How France Celebrates Valentine's Day

In France, forget about fretting over making sure your child has enough Valentine's cards to give to her schoolmates. According to French Today, Valentine's Day in the land of baguettes and brie cheese is adult only. That's because only people who are actually in love — in a marriage relationship, for example — participate. Sure, the odd child or teen who is profoundly affected by a crush may give something to their beloved, but otherwise this is a grown-up's day. Further, don't give a Valentine's Day card to your French BFF, as you might here in the U.S. "just because," since over in France the recipient may not understand what's happening.

Apart from the adults-only nature of the day, it's pretty much the same holiday in both countries. According to Urban Insider, participants exchange gifts, nosh on chocolates, or may go out to a romantic dinner. In Paris, the City of Love, some restaurants may offer special Valentine's Day menus, and some cabarets may hold special shows in honor of the day.

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