If you’re scratching your head on what to get your favorite Francophile, here are 10 Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Boyfriend who loves French Culture!

Whether your boyfriend dreams of strolling down the Champs-Élysées, sipping café au lait at a Parisian café, or simply has a soft spot for all things French, this gift guide is packed with ideas to make him say “merci beaucoup.”

From activities that channel the romance of France to thoughtfully curated physical gifts, these picks are perfect for every type of personality, whether he’s an extrovert, introvert, or a little bit of both. And if you’re feeling extra generous, why not mix and match a few to create an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience?

Ready to make him fall encore plus amoureux with your thoughtful gifting? This post is all about 10 Cute Valentine’s Day gifts for the boyfriend who can’t get enough of French culture.

Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Boyfriend

1. Le Petit Prince book in French

Le Petit Prince is such a sweet and thoughtful gift for anyone who loves French culture, or really anyone who enjoys a good story about life’s beauty in simplicity. This timeless classic by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is full of beautiful lessons and poetic moments that make you reflect on what is most important in life.

To take it up a notch, pair it with the audiobook so your Valentine can hear the story in French. It’s a fun and easy way to practice listening and pronunciation, all while getting lost in the magic of the little prince’s adventures.

Bonus tip: This is a free YouTube read-along of Le Petit Prince read by a native French speaker!

2. The Plague or The Stranger by Albert Camus in English

If your Valentine leans toward more serious or philosophical reads, Albert Camus is the perfect choice. Known for his ability to transport readers into vividly real settings, Camus’s writing is seriously a masterclass in simplicity and depth, earning the Pulitzer Prize for his work. In The Plague, his precise yet powerful prose draws you into a town grappling with an epidemic, while The Stranger offers a haunting exploration of existentialism and the human condition.

Both books showcase his incredible gift for weaving profound themes with language that’s refreshingly straightforward. It’s a thoughtful and sophisticated gift that any Francophile—or lover of classic literature—will appreciate.

Bonus idea: Add a personal touch by writing a heartfelt note inside the cover about why you chose it for them!

3. Gift him the Rivedroite Orsel Waist Bag

If your boyfriend is into low key, understated style with some intrigue, then this Orsel Waist Bag by Orsel is the perfect accessory to gift your hon this Valentine’s Day! What I love most about Rivedroite’s Orsel bag is that it uses upcycled cotton material to give these fabrics a second life. It has a nice smoky “vintage” look to give it some interest and to elevate any everyday outfit. It’s the perfect banana bag to stuff your keys in, phone, small camera, lip balm, hand sanitizer and more!

Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Boyfriend: Activities

4. Coucou French class (Online or in person in NYC & LA)

If your boyfriend is always dreaming of speaking fluent French, a class at Coucou French classes is the perfect way to fan the flames of your sweetie’s goals. Offering immersive and playful lessons both online and in-person, Coucou is an excellent way for him to refine his bonjour or perfect his merci beaucoup.

I have personally taken French classes at Coucou and it was honestly the best language school for adults I have ever tried—and I’ve been around NYC trying a few! (I’m writing a post soon to share my full experience studying with Coucou. So keep an eye out.)

And you know what else could be a cute idea here? Why not plan to join him for a class or surprise him with a little French phrasebook to accompany his lessons? Learning French together could even become your next couple’s activity!

5. Take a French pastry making class at Sur La Table

Does your boyfriend or partner have a soft spot for buttery croissants or colorful macarons? A French pastry class is such a cute (and delicious) way to spend time together. You’ll laugh over rolling out dough and celebrate your perfectly piped éclairs, or maybe create memories to laugh back on if they turn out a little “rustic.” Either way, it’s all about the experience. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more romantic than bonding over pastries you made from scratch (even if half of them mysteriously disappear on the way home).

Le Sur Table has a special focus on French cuisine and they have locations all over the country. However, I’m sure there are smaller businesses that offer similar experiences. So be sure to check out what’s available and support a local small business!

