Do French people celebrate Valentines day like UK? Will all the restaurants be loved up couples only on the night?

[sarath]

As the title really - is Valentines done on the same scale in France? In particular do restaurants go all out for the Valentines dinners for loved up couples?

We (family) are due to go to Normandy in France over half-term and I have just realised that we will be arriving mid afternoon on 14 February. We are planning on spending the first night in Caen but I am filled with a sudden panic that all the restaurants will be full of loved up couples and so no room for us. Alternatively they will be doing fancy food instead of the normal set menu - Anyone have knowledge/ experience?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/FindRestaurants?geo=187182&establishmentTypes=10591&mealTypes=10599&broadened=true
I did a search on Tripadvisor, hope that helps.

Pretty sure they celebrate Valentines Day. Not sure, with it being a nominally Catholic country, whether it falling on Ash Wednesday will make a difference this year.

I was in Paris on Valentines Day last year and it was fine - the patisseries do some gorgeous Valentines goodies so I’d try and get your hands on some of those!

Yes they do. I was in Paris on Valentine's Day when I was pregnant and struggled to avoid set menus full of oysters and rare steak. We ended up finding an Asian place. I'm not sure if it will be quite as bad outside Paris. When I was younger I lived in provincial France and don't remember it being such a big thing. So I'm not sure if it has become bigger all over over the years or if it is crazy in Paris due to the "city of lurve " reputation. 🤷‍♀️

It'll be fine, go for a galette in a creperie, that's a more family vibe than a hot date.