The high-brow academic debate on whether men really do prefer blondes is to be held at Paris's prestigious Sorbonne University.

The conference - called Gentlemen prefer Blondes - will also explore why men are said to believe that it is easier to seduce a fair-haired woman.

During a series of erudite talks, experts in literature, art, music and film will examine the male fascination with fair-haired women, delve into stereotypes such as it is easier to seduce a blonde, and see whether they stand up to academic scrutiny, reports the Telegraph.

"Blondness awakens desire, probably because of the ambivalence it carries, from innocence to perversion," said organiser Marie-Camille Bouchindomme.

Bouchindomme said that there was no doubt that fair hair and desire were inextricably linked.

"Blonde hair is an attribute of Venus, the goddess of carnal love, whose hair is sometimes the final rampart against her modesty," she said.

"Blonde women seem to invite transgression, and thus erotism," she added.

Debate will also focus on the numerous film directors, including Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch and Brian De Palma, who have been fascinated, not to say obsessed with blondes.