Do you remember that artsy French movie called “Diva“? It came out in the early 80’s, while I was in the height of my francophile stage. Me and my group of friends must have seen it, and “Betty Blue“, at least 5x each (that would have been in an actual theater…) For us, those 2 films personified everything that was Paris- vibrant, cool, and cutting-edge. Me and my newly-pubescent girlfriends would lie around each others rooms listening to their soundtracks and fantasizing about our French boyfriends- My Fantasy French Boyfriend and I lived in an artist loft with murals painted on the floor, and we would ride around Paris on his scooter. I would wear a black scarf that was about 3 yards too long and wrapped 5 times around my neck, and leg-warmers with scrunchy boots (just like Miou-Miou). My Fantasy French Boyfriend had floppy brown hair, and dreamy blue eyes, and drank
his cafe au lait out of a bowl, and smoked his cigarette with his palm cupped against his mouth (do you know what I mean? “French Guys” smoke like that…) For mid-80’s Kim, the Ultimate Romantic Scene in a French movie was in Betty Blue when Zorg takes Betty out for a drive and opens the trunk of that vintage yellow Mercedes and whips out a birthday cake (with the candles lit, no less!)
As it happens, I grew up and got married and now I live with My French Husband- not in a Paris loft, but in a house in the Paris suburbs. We ride around in a Picasso (a Frenchy mini-van). We drink our cafe au lait out of mismatched Christmas mugs and neither of us has ever smoked. He recently bought a Vespa (but just because there wasn’t parking at his office). His hair used to flop…… BUT he still has the dreamy blue eyes! For early- millennial Kim, the ultimate romantic scene in a French movie tends to feature Daniel Auteuil, rather than some brooding, doe-eyed “ado” with a retro-80’s shag…
Which brings me to the point of my ramblings: I’d like to know what other people consider to be the Ultimate Romantic Scene in a French movie, and why. What is it about that particular scene that stays with you? Have you ever been to visit the spot in Paris (or elsewhere in France) where that scene took place? What was that like? If you were there with your honey, did you try to recreate the scene? 
And, as a little incentive to drop me a line, I’m presenting the very first ever Parisian Party GIVEAWAY: “Pour mon mari, avec amour” - (”To my husband, with Love”), is a mini gift-book of quotes and love poems from all over the world, compiled by Helen Exley and translated into French . With Valentine’s Day just around the bend, this would make a sweet little bisous for your bébé d’amour (be he French or otherwise…). So, go peruse IMDb, and tell all your friends. Be sure to get your comments in by next Monday, February 4th, 12:00AM Paris time. I’ll compile the names, draw one and announce the winner around 8:00PM Paris time that same day. Good luck (this should be fun…)
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I love La Belle et la Bête- just because it’s the real story behind the cheesy remake! Where the beats is lying in the forest dying and then when he reveals himself to her as a man.
Of course not really French but I do love Moulin Rouge for it’s imagery…with her final scenes..
I forgot the why
1# because how can you not fall in love with a movie that is the statement that we’re told constantly ‘Its what is on the inside that counts’
and #2 because it’s so dramatic and beautiful!
what a fun little game. wish i was versed on my french films as well as I should. perhaps I will be inspired to go out and watch some. I think the reason I dont is the more i see paris, the more I want to be there;-(
bon chance tout le monde!
Jay
Well then you better start with “Paris, Je T’aime” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkrqtxogmME as an appetizer…You’ll be on priceline before the final credits!
Kim
Kim, I wish your business a success!
My favourite Parisian love scene is not traditional in the sense, but, I just adore the film “Before Sunset” the sequal to “Before Sunrise” starring Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke.
When the two hook up in Paris after his “book launch” interview, they go and have a cafe and then walk the streets of Paris towards her home - during the entire ‘walk’ they are both learning about each other again (they haven’t seen each other for a while!), and realising that they are still soooooooo in love even after all these years! Magic! The dialogue and acting is brilliant! I have been meaning to hunt down the cafe they went too I love it so much. The two movies together makes for a brilliant love story. I am hoping for a third installment!
Here’s to love and movies. x
Hi Kim,
Here’s my favorite scene from a French movie. It’s recent and called “A Good Year”, with Russell Crowe. It’s about an Englishman, a stock trader who travels to Provence because he inherits his uncle’s glorious vineyard.
My favorite scene is where he meets his love interest at an amazing outdoor cafe with a pond in the center, tables all around, strung lights, beautiful people drinking what looks like delicious red wine, a large screen playing old french black and white silent movies, and a band playing delightful music. They sit together at a table and have a wonderful date. Oh! Someday I’m going to take my sweetie there and relive this amazing scene.
Kimberly, don’t include me in the giveaway, it’s for deserving brides. I just wanted to let you know my favorite scent.
Wonderful blog my American friend.
Oo, Jeannie! I thought I was the only one who saw that movie- I saw it on a plane, and usually I’m not such a Russel Crowe fan, but I loved it! Especially the scenes between the boy and the uncle! A very nice choice…
Kim
Lot of great scenes in the Science of Sleep. (La Science des rêves)
Fovorite though is probably the final scene of “Science of Sleep” where Stéphane dreams he and Stéphanie ride Golden the Pony Boy to the boat and off …
http://wip.warnerbros.com/scienceofsleep/
“A Man and a Woman,” especially the flashback sequence in the Camargue, where Anouk Aimee and her then husband (he dies before the film begins) are making a movie, riding white horses, playing guitars, etc.
On vacation in Provence with my girlfriend one January, I decided make a detour down to the Camargue. We drove down, past Ste. Marie, got out of the car, walked around for a bit in weather so cold as to put the chill on any romance. Not at all like the movie. There were no white horses, no Brazilian music in the background, and neither of us had a shearling coat. I also finally figured out that my girlfriend didn’t look like Anouk Aimee.
Dear Kim:
I wanted to share with you my favorite films. “Funny Face”, with Audrey Hepburn is one of my all-time favorites! I love the scene outside the little church where she and Fred Astaire dance to the tune of “S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous. I also love the movie “French Kiss”, with Meg Ryan. The best part is watching her trip through the country, starting in Paris, then ending up in Cannes, trying to get her wayward fiance’ back, only to find true love with the Kevin Kline, as they start their vineyard together at the end of the movie.
Two of the greats!! I am a sucker for romantic movies!!
I just had to share! Bonne Chance to all the entrants!!
Hi Kim.
I have to say that my favorite French movie romantic scene was in an American movie… It’s the scene at the end of Green Card, right before Gerard Depardieu is deported. I have seen that movie a hundred times. Then there’s Gigi, of course.
I actually stopped by because I thought you might like to know about http://www.francophilia.com, the only social network for francophiles.
We launched a year ago, and in 2009 we’re going to add a marketplace where you can get your fill of French stuff. We’re a tiny startup operating on a shoestring budget, and depending on francophile bloggers like you to help get the word out.
Hope you and your readers will stop by and join us! And please help spread the word!
Merci et à bientôt.
Pamela Poole (LaGoulue)
Founder