the relationship.
Once you become the enemy, it’s tough work getting back on the other side.
Crying is better than smoking. I’m doing my best to cry more and smoke less.
As I know that I can’t survive on the surface here, in a foreign country, I’m giving myself two years to get back to the States. A person can take constant rejection for so long- it’s not loving and very unhealthy. I figure that if he loved me he would be it, and it’s a waste of time to love someone who doesn’t even what to be with you. (withholding of sex, never wants to go out with me, in a different room when I’m home). So, if you want to fool around with a French man, enjoy! But to marry one, make sure you step into it carefully and have a backout plan. Because the french man who seduced you may not be the one that you marry.
By the way, Mosaic – I’m sorry you’ve been living this difficult situation, and I can only imagine how painful it is. We could all do better to take more time with whomever we marry, wherever they are from. I hope things are improving for you.
As a French man, I can assure you that all of the positive stereotypes are certainly true.
Contente que vous soyez d’accord, Matthieu. 🙂
I married and divorced a french man I loved a year later. It did not work out. Love is not enough. I would have a fling with a another french man but not marry one again. I did adore him and love france!
Just about this time last year I fell in love with a Frenchman. Our love was great. He ended up having to go back home to France and our love came to a close. It was sad, but he truly was the only person I’ve ever loved. I went to France in April to see him and everything was still the same, it just sucked that he had (and still has) a girlfriend. There’s still a little bit of hope that we’ll get back together, but I doubt it will happen. Many of my friends still say that we’re going to get married someday (I suppose I can only hope! But, I’m going back to France this coming December. I can’t wait. Maybe I’ll find a new Frenchman who I’ll fall for again. I do believe, Frenchman are the best! …hands down.
Thanks for stopping by, Chelsea B. There are great men of all sorts, everywhere! (But you won’t get an argument from me about how fabulous Frenchmen are!) 😉
This guy Norbert just greeted you with a heartly “Hello, my flea”
cute…
Thank you for the translation (*sourire*). It is cute, isn’t it? Planning on reading the French posts, Cat? Quel fun! 🙂
My boyfriend really is that awesome huh? I’ve gone through a really awful divorce this year and after 8 months I’m currently ‘rebounding’ with a cute french guy who is only 4 years younger than me. My intention was to spend time alone and stay single like everyone advises after a bad break up, but that cheeky bastard worked his French seductive magic so it was hopeless for me lol. I swear everything you said is right! Don’t worry though, if he messes this up I am prepared to just drop it. I like him a lot and I think he is clever and funny and wise, manly, and the sex? woah… but losing my marriage has made me grow attached to things a lot slower.
Hi there to everyone,
I am a french guy and i do love really american women, i travelled a lot and i know i would love to marry one 🙂
Well Charlie – lots of women stop by here! And I’m guessing they’ll be pleased to know they’re in demand! Gentil de votre part de nous faire coucou. Et pourquoi voulez-vous épouser une Américaine ? Si c’est pour vivre ici – vous devriez réfléchir. Les avantages sociaux n’existent pratiquement pas !
I just arrived in Paris and after some unusual experiences, decided to research how French men flirt.
I have never had someone look into my eyes so long and intensely as in Paris. Other men look, then look away. French men seem to gaze into your eyes with the least provocation. It’s very charming.
Wow. I like being a woman in Paris. Even if it is just short term fun. The men here are so friendly!
I’ve been to France a few times and am learning the language for my job. And in my years, both here in San Francisco and during my trips abroad, I have to say that French men in general are certainly set apart from the pack. They’re so serious, and they take their time, which I think is both intriguing/cute and confusing to American women. How do you keep the conversation going without making them feel you’re not taking them seriously? American guys are much more laid back and easy going. Yet it’s easy to see how American women and French men become so interested un one another. After all, we’re supposed to hate each other, right? 😉 It’s too bad that we American women get stereotyped, however, as being “slutty” and “easy”.. from my perspective, I’m adventurous, liberated, I know what I want in life and I’m not afraid to go out and get it. I feel every bit as proud and confident in myself as most French women are famously known for being. The only difference is that the rules of engagement are different. I don’t expect a man to take me out to dinner 10 times before anything happens. Frankly, I don’t have time for it! Ahh, typical American… yet if we were like them, there would be no attraction. (note: I’m a married woman, but my sister and I are going to France in a couple of months; I look forward to living vicariously through her!)
Elizabeth, Lovely of you to join the conversation. (Do you really think the French and the Americans are supposed to hate each other? I think we’re much alike in key ways, “stereotypically” speaking… Americans generally think we’re “right;” the French have that same reputation…)
I do agree that French women are known for their confidence (and in different ways than an American more out-there style), but I love the way you refer to the “rules of engagement as being different.” That’s a delightful way of putting it.
(Will you pop back and let us know about your sister’s adventures in France? And what you observe while your there as well?)
