France has long had a reputation for being one of the most romantic countries in the world, if not the most romantic.
Paris is often referred to as the ‘City of Love’ and is a popular honeymoon destination.
As it’s not long since we celebrated St Valentine’s, I find myself wondering what makes France romantic? Or is it simply a myth, a stereotype or clever marketing?
When I first went to Paris, aged 17, I thought it was the most romantic place I’d ever visited. I also fell head over heels in love (well, I was very young!) with a gorgeous French boy. Or at least, I thought I had.
French is also known as the ‘language of love’ and, to this day, I love listening to and speaking French. However, I think Italian is another romantic and beautiful language which I would love to master.
What aspects of France could justify the ‘romantic’ label? Could it be the culture? Certainly the architecture, art and cinema, not to mention the wine and food, all contribute to the image of romance.
France has countless romantic castles…
…and many romantic French films…
To name just two…
Then there are the sculptures. ‘The Kiss’ by Rodin is one of the most recognisable.
The wine. Look at the label on this bottle. Could it be any more apt?
Not to mention champagne…
And where do we start with the food?
The music..
And the art. I’ve always thought of the impressionists as being romantic but French Romanticism is actually characterised by Delacroix.
Then there is the stunning scenery, blue skies and sunsets
Not forgetting my beloved Canal du Midi
I could give plenty of other examples of why France is considered to be romantic but this post would be too long!
The concept of ‘romantic’ is highly subjective and can depend on whom one is with. I think (some) British beaches, in winter, are very romantic!
What I’d really like to know, is which places you think are romantic? I look forward to reading your comments!
Fancying France 
I agree with you. France is romantic.
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Thanks for passing by and commenting!
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I think France is romantic but honestly cannot put my finger on why, I just love coming here and always feel totally at home even though I really struggle with the language (although I spend hours trying to learn it), I just love France, maybe its like loving a person you are often very forgiving and blind to bad points?
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What a great comment! I think you are so right when you say that’s it’s really difficult to specify but it’s a feeling. For me it’s always been like coming home. Friends often ask me, ‘why France?’ You’re spot on when you compare the feeling to loving someone and being blind to their bad points! Brilliant! I know that France isn’t perfect but I always feel like a different person when I’m there. It’s great that you’re persevering with learning French. I’m sure you’ll get there! Thanks, too, for such an insightful comment.
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The Romance Languages are aptly named since they really do sound romantic when spoken, and most definitely when sung. Piaf’s La vie en Rose is one of my favourites. Everyone thinks of Paris being one of the most romantic cities, and popular culture reinforces the belief. Whether or not France is romantic, you are one of the best placed to tell us! However, if you insist on a reader’s answer…..France is the epitome of romantic.
I love French cafe music and find it very evocative of a ‘sense’ a ‘feeling’ that is indefinable but most definitely there. ‘
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Yes Eloise, the Romance Languages certainly live up to their name! Thank you for answering my question and I always found France very romantic until buying a house there and faced with replacing roofs, exhausted septic tanks and other such realities!
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The realities of many things which look wonderful to an outsider are less magnificent when experienced close up…..but can be worth it as I know your French home is!
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Absolutely! I am very grateful to have the house.
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I think France, and Paris in particular, is romantic, but romance in the sense of how you feel and you fall in love with the beauty and the style and culture. I’ve only ever been solo in Paris and still felt caught up in the romance of it all. No other city makes me feel so light on my feet (so to speak). #Farawayfiles (actually, I just realised I spent 9 days there with my husband and 2 of the kids?? So yes, that was romantic too – we boated up the canal of Versailles but they made us wear life vests in a row boat, so that was less romantic and more hilarious – kind of Titanic vibe, but not the King of the World part)
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Yes, I know exactly what you mean about Paris. I’ve been to Paris on my own, with friends and with my husband and sons. Each visit was very different but the city still retained that romantic feel. Thanks for commenting. #FarawayFiles
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France is absolutely romantic.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
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I think a lot of people agree! Thanks for commenting.
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Nothing beats a song by Edith Piaf! I find France very romantic. #FarawayFiles
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So true! Thanks for passing by!
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I love France and yes, it’s definitely romantic. It’s more of a feeling than anything else, I think. I love speaking French too – it has such a beautiful sound to it. Really enjoyed reading your post on this week’s #FarawayFiles
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Thanks, Clare. Yes, it’s definitely a feeling that can be quite difficult to put into words. I almost feel as if I’m a different person when I speak French. So pleased to be part of the #FarawayFiles community.
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I so agree France and Paris are so romantic. I love the language, it has a beautiful ring to it and absolutely love the French movies. I have been to Paris for Valentine s day and many other seasons. I always find my heart go light and I feel being in a warm cocoon of love. I believe the city loves me back. But it is difficult to arrive at one conclusion as to why ? Much like love
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Thank you for your incisive comment which sums up perfectly why France and Paris are so romantic.
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I haven’t been to France (I hope to anytime soon though) but watching the film Midnight at Paris makes me really think it’s romantic there. Hehe! Plus, seeing the pictures here in your blog confirms that it seems to be a really nice place!
Alors êtes-vous née en France ou êtes-vous une expatriée ? 🙂 Pour moi, j’aime visiter les plages et je crois que marcher sur la baie de n’importe quelle plage est romantique ❤
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I love the film Midnight in Paris! Je suis née en Angleterre mais j’ai étudié le français à l’université. J’ai vécu en France pendant deux ans, un comme étudiante et l’autre comme prof.
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Right? That movie is so calming 😇 oohh cool! Je crois que c’était une bonne éxperience pour vous, non ? ☺️ J’espère d’avoir une bourse pour étudier en France car le français est ma 1er spécialisation à l’université. Donc je me sens que c’est simplement nécessaire que j’allerai en France 😂
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Je suis tout à fait d’accord! Il faut que tu ailles en France, si tu peux! Bonne chance x
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Astonishing city with beautiful language, which makes me want to visit so badly.
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