The traditional way of dating in France involved meeting in groups and eating together before it became a one-to-one thing. Casual affairs are common before they start progressing to more serious relationships.
But because of the pandemic, dating shifted online, making meeting potential love matches quicker and more effective. And if you happen to be in France looking for a casual or long-term partner, dating sites and apps have also started to become more popular.
Whether you’re searching for potential French singles in Paris or Marseille, this guide has got you covered! Let’s dive deeper into the best dating sites in France, plus valuable tips for your first online dating experience.
French Dating Sites We Recommend
Online dating in France is the quickest solution when you’re just done being single. These sites and apps are effective, convenient, and far more accessible than relying on blind dates or social gatherings.
Here’s a list of French dating sites you can try out:
We know there are other potential dating site options to try, but we believe our top five picks can definitely help you land on a hot French single that ticks off all the qualities you want in a partner.
Top 5 Best French Dating Sites & Apps - Small Overviews
French dating sites and apps are most effective in cities with large pools of locals, such as Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Toulouse, or Nice. Stay on the lookout for hot French singles in our top five picks, with each selection’s features and other details to help you get started.
eHarmony
At the heart of eHarmony's unparalleled success lies its personalized approach. The initial signup questionnaire isn't just a formality – it's your gateway to authentic connections. Delve into your personality, passions, and aspirations. It's not just about swipes; it's about substance.
Unlike other dating apps that bombard you with endless options, eHarmony believes in quality over quantity. Your daily matches are handpicked, allowing you to focus on meaningful interactions. Dive into conversations that matter, without the overwhelming rush.
What truly sets eHarmony apart? The numbers don't lie. Almost 70% of users who use eHarmony for a year find their future spouse through the platform. So you know for sure that these matches don’t just end in dates that fizzle out; those dates turn into something more. Experience the difference eHarmony brings to your quest for love.
Features:
- Compatibility quiz for a more personalized experience on eharmony
- Unlimited matches with the free membership
- Free access to dating advice, blog posts, articles, and videos by dating experts
- Easy account set-up
AFF
Dive into a world where desires take center stage – welcome to Adult FriendFinder. With a user-friendly interface, this platform ensures smooth navigation as you explore connections beyond the ordinary. The best part? Anonymity is a priority, meaning you can succeed without sharing your face photos.
On Adult FriendFinder, intentions are clear-cut. It's the ideal hookup site for those seeking sexy encounters and thrilling connections. No need to explain or justify your desires; everyone's on the same page. Judgment is nowhere to be found here – a safe space where you're free to be yourself.
One of the standout features? Robust filtering options. From location and bedroom preferences to body type and hair color, you can pinpoint your ideal match. Embrace the freedom to express your desires and discover like-minded individuals on AFF, whether you're looking for something intimate or group encounters.
Features:
- Everyone here is looking to hook up
- No judgment about what you’re into
- You can maintain your privacy while still finding success on the site
- Safe and secure—perfect for clandestine encounters
Apps Dating Experts Recommend to Men in France
Whether it's your first real relationship or you have a string in your past there are a few apps that dating experts recommend consistently. These are apps where you can meet great French girls who want something long-term as well as those just looking to keep it casual:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best For Relationships  | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try eHarmony |
Best For Casual Fun  | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome  | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
Tinder
We definitely cannot hide the fact that Tinder is the best dating site in various countries, including the US, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. And it also topped our list of the best dating sites and apps in France.
With the app’s ease of use, guaranteed safety and security, and simple account registration process, Tinder continues to become an award-winning app worldwide. When setting up an account, you can enter basic information manually or link it to your Facebook account.
Next, Tinder will also ask about your interests, hobbies, and what you want in a partner. The app will also ask whether you want a casual hookup or a serious relationship. We find this an excellent feature because it makes it easier for users to know exactly what they are looking for, preventing confusion or misunderstanding in the long run.
Once you set up your account, you can start swiping right when you like a user and swiping left when you want to skip them. Tinder also allows you to browse a user’s profile to learn more about their interests and check more photos.
However, you can only communicate with another user when you are matched with each other. Plus, the app’s free version will not let you see the users who swiped right on you. To enjoy this feature, you need to upgrade your membership to Tinder Plus, Gold, or Premium.