Merci pour votre accueil! I will definitely let you know how our adventure turns out. Sadly, there are many in both the US and in France who have an unjustified hatred towards one another. I’m pretty sure none of them have actually left their country.. but I do not share their sentiment in any way. Here in San Francisco, we’re experiencing a burgeoning French population, as well as a French tourism explosion. It has very much added to the beauty and diversity of our city (et une meilleure cuisine :). We’re all pretty much in love with each other.. Take care.. a bientot!
Bonjour mesdemoiselles. *sourire charmeur*
Given this typical introduction, as you can guess, I’m a Frenchman who just happened to read that note. I’ll admit, I’ve read it with a smile, amused by what seemed to me totally normal and evident things. Yes, we pay attention to women, and enjoy their company for itself, not only for what it might lead to. Flirting and seducing is the most enjoyable part of a new relation, and it is what these moments are all about, pleasure and enjoying the instant, won’t you agree? We would be fools to limit ourselves to one form of pleasure when we can create so much more with a person.
Incidently, this is also why some French men are “serial seducers”, which should not be confused with cheaters. While we all like to see women appreciate our company, for some men it becomes a game and a goal by itself. If you see the man you’re with act seductively with other women on a regular basis, you shouldn’t probably plan to marry him, but I guess you know that already and that it’s not that different in other countries.
This being said, I don’t post to enforce our stereotype of latin lovers, but to tell you that this supposed hate between French and Americans is an all-American concept : you or should I say some of you hate the French or are strongly encouraged to, and you’re told we hate you to justify and reinforce this sentiment. I’ll not develop the political reasons behind that state of fact, but just reassure Elizabeth if she’s not yet gone: we don’t hate Americans. If I may be so bold without hurting your patriotism, I’ll say we don’t specially care about Americans in a sense or another. We don’t have particular sentiments for or against you as a people, at best we have opinions concerning US foreign policy and its effects, and that’s not something we think about everyday or will bring up in the conversation unless we want to start an argument, which is not usually what we French men try for when we talk with women. 🙂
If I must define the usual sentiment we French have for Americans, I guess I’ll say we kinda like you, given our common history and shared Occidental heritage. We usually think you’re kinda crazy too, due to the significant cultural differences about guns, religion and war between the sexes we usually associate with you as a people, and are sometimes suspicious towards Americans we just met due to the cultural French bashing we’ve endured for years now, but that’s just stereotypes and we don’t let those get in the way more than five seconds when we met someone, and try to know the person instead. Generalizations are just that and we know it. As long as you don’t come at us yelling about white flags, we’ll suppose you’re rational persons and treat you as such. 🙂
Last but not least, Elizabeth, if you by any chance decide to live a little more than vicariously while in France, or for the eventual American woman who thinks that the French man doesn’t move fast enough, just initiate contact in a way that doesn’t let any doubt on your intentions. Once you’re sure he’s attracted to you, I recommand a caress on the arm with a smile and eye contact, that’s explicite enough and past a moment of surprise if the man was not yet there, he will react without a doubt. We usually do move fast enough if that’s what’s on our mind, don’t worry, but culturally, unless we met in circonstances where both people are explicitely there to meet someone, it’s considered bad taste to jump on women we appreciate. I mean, sometimes, people you meet in a café just want to talk, as strange as it can seem. Or we appreciate the conversation and mutual seduction and don’t feel the need to rush anything. As Big Little Wolf very pertinently said it, savoring is the name of the game. 🙂
Enjoy your stay.
Michael, Quelle réponse délicieuse !
I thank you for this thoughtful elaboration on the stereotype of French men, not to mention some key cultural differences. I hope you will stop by and read (and share) again. In your own time, and your own way, of course.
🙂
I may do just that. It’s not everyday I’m told how irresistible I am by simply being myself (I hope you won’t mind if I take for myself without any shame what you said about French men). I was actually browsing and reading already, finding myself intrigued by some titles and agreably interested and amused by what I was reading.
I’m heartbroken to discover that my 5’9 will deny me the pleasure of knowing how agreable certain big tub can be. And me who absolutely loves petite women, at that. 6’3 is quite a tall entry line, but if you say size matters that much, I guess I have no choice but to move back, a tear in my eye. Ah well, there was that little Atlantic ocean problem too, so I guess that was not meant to be.
I’m looking into American stereotypes of Frenchmen these days, past the usual crude one, and the less evident cultural differences between our countries. I’ll bookmark your blog and maybe pepper it sometimes with my horrible horrible French point of view, since you imprudently invited me to stay around. You brought it on yourself, ma chère. 🙂
Vous me faites rire !
I have long since relaxed the height standard of my earlier (young and foolish) days. The measure of a man lies in his character, his values, his smarts, his humor. And of course, his ardent appreciation of women.
I find it fascinating that you are looking into American stereotypes of Frenchmen at present. I will be delighted to hear your thoughts. (Vous trouverez pas mal de posts qui concernent les différences culturelles – et quelques posts en français en plus. Espérons que ces “essais” puissent vous divertir au moins ! One which appears in English may be of interest, “Bien dans sa peau, Bien dans sa tête” – I would be curious for your response and opinion.
