Global Love Report – August 7th, 2024
English summary by Margaret Wuwur
Matchmaking agencies in France are experiencing a revival as people seek alternatives to dating apps. People are increasingly drawn to matchmaking services for genuine connections, privacy, and a structured approach to finding love. The successes of agencies like Valérie Périnel’s in Rhône-Alpes, Elite Connexion by Guerda de Haan, and Aurélie Lachaud’s Fidelio reflect this resurgence in traditional matchmaking.
Matchmaking Agency by Valérie Périnel
Valérie Périnel, who runs an agency in Rhône-Alpes, has seen an increase in requests from people who are tired of scams, false profiles, and married people on dating sites. Her agency now has about 300 members between the ages of 28 and 85.
The agency charges €1,420 ($1,550) for a six-month contract and €1,980 ($2,160) for a one-year contract. Discounts of up to 50% are available for clients with lower incomes and those under 30.
Elite Connexion by Guerda de Haan
Similarly, Guerda de Haan founded Elite Connexion, a high-end agency in the Paris suburbs, in 2006. The agency has 300 members and they successfully match two to three couples per month. De Haan’s matchmaking method ensures confidentiality by sharing profiles without photos. She also offers additional services like makeovers and couple therapy to ensure successful matching.
Elite Connexion’s clientele consists of 70% company directors, 20% professionals (such as lawyers and doctors), and 10% senior executives, artists, or showbiz workers. They charge between €3,500 ($3,820) and €11,900 ($13,000), catering primarily to business leaders, professionals, and VIPs. For younger clients, only executives are accepted.
Fidelio by Aurélie Lachaud
Lastly, Aurélie Lachaud, director of the Fidelio agency in Dijon, emphasizes the need for a thorough first meeting with a potential client, to understand them better and to determine whether they’re ready to move to the next stage. Her agency offers six-month memberships for €990 ($1,080) and one-year memberships for €1,500 ($1,640).
Originally published by: Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace (DNA)
