French Pick-Up Lines for Any Situation

Everyone knows that French is the language of love, but how can you use that to your advantage if you want to get a date when you’re in the City of Lights (or anywhere else in the French-speaking world)?

You probably won’t learn any pick-up lines in French class, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a few in your back pocket, ready to use when you’re struck by a coup de foudre–that is, a “flash of lightning,” or “love at first sight” in French.

While the French don’t typically use pick-up lines in everyday situations, as a foreigner you can definitely use your charming accent to your advantage and break the ice with some of these phrases de drague. Who knows, they may just help you find your own Francophone chéri(e)!

Here are some French pick-up lines you should know, as well as when you should use them!

French pick-up lines if you want to make someone laugh

Excuse-moi. Est-ce que tu embrasses les inconnus? 
Excuse me, do you kiss strangers?

Non? OK, je me présente alors.                                 
No? Then let me introduce myself.

Since just about every French class starts off with how to introduce yourself, this seems as good a line as any to try as any.

Si t’étais un sandwich à McDo, tu serais le Mc-nifique!         
If you were a sandwich at McDonald’s, you’d be the Mc-nificent!

     
Yes, it’s horrible, but admit it, you chuckled.

Je viens de me rendre compte que tu ressembles beaucoup à mon/ma prochain(e) petit(e) ami(e).
I just realized that you look a lot like my next boyfriend/girlfriend.

This line starts out innocently enough that you’re sure to catch the listener’s attention, and the end will hopefully let you get a real conversation going!

Si je t’aide à apprendre l’anglais, est-ce que tu m’apprendras comment embrasser à la française?’
If I teach you English, will you teach me how to French kiss?

Yes, it’s corny, but if you want to capitalize on your cute foreign accent, this is the line to use.

Learn French pick-up lines and more with LingQ

Whether you’re watching movies or reading novels, there are loads of French resources filled with great phrases (besides pick-up lines) you can find.

The best way to learn French is by using content you love. That’s where LingQ comes in handy. There are thousands of hours of French content (and other languages) to be found.

You can import your own content too, whether it’s a YouTube video, a podcast, or a movie. LingQ, which is available for Android and iOS, turns your favourite content into interactive lessons that are easy-to-read and listen to.

If you’re going for the cheese factor

Ça t’a fait mal…quand tu es tombé(e) du ciel?
Did it hurt…when you fell from heaven?

It’s the most well-known, cheesiest of all pick-up lines, and it has a French translation!

Est-ce que je peux t’appeler Biscotte? Parce que ie te trouve craquante.

Can I call you Cookie? Because I find you irresistible.

Only in French could there be a pick-up line that involves a baked good. Bonus points for the use of the word craquante here, which indicates something so irresistibly delicious-looking that you can’t help but want to bite right into it.

 
Tu t’appelles Google? Parce que je trouve en toi tout ce que je recherche.

Is your name Google? Because I’ve found everything I’ve been looking for in you.

While this line may be particularly corny, it definitely isn’t in danger of becoming outdated anytime soon!

Mince, il y a quelque chose qui cloche avec mon portable.  
Crap, there’s something wrong with my phone.

[Quoi?]
[What?]

Il manque ton numéro.    
It’s missing your number.

This line demands the participation of a second party, but once you’ve drawn him or her in, turn on the charm (or the cheese).

On m’a toujours dit de suivre mes rêves alors ce soir je te suis.     
They always told me to follow my dreams, so tonight I’m following you.

It’s cheesy, yet forward and confident, but best to be sure that the person is actually interested (or that they’ll at least find it funny) first!

If you’d really like to be charming

Mes copains m’ont parié que je n’arriverais pas à démarrer une conversation avec la plus belle fille/le plus beau mec du bar.
My friends bet me that I wouldn’t be able to start a conversation with the prettiest girl/cutest guy at the bar.

Tu veux boire un coup avec leur argent?
Want to have a drink with their money?       

Hopefully the object of your affection will be flattered enough to say yes!

Mademoiselle, je vous trouve absolument charmante.
Miss, I find you absolutely charming.charmante.

Typically one would use the informal tu for a pick-up line, but the charm in this line comes from its use of the formal vous, which is a sign of respect in French. Plus, it’s a more earnest and understated line than most.

Hey, Mademoiselle, t’es jolie comme la Tour Eiffel! 
Hey miss, you’re as beautiful as the Eiffel Tower!

It’s bordering on cheese, but the simplicity of this pick-up line keeps it from being too over-the-top.

Ça va te paraître fou, mais je t’ai vu et je me suis dit que ce serait idiot de ne pas venir te parler.             
This’ll probably seem crazy, but I saw you and I thought that it would be stupid if I didn’t come to talk to you.

It’s simple and to the point but flattering enough to hopefully catch the attention of your potential suitor.

If you want to be straightforward

Quel est ton 06?
What’s your number?

French phone numbers always start with the numbers 06, so this is a slightly flirty and native-sounding way to ask for someone’s cell phone number.

Tu es célibataire. Je suis célibataire. Coïncidence? Je crois pas.
You’re single. I’m single. Coincidence?I don’t think so.

Perhaps it was written in the stars!

Puis-je vous offrir à boire?                           
Can I buy you a drink?

One of the most classic lines in the book, so it’s definitely need-to-know!

Tu es tellement jolie que j’ai oublié ma phrase de drague. 
You’re so pretty that I forgot my pick-up line.

A pick-up line that disguises itself as not a pick-up line, wrapped up with a compliment to boot, what more could you want?

Ultimately, whether you use a pick-up line or not, if you take the time to practice your French you’ll be prepared for any social situation. And if your pick-up lines don’t win your crush over, your confidence certainly will. Before you do try your luck, you may want to first check out this post about French terms of endearment and make sure you romantic language arsenal is full.

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Megan is currently teaching English in Lyon, France and working on her graduate degree in French and Francophone Studies.