Despite the abundance of sophistication in French culture, most French people love simple things. So when it comes to La Saint-Valentin (Valentine’s Day) or dating in general, these intimate places remain favorite ideas: un parc (a park), la campagne (the countryside), le cinema (movie theater), le restaurant, or simply chez soi (at home). Here are a few possible scenarios:
- A stroll in the park: Viens, allons faire un tour au parc ! (Come, let’s go for a walk). Il fait si beau dehors et je veux marcher avec toi, près de toi, te voir briller sous le soleil. (It’s so beautiful outside and I wan to walk with you, near you, to see you shine under the sun.)
- Going to a restaurant: Mon amour, mets ta plus belle robe. Je t’emmène manger. C’est une surprise ! (My love, put on your most beautiful dress. I’m taking you (out) to eat. It’s a surprise!)
- A picnic by the river: Que dirais-tu/diriez-vous d’un picnic au bord de la rivière ? J’ai préparé un petit panier plein de bonnes choses. Le soleil, l’herbe tendre et le murmure de l’eau… (How about a little picnic by the river? (lit., What would you say of (having) a little picnic by the side of the river? I prepared a little basket full of good things. The sun, the soft grass and the murmur of water…)
- You have a surprise: Ferme les yeux ma chérie (f.)/mon chéri (m.) (Close your eyes my darling/beloved/sweetheart - lit. my cherished) . Voilà, regarde maintenant ! (Here, look now ! )
- A bike ride in the countryside: Ça te plairait une petite balade en bicyclette à travers les champs ? (Would you like to do a bike ride through the countryside - lit. the fields- ?) Et puis je connais un petit café sur la route, avec une jolie terrace sur la place du village. (And I know a little coffee place/restaurant on the way, with a pretty terrace on the village square.)
- The classic yet timeless candle-light dinner: Un dîner aux chandelles (note: a candle is commonly translated as une bougie). Have un bouquet de fleurs (flower bouquet) delivered to the loved one (home or work) with un petit mot pour un rendez-vous (a little message for a date).