6. Whip up a French feast at a Sur La Table cooking class

In a similar vein as a pastry making class, but something more savory. If your Valentine is the kind of guy who loves a good home-cooked meal, why not step up the game with a French cooking class?

Just picture the two of you stirring sauces and plating coq au vin like pros—maybe even with a cheeky glass of wine in hand. It’s fun, experiential, and a little romantic without trying too hard (and without the dishes to clean up afterward!). Plus, he’ll totally appreciate the thought you put into finding something that combines great food, a little adventure, and the chance to channel your inner Julia Childs or Remi from Ratatouille together.

7. French wine tasting at a wine bar

Here’s an idea that’s equal parts sophisticated and fun: a French wine tasting. Whether he’s a wine newbie or knows his Bordeaux from his Burgundy, it’s a relaxed way to explore incredible French wines together. You’ll sip, you’ll chat, and maybe you’ll even learn a fancy wine word or two to casually drop into dinner party conversations later. Pair it with some French cheeses or charcuterie, and voilà! You’ve got the perfect Valentine’s date that feels indulgent without being too over the top.

If you are in the NYC area, here are a couple of my personal favorites to book a wine tasting class:

• Wine Bootcamp at La Compagnie in NoLiTa
• Corkbuzz (various locations)

Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Boyfriend: Dates and “Getaways”

8. Valentine’s Day dinner reservation at a French Restaurant

What’s a more iconic Valentine’s Day than sharing a ridiculously delicious meal at a romantic French restaurant? Whether it’s a chic Parisian-inspired bistro or a hidden gem known for its authentic French cuisine, this Valentine’s Day idea is all about indulging in the elegance of French culture. Picture yourselves savoring perfectly cooked boeuf, crispy golden frites, or a velvety coq au vin, paired with a glass of Bordeaux or Champagne.

Just imagine the ambiance, le vibe, of a French restaurant. Soft lighting, intimate seating, and the aroma of buttery pastries. Try to reserve the table a month ahead of time if you can to make sure you’ve got it. And from there, let the flavors transport you both to the streets of Paris. Don’t forget to end the evening with a decadent dessert like mousse au chocolat or crème brûlée to make it the sweetest evening!

If you are in the NYC area, here are three French restaurants that will give you that romantic Frenchy vibe you are looking for:

• Le Crocodile in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• Balthazar in SoHo
• Excuse My French in Lower East Side

9. Staycation at French-inspired hotel

Who says you need a passport to feel like you’re in Paris? Book a night at a charming French-inspired hotel and turn Valentine’s Day into your own little getaway right at home.

Get creative with the options before you! Croissants and coffee in bed, chic Parisian vibes, and plenty of time to relax and just enjoy each other’s company. This is such an easy way to make the day feel extra special. Forget about the stress of airports or itineraries!

While these aren’t exactly French hotels in NYC, they definitely still give you that Parisian and absolutely romantic ambiance that whisks you away. Totally biased here, but Bowery Hotel is my personal favorite! The details are immaculate and it is a known celebrity haunt if you are into that. (I did see Pedro Pascal there…)

• The Bowery Hotel in Bowery
• The Hotel Chelsea in Chelsea
• The Plaza Hotel in Central Park
• The Beekman Hotel in Financial District

Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Boyfriend: NYC Special

10. Marvel at French engineering with a date at the Statue of Liberty Museum

Give your Valentine a date that combines history, culture, and romance. The Liberty Island Museum is a nod to the enduring friendship between France and the United States. Did you know the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French? Wandering the museum together, you’ll both see the ingenious engineering that went into designing and physically creating Lady Liberty. One of my favorite museums in NYC!

Conclusion

No matter which of these ideas you choose, the most important thing is creating a Valentine’s Day that feels thoughtful and personal, straight from the heart. You can choose sipping wine, whipping up a French dish, or diving into the pages French literary classics. These Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your boyfriend who loves all things French will show just how much he means to you. After all, love and a touch of joie de vivre make the perfect pair. Happy Valentine’s Day, and here’s to making it one to remember! ❤️

This post was all about 10 Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Boyfriend Who Loves French Culture.