Sex in France, or, being sexy in France

There’s quite a bit of it about. It is normal, good, fun and healthy. I was raised in an Anglo-Saxon culture where sex had quite odd associations. I now live in France and mon Dieu, the attitudes to sex and sexiness here are so markedly different. I am happy being a woman in France and I love being appreciated for my unique 40-mumble feminine beauty. 

Here are my impressions:

1. Women in France (generally speaking) have an effortless sexiness about them. It seems to be about feeling comfortable in their bodies from an early age. Bums, breasts, hips, waists, legs - all are glorious. In fact curvy shapes are celebrated too (think of sexy Nigella Lawson and you’ll get the picture) and model-skinny is not the norm nor is it the goal. NOTE: obesity is not the problem in France that it is in New Zealand, for example. Not that I can see anyway.

2. French men really appreciate a well-presented, attractive woman. It’s okay for a man to smile, nod, voice, indicate his appreciation of a beautiful, well-turned out woman. It’s not sexual violation - it’s open, normal, well-deserved appreciation.

3. Older women make an effort with their appearance. They really do. I’m continually astonished at the number of really attractive older women (60 years plus) who are slim, well coiffured, beautifully made-up, and still with an innate sexiness.

4. Breasts are beautiful, and the French celebrate breasts by featuring them on billboards, advertising and in magazines. There are not something to hide away; they are gorgeous.

5. Sex in films and on TV is more acceptable here and doesn’t come with warnings for our (enfeebled) sensibilities.

6. It’s okay to be topless at the beach. It’s not obligatory, nor is it everyone, everywhere. But when you do see a topless woman you think, yeah! great! There’s a woman who is happy with her body. It probably helps that there is some ozone in the atmosphere over Europe (or is it smog?) and that sunburn isn’t nearly such an issue as it is in New Zealand.

7. Finally, skinny, slight, roundy, tubby, ‘normal’ shapes all add to the rich diversity and variety of beautiful womanity (new word?). And colour is worn. Clothes are bought that enhance a woman’s shape and flatter her curves, and French women really wear their clothes well. It’s not just the styles, but it’s the gracious/graceful/elegant way clothes appear on them. And importantly, a French woman knows how to drape a scarf around her neck. It’s her key attribute I think.

Just a normal day in Paris...