Valentine In The Middle Of A Pandemic, French Style: No Fancy Restaurants, Sex Toys As An Escape

JAKARTA - What is it, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit various countries around the world, French people who are known for their romantic love have a unique 'escape', from lockdown due to the pandemic on Valentine's Day.

Yes, the French who are accustomed to going through Valentine's Day with romantic dinners in fine restaurants, fine menus and fine wines, now have to refrain at home.

Instead, they turn to sex toys. Yes, a sex toy. In the last three months leading up to Valentine's Day, sales of sexual devices at seven outlets Passage du Desir owned by Patrick Pruvot jumped 68 percent compared to the previous one.

For comparative data, last year their sales also increased but only 12% during the same period leading up to February 14th.

"Maybe at a time when everything seems outlawed, sexuality has become one of the last bastions of our freedom", Patrick Pruvot said.

Candy cufflinks and other sex toys line the shelves of Pruvot's shops, replacing closed restaurants and cafes in central Paris. A large red heart-shaped box with 14 toys for the bedroom brings a Valentine's Day touch to the calendar.

“We usually go to a restaurant, but it can be a bit difficult. So I thought maybe it would be nice for her to show concern", said Maryne Fraudin while browsing sex aids products that are suitable for him and his partner at Passage du Desir.

"For a long time, French people were slow to accept sex aids, a taboo that is slowly fading, before the pandemic left many couples having more free time at home. The COVID crisis is accelerating the trend", said Pruvot.

France claims to be a nation of seducers. Flirting affects not only how the French relate to one another, but how they do business, define their style, elect politicians and enjoy food and drink, writes Elaine Sciolino in her book 'La Seduction'.

A similar phenomenon has also occurred in various countries, from Denmark to Colombia, which is usually conservative, where the sale of sex aids has increased during the pandemic. Meanwhile, British lingerie retailer Ann Summer reported higher sales during its first lockdown.