Traditionally, a Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known as Saint Valentin and is now celebrated somewhat similarly to how we celebrate here in the states. Lovers exchange small gifts of chocolate, flowers, and cards, and a romantic meal may be shared. However, all of the Valentine "things" (sold at stores), decorations, valentines shared among school children, etc. are not typically enjoyed there.
In France, Saint Valentin is simply a day set apart to celebrate the affections of those in relationships of various kinds.
One interesting custom related to Saint Valentin that has since been banned is the "une loterie d'amour" or "drawing for love". Basically, single people of all ages would gather in houses that faced opposite one another and begin calling out the windows until they were paired off. The male caller, if dissatisfied with his partner, could leave the female caller.
This left a pool of single women, who would build a large bonfire to burn all of the pictures of men that had deserted them while piling insults upon the men. As things like this often do, it got out of hand and was banned by the French government.
France also boasts its own little "Village of Love". The village of St. Valentin in Indre goes all out for Saint Valentin, including bedecking the whole village with flowers and hosting marriage ceremonies in its garden. If you plan to visit for Saint Valentin, make your plans early, because the village fills over the holiday.
No matter how you celebrate, make sure to take time to love the one your with. If you're unpaired, perhaps host a little "une loterie d'amour" party?
Bonne Saint Valentin!
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