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Valentine’s Day in France: Traditions and how it’s celebrated
Valentine’s Day in France is romantic and low-key. Explore Paris highlights, French traditions, and travel tips for celebrating February 14.
Valentine’s Day in France is marked by quiet romance, shared meals, handwritten notes, and evening walks through lantern-lit streets in cities like Paris or Lyon.
French Valentine’s Day focuses on simplicity, intimacy, and meaningful time together. In this guide, you’ll discover how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in France, what it’s called, when it happens, and how you can enjoy it as a visitor.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ll include practical travel tips, like top places to visit, where to dine, and how to stay connected with a travel eSIM for France for hassle-free roaming.
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Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France?
Yes, Valentine’s Day in France is celebrated with a focus on romance rather than friendship. It’s traditionally a day for couples to spend quality time together, often marked by quiet gestures and shared experiences.
What is Valentine’s Day called in France?
In France, Valentine’s Day is called La Saint-Valentin, named after Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. While its roots are religious, today it’s a culturally recognized day for couples to express affection through small, intimate gestures.
When is Valentine’s Day in France?
Valentine’s Day in France is celebrated on February 14, just like in the United States. It’s not a public holiday, so most celebrations like romantic dinners or exchanging gifts happen in the evening after work.
How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France?
France is known for its unique Valentine’s Day traditions highlighting intimacy, elegance, and personal connection.
Here we’ll explore how the French celebrate Valentine’s Day, from classic gestures to romantic dining and travel-friendly tips for visitors.
Valentine’s Day traditions in France
Valentine’s Day in France is all about intimacy and intention. Instead of grand gestures or over-the-top gifts, French couples focus on subtle, meaningful ways to express love.
Some of the most common Valentine’s Day traditions in France include:
- Exchanging handwritten cards with heartfelt messages
- Gifting a simple bouquet of fresh flowers, often red roses
- Sharing artisanal chocolates or pastries from a local patisserie
- Enjoying a slow, candlelit dinner, either at home or at a favorite restaurant
Unlike Valentine’s Day in Mexico or the US, there’s little emphasis on public celebrations or group events. Instead, much like Valentine’s Day in Japan, the French favor simple, thoughtful gestures over big displays.
Valentine’s Day food and dining culture
Food is at the heart of Valentine’s Day in France, where couples often celebrate with a romantic night out. Many restaurants offer prix-fixe menus, featuring elegant dishes like duck confit, coq au vin, or a rich chocolate fondant for dessert.
Whether it’s a Michelin-starred table in Paris or a hidden gem in a quiet town, the focus is on sharing a beautiful meal. Just keep in mind, reservations are essential, as spots fill up quickly on February 14.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day when traveling to France?
As a traveler, celebrating Valentine’s Day in France is about leaning into the slower, softer side of romance. You don’t need a packed agenda, just good company, a beautiful setting, and a little intention. From Paris to Provence, France is one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for moments that feel effortlessly special. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of it.
Romantic dinners or café dates
A romantic dinner in France isn’t just a meal, it’s a memory that lingers long after the final sip of wine.
Here’s a fun fact about France: many restaurants design special menus Saint-Valentin just for Valentine’s Day, complete with seasonal courses, wine pairings, and candlelit settings crafted for two. It’s not just about what’s on the plate; it’s about sharing the moment.
If you’re in Paris, Le Jules Verne offers a Michelin-starred dinner with Eiffel Tower views. But with limited seating and bookings filling months ahead, it’s wise to explore other equally romantic options.
A Paris travel guide can help you discover rooftop spots, tucked-away bistros, and hidden gems perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner made for two.
And for those of you traveling beyond Paris, there are plenty of romantic dining spots across France where you can savour the evening just as beautifully. Here are a few standout options:
- La Mère Brazier (Lyon): Two Michelin stars and timeless Lyonnaise elegance.
- La Maison Troisgros (Roanne): A three-star icon known for inventive, refined French cuisine.
- Le Pressoir d’Argent (Bordeaux): Gordon Ramsay’s romantic Bordeaux gem.
- Moulin de Mougins (Provence): Provençal charm in a historic Riviera mill.
- Seaside restaurants in Nice: Think oysters, rosé, and Mediterranean views made for two.
From north to south, France offers no shortage of unforgettable places to share a table; all you need to do is book early.
Scenic walks
If you’re spending Valentine’s Day in France, one of the most romantic things to do is simply to take a walk. From cobbled lanes to riverside paths, France is filled with stroll-worthy spots where every step feels like a moment.
Here are some of the best places for scenic romantic walks in France:
- Paris: A sunset stroll along the Seine is one of the most iconic things to do in Paris on Valentine’s Day.
- Provence: Explore the hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon, where narrow lanes open to panoramic views and timeless charm.
- Alsace: Get lost in the fairytale setting of Colmar or Eguisheim, with colourful facades, canals, and cobblestone streets.
- Loire Valley: Walk riverside trails near Amboise or Chinon, passing vineyards and château views at every turn.
- Lyon: Stroll through the Vieux Lyon district, one of the best-preserved Renaissance neighbourhoods in Europe, or along the Saône River at dusk.
These walking spots in France aren’t just beautiful, they’re made for quiet moments, shared steps, and the kind of romance that doesn’t need a plan.
Day trips and short getaways
Take a day trip and plan a short getaway; Valentine’s Day in France doesn’t have to begin and end in the city. With just a few extra days, you can explore nearby destinations that feel like something out of a movie.
Here are a few couple-friendly ideas for your Valentine’s Day getaway in France:
- Champagne: Take a short train ride for vineyard tours, wine tastings, and postcard-worthy countryside views.
- Versailles: Explore royal gardens, gilded halls, and fountains, perfect for a grand daytime date.
- Giverny: Visit Monet’s peaceful gardens and quaint village charm, even in winter.
- Normandy or the Loire Valley: Discover quiet lanes, cozy inns, and countryside getaways perfect for relaxing and reconnecting.
The French approach to romance
Romance in France is all about slowing down. Whether you’re walking through Paris or staying in a quiet countryside inn, love is expressed through presence, not performance. A shared meal, a handwritten note, or simply spending unhurried time together often speaks louder than any grand gesture.
This is what makes Valentine’s Day in France feel so special. It’s not about doing more, it’s about feeling more.
If you’re planning to travel to France from the USA, this slower, more intimate style of celebration might just be the perfect reset. And no matter how many days in Paris you’re staying, a thoughtful moment is always close by, just don’t forget the essentials from your Paris packing list.
Stay connected while celebrating Valentine’s Day in France
Make the most of your romantic getaway with a Holafly travel eSIM to stay connected without roaming stress. With unlimited data, instant setup, and no surprise fees, it’s designed for travellers who want flexibility and ease.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, purchasing an eSIM for France helps you navigate the country more smoothly.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