Features:
- Unlimited swiping with the free version
- Easy account set up with photos, a short bio, and a list of your interests
- Classify users as either looking for a serious relationship or a casual hookup
Badoo
Badoo is the next big dating app in France after Tinder. You’ll find that it works pretty similarly to how Tinder works, except that you can send a matching request to a user instead of simply swiping right. However, the exchange of messages only starts when the user accepts your request.
Another feature that sets Badoo apart from other dating apps is it does not utilize compatibility and matching algorithms. Users find matches based on their interests and distance. Badoo has a “People Nearby” feature that allows you to find matches within your location.
Moreover, this app is not exclusive to users looking for serious and long-lasting relationships. Several users have also successfully found casual dates or even new friends!
Here’s a tip when setting up your profile on Badoo: post 15-second video clips apart from the photos that can showcase your true personality. User profiles with these clips have been proven to gain more visibility on Badoo, which adds excellent scores to the app’s profile scoring system.
Moreover, male users can also take advantage of the video clips to attract older French women.
Features:
- Sending matching request to a user you like
- “People Nearby” tab to look for matches within your location
- Changing your location to look for users in farther distances
- Posting 15-second video clips about your personality on your profile
Meetic.fr
Meetic.fr is another popular dating site in France founded by the same experts behind the Match group. This platform is ideal for individuals looking for marriage or long-term relationships, including those looking for French cougars.
The app’s signup process begins with selecting your gender and whether you’re looking for a man or a woman. Then, you must enter your birthday and answer questions about your appearance, lifestyle, interests, and ideal match criteria.
The next step would be to upload your best photo and enter a short bio about yourself. Making a short quiz that users can answer is also an added feature that lets you know more about them more easily.
You have two options to look for potential matches: basic and advanced. Basic search includes:
- Same birthday as you
- Their birthday
- Reverse and perfect matches
- Mutual matches
Advanced searches let you customize and use filters to narrow down the users appearing on the search results. You can filter based on education, age, location, and smoking habits.
Meetic.fr also has a Shuffle feature that works like Tinder. Random profiles will appear on your screen, and it’s up to you to swipe left or right. You can also add your liked profiles to your Favorites.
When you have found a match, you can start sending a Flash in the form of a wink or flirt. But the conversation will only truly begin when you upgrade to premium.
Features:
- Flash to inform another user you like them
- Basic and advanced searches and shuffle feature
- Ideal for users interested in marriage
Lovoo
Lovoo supports more than 15 languages, making it a popular dating site in France and other parts of Europe. The best thing about this app is that it leverages a location based-algorithm, bringing matches to your nearby location. Lovoo also has an app radar feature, making it easier for users to find suitable matches.
Lovoo also has one of the quickest account setup processes among the dating sites on this list. You can easily link your Instagram or Facebook account to complete all the other details automatically.
After registering your account, you need to verify your email address and upload at least a single photo before you can start looking for matches. Lovoo boasts an easy-to-use interface, ideal for first-timers in online dating. You can find partners by locating the “Match” tab under the navigation menu.
If you’ve tried Bumble or Tinder, using Lovoo should not be a problem. It also uses the same swipe left or right feature when looking for matches. And communication can only begin when the user you like likes you back.
A minor disadvantage of Lovoo is its high risk of fake profiles. So be wary when talking online, and ask for photo verifications.
Features:
- Location-based algorithm
- Swipe right and left interface to look for matches
- Easy to use app, ideal for beginners
Bumble
Among the dating sites on this list, Bumble is the sole platform that gives exclusive rights to women to message first. It works like Tinder with the swipe right and left feature, but only girls can initiate conversations within 24 hours after matching with a user.
Registered profiles should include pictures and other information, including what you’re looking for, your height, and other conversation starters. You should also enter a short bio and verify your account through a phone number or a Facebook account.
To prevent fake accounts, Bumble also requires submitting a selfie that should match the instructed pose.
When looking for potential matches, you can swipe right or left from the profiles displayed on your screen. If interested, you can scroll down to reveal more information and photos about the user.
Recently, Bumble also introduced two new features: Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz. You can look for new friendships in Bumble BFF, while Bumble Bizz serves as a networking platform for people and businesses looking for more career opportunities.
