Passion and romance are inextricably linked in the French concept of amour. It’s everywhere in France. And when I’ve been wandering around Paris alone, I even get a few appreciative glances myself (just like the women behind me; French men are equal-opportunity flirts)!

French men ARE flirtatious. But to the French, it’s all in good fun.

Sex without romance would be considered gauche. But sometimes the French have a unique way of conducting “flirtation.” Case in point: We entered the trendy bar at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome one Friday night. The sleek, chalk paneled bar oozed panache. Lounge music vibed in the background. The intimate tables were lit with perfumed candles. The drinks were pricey. Most of the clientele was dressed for Friday night cocktails and perhaps an expensive Parisian dinner somewhere.

John and I were seated in an alcove of four tables (see above). The couple on our left was speaking in quiet French. The young woman sat to my immediate left; she was probably in her late 20s. She had cropped, elegantly arranged red hair, creamy skin (from what I could see in the dim light), and bejeweled earrings. Her dress was a black sheath and she wore dark high-heeled pumps. The chiseled man, also in his late 20s or early 30s, seated across from her was dressed in a dark suit and tie, with a camel-colored scarf slung casually around his shoulders. Neither wore wedding rings.

It seemed to me that they were having a very serious discussion in French, almost argumentative. I wasn’t eavesdropping exactly, but our close proximity created a little bubble of intimacy for all of us and allowed me to overhear the conversation. I speak enough French to know they were talking politics, but in a rather seductive way. During the next half hour, our very formal waiter offered menus, delivered drinks, picked up dishes, and kept a watchful eye on our little area. The couple continued in deep, fractious conversation.

Suddenly, I noticed our waiter move in from the right toward the other couple’s table. The waiter had the couple’s bill in his hand. He then abruptly stopped, motionless. At the same time, I sensed a dramatic movement to my left. I turned ever so slightly to witness the business couple suddenly stand up and lunge at each other over their tiny cocktail table. Their lips pressed together in a passionate, lengthy kiss. It lasted so long that I turned back to the waiter who was now looking back and forth between the lip-locked couple and me.

He was trying not to laugh, but the more he and I looked at each other as the couple kept on kissing, the more difficult it was to keep a straight face. Pretty soon, the waiter and I were giggling.

At long last, the couple parted and sat back. The server sprang forward and presented them with their bill. In seconds, the man paid and the pair sprang up like jack rabbits—probably heading to some Parisian pied-à-terre for a quick tryst.

Romance and flirting is expected in France; it acts as a glue to many relationships, providing a titillating subtext to interactions personal or professional. But the French have many ways of flirting, from my view. Arguing is common; conflict seems to be foreplay for some French couples. Some French husbands tell me they are even upset if other men don’t flirt with their wives! They wonder if their mates are unattractive.

It's important to understand that not all of this French flirting leads back to the boudoir, however. But having regular sex is certainly embraced by most of the French. Affairs aren’t necessarily frowned upon. Former mistresses and future mistresses are often found among family friends or casual associates. Sex (in marriage or out) even in the later years is actively sought.

So when in France—especially Paris—expect love to be in the air. Consult Intoxicating Paris for further details!