La Rentrée des Classes.
The Summer holidays are nearing the end in France and everyone is preparing for “La Rentrée des Classes”. On September 2nd, every school in France will officially re-open its doors for the new school year.
Category: French Traditions
Etiquette surrounding the French aperitif
Is there an etiquette to observe when inviting French friends over for aperitif? Cindy, our guest blogger, having recently arrived in France, has discovered that there is.
Find out how to offer French aperitifs (or apéro) and avoid social embarrassment
Muguet (Lily of the Valley) in France on 1st May
Muguet, or Lily of the Valley, is very popular in France on 1st May each year. It is offered as a gift to friends and loved ones to wish them good luck,
Give Lily of the Valley to someone on 1st May
The Fête du Travail (Labour day) is the first of the official holidays in May. This public holiday celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labour movement, and is also the day when Lily of the Valley (Muguets) are given to friends and family.
Read about the French tradition of giving Lily of the Valley
French Easter Traditions – Chocolates from Rome
There is a tradition in France that says all the church bells go to Rome for Easter, and that on their return they drop small chocolate bells, chickens and rabbits in gardens. More about the French Easter traditions.
Poisson d’Avril. Watch your back!
It is believed that the observation of April Fool’s Day began in France when Charles IX changed the calender in 1564. People who still celebrated New Year’s Day on April 1st became the ‘butt’ of many jokes and were called ‘Poisson d’Avril’ (April Fish).
