W
e have all heard the stereotypes of Paris: romantic (it is the city of Love, after all), with music on every corner and wine and cheese in everyone’s hands. And along with this romantic idea of Paris comes the stereotype of the romantic French man.
This French man will sweep you off your feet in no time, offering you a five-course dinner in a restaurant overlooking the Champs-Elysées before he takes you for a private elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, he’ll be sure to take you to the opera and a wine tasting to finish off the night.
And, though I have found that Parisian men generally know how to dress better (sorry, guys, but it’s true), I have not really stumbled upon this perfect French man. What I have discovered is that they are quite similar to men in the U.S.—meaning that, just like in the U.S. and all over the world—there is not one kind of French man. Some are into fashion and sport some of the most incredible outfits I’ve ever seen in my life, while some are into sports and like to hang out at bars to watch the game. Some read all the time, some cook all the time. There is definitely not one type of French man.
But the French culture is certainly different—everyone is more open about everything, including sexuality, and when men whistle on the streets the women don’t particularly take offense. It’s true that the French men seem to have larger, more romantic gestures, but it honestly depends.
One thing, though, that sets apart the men in France from the men in the U.S. is something called «la joie de vivre,» or, the “joy of living.” French men are more relaxed, hardly ever stressed and live in the moment. It’s something that is not only found in French men but in almost every French person I’ve come across.
I think that’s one piece of advice I would offer to American men—enjoy life more. Perhaps that’s what makes the men in France more attractive to Americans—someone who is simply enjoying being alive.