I have to agree with this post 100 %! It really is about the savouring. I’m a college student and met my frenchie nearly a year ago. My, was he different from all the other college boys. He was much more mature for his age…charming…(sigh). Started off as friends talking about school, politics, etc…and then ; ) We’ll see where this takes us. And yes..it’s true. You cannot marry simply because of love…Although I am young..21..I guess I can see how it can fade, unfortunately..although I hope whenever I do marry it will never fade : /
“French men are utterly irresistible” Are we really?:) Well as you cautiously said there are exceptions, and I met some obvious ones in my life! lol. Now would you mind if I swap the Côte du Rhone for a nice Saumur Champigny (sweet delicious vin de Loire) to go on discussing the delightful matter of how incredibly irresistible we are! 🙂
I’ll be damned if your not the ideal reader for my new E-book just published and available on Amazon shelves: Being French! A Frenchman’s Guide to a More Sensual Life. It’s an essay as well as a memoir and a collection of short stories, on the way we French are envisioning sensuality and sex. No need to say that, in it, I share a lot of my knowledge and insights about my France, country of big time flirts and intemperate seducers.
You are givin me a big smile in citing on the the same row that old balloon of Maurice Chevalier (not a skinflint with his talents when it came to entertain nazis in France during WWII) and Alain Delon who effectively was the masculin charm incarnated in “Le Guepard” of Luchino Visconti.
French alluring lingerie? That’s a topic that you’ll see discussed as wel in Being French! Bill Maher kinda stated that we invented it, as well as “sex during” the day if you trust his words. Well we didn’t for any of both but I still have to admit we have some skills in both departments 🙂
Information on the book (and Amazon previews) here :
http://chatlibre.blog.lemonde.fr/2012/09/08/being-french-the-book-is-on-the-shelves-at-last/
Votre commentaire m’amuse. Et votre livre correspond bien à mes idées, je crois !
Au plaisir de vous lire… (Faut-il la version anglaise qui servirait bien à mes lectrices de ce coté de l’Atlantique ?)
Sourire ! Je suis amusé aussi ! 🙂
Hey ! Do I look blond to the point of writing in French a book that I essentially aim to target an Anglo-Saxon audience? lol. Yes I know Frenchmen usually suck at foreign languages. That’s what I’m constantly said on Second Life by American women a little baffled with my command of english 🙂
Anyway, there is no French version of “Being French!” I wrote this book directly in English, having all bases covered up with the precious back up of my friend Penny who happens to be part of the elite among American teachers.
So the good news is the book is available right now for all potential American readers. In fact it talks to them essentially, and even address particular American sex life issues, like the big US confusion of what “Sex Addiction” really is or the way to deal with teenage sexuality other than telling them “Wait till your in your twenties and have hopefully crossed the threshold of holy matrimony. Sex is at you age is not only dangerous but sinful!”
So here on this Amazon page, your readers can access the whole table of content of Being French!, and beyond the special insights of a true French insider, have a nice first glance on the delicious and entertaining surprises waiting for them inside the book:
Being French!, on Amazon.com
Yours truly
François Roland
Thank you for this very interesting post that I had the fortune to come by…by quite an accident actually. I have recently discovered that French men fit your description whether they are France-french or Quebec-french ! I have always been weary of charmers, but a friend and colleague (from Quebec), without really realizing it, has charmed and kept my attention by basically meeting the first few traits you have described. He is easy to talk to, attentive, frank and open about his experiences and feelings, and even manages to compliment without being overtly obvious and being completely sincere…and he himself believes he is NOT charming. I could not make heads or tails of it, of where this was coming from or what it meant, really… but I believe now I can take it as his innate french-ness just coming out , which obviously I hadn’t experienced!
Delighted you happened along, Can-NL, and hoping that you are enjoying your friend’s “innate French-ness” (the expression elicits a smile). It is fascinating to see and experience the differences that culture makes in who we are, isn’t it?
I hope you’ll read and comment again.
I knew it! I knew it! I should have learned French instead of Spanglish. Years ago, I fell under the hypnotic charm of a Frenchman for a brief period of time. But alas, it was not to be as I was with another at the time. He only spoke French and I, English, so of course, we only imagined what the other was saying. But it was bliss (in thoughts only.) Great post!
Lisa, you’re making me laugh out loud!
i’m Indonesian, and i just broke up with my bf, French man, and i feel so stupid after someone who treats me like princess gone. if u found a French man, dont hurt him, or he will be gone forever.
Bonsoir à vous,
Quel article vous avez écrit ici. Je peux confirmer certains de vos dires.
J’étais l’année dernière aux États-Unis pour apprendre l’anglais. J’étais sensé parler en anglais mais, à chaque fois, les filles me suppliaient pour que je parle en français. Elles arrêtaient pas de me dire, “french is so cute”. Je retourne l’année prochaine dans ce pays