Features:
- Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz
- Account verification by posing a selfie
- Only women can start conversations within 24 hours
Things to Know When Dating a French Person
When dating a French person, it's essential to understand and appreciate their culture and customs. Here are some things to know when dating a French individual:
Know the Difference Between Romance and Flirting
French culture places a strong emphasis on romance and flirting. Expect your partner to be attentive, affectionate, and enjoy romantic gestures like candlelit dinners and hand-holding.
In French culture, romance holds significant value, involving genuine emotions, deep connections, and a focus on building meaningful relationships. French people appreciate thoughtful gestures, emotional intimacy, and a sincere approach to dating.
On the other hand, flirting is often seen as a playful, lighthearted way of expressing interest or attraction without necessarily indicating a severe romantic commitment. Misinterpreting flirting as genuine romance or vice versa can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications, potentially causing frustration or disappointment for both partners.
By recognizing and distinguishing between romance and flirting, individuals can better gauge their partner's intentions, communicate effectively, and create a more authentic and fulfilling dating experience in line with French cultural norms.
Independence is Crucial
French individuals value their independence and may take their time in committing to a serious relationship. Be patient and allow the relationship to progress naturally.
Independence is crucial when dating a French person because it aligns with the values and expectations deeply rooted in French culture. French society highly emphasizes individuality, self-reliance, and personal freedom. When dating a French person, they will likely appreciate a partner who maintains their independence and autonomy.
Being too dependent or clingy may be perceived as stifling and could strain the relationship. Embracing independence shows cultural understanding and respect and contributes to a healthier and more balanced relationship. Both partners can maintain a sense of self-fulfillment and growth while still coming together to share experiences and support each other.
By valuing independence in a relationship with a French person, you show appreciation for their cultural values and adaptability. It establishes a more harmonious and authentic connection, where each partner can thrive as an individual while building a strong bond together.
Understanding and embracing this aspect of French culture can lead to a more fulfilling and successful dating experience with a French partner.
FAQ on French Dating Sites
What is the most popular dating site in France?
Tinder is the most popular dating site in France for various reasons. Firstly, its global recognition and widespread usage have contributed to its appeal. With a strong brand presence, many individuals in France have heard of Tinder through word-of-mouth or media coverage, making it a go-to option for online dating.
Tinder’s user-friendly interface, based on the simple swipe mechanism, makes it easy and engaging for users to browse through profiles and connect with potential matches. This simplicity has attracted younger, tech-savvy individuals seeking a seamless online dating experience.
The app's diverse user base also ensures a broad pool of potential matches, catering to various preferences and interests. As online dating becomes more normalized in French society, Tinder benefits from the cultural shift towards casual dating and digital interactions.
What dating apps do the French use?
The French population uses a variety of dating apps to meet new people and explore potential romantic connections. Among the popular dating apps in France is Tinder, known for its global recognition and straightforward swipe-based interface that appeals to young adults and professionals seeking local matches.
Meetic, a well-established dating site, caters to a diverse audience and offers various features to help users find compatible partners. Lovoo, with its unique location-based approach, connects individuals within your nearby locations. Bumble, a distinctive platform, empowers women by allowing them to initiate conversations within a 24-hr timeframe.
Additionally, Badoo, a global dating app, enjoys a significant user base in France and offers multiple ways to connect with others. The choices provided by these apps cater to different preferences and dating styles, reflecting the evolving dating culture in France.
Is Badoo popular in France?
Badoo is popular in France because it offers a diverse and extensive user pool, allowing individuals to connect with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and locations. This variety attracts users seeking diverse dating experiences and the opportunity to meet individuals with varied interests and perspectives.
Badoo's user-friendly interface and intuitive features make navigating the app easy for new and experienced users. The platform's simple design and straightforward functionality enable seamless browsing, matching, and messaging, enhancing the overall user experience.
Additionally, Badoo's availability in multiple languages, including French, caters to the local audience, making it more accessible and appealing to the French-speaking population.
Online dating is a daunting yet thrilling way to meet new friends, look for casual hookups, and spot your lifelong partners. As long as you follow the rules and practice safety, meeting a user virtually is a fun and exciting way to truly know what you want.
The next time you’re in France, don’t forget to check out our top five picks on the best French dating sites and apps to look for hot French singles.
