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Advent in France

What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?

As I've grown older, traditions have become more important to me including those surrounding Christmas. As a child, Christmas traditions were not really observed by my parents. But as a parent myself, I've loved adopting some traditional Christmas practices and decorating our home with pretty twinkling lights and, of course, a beautiful tree.

One of the more recent traditions I've embraced is celebrating Advent. This post will cover what Advent is, how it is celebrated in France and gift Advent calendars. I also share ideas on how to make your own calendar. In next week's post we will share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths, what they are and how to make your own beautiful Advent wreath.

French Advent Calendar

Advent is derived from the Latin word for "coming" adventus, and is celebrated in the Christian church calendar. It celebrates the period of preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30, which is St Andrew's Day, and is the beginning of the liturgical year. However, counting down the days on an Advent calendar ignores the St Andrew tradition and rather than counting down from the nearest Sunday to November 30, the calendars start on 1 December and counts down to Christmas Day.

It's a tradition now that each year I share our own advent calendar on social channels including Facebook and Instagram. Our calendar has stunning Christmassy photos from across France and in case you've missed them or want to see them again - here's the photos in all their twinkling, decorative colour.

Armistice Day in France

Armistice Day in France is a public holiday and day of remembrance commemorating the end of World War I. Known as L’armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale in France, it occurs on 11 November annually.

I've written about other public holidays and national days of celebration in France, and the Remembrance poppy on Remembrance Day but not about Armistice Day in detail. Armistice Day is very important in France and our village and others all around us solemnly celebrate it. Here's more on what's Armistice Day, when is Armistice Day celebrated and what happens in France on Armistice Day.

The Napoleonic Bee

Have you heard of the term 'Napoleonic Bee'? As you might guess it relates to Napoléon Bonaparte I, you know the famed military and political leader of France. Napoléon (also referred to as Napoléon The Great), adopted the bee as his court symbol from as early on as his coronation in 1804 and throughout his reign as Emperor.

Napoléon Bonaparte I

Let's take a brief look at Napoléon Bonaparte's life before we look at his bee emblem and why he chose this symbol for himself and his family. Napoléon lived between 1769-1821 and is considered to be one of history's greatest military leaders. He rose to prominence during the French Revolution and served as Emperor of France from 1804 to 1814, and again in 1815. He is probably mostly remembered for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and his very well known defeat at the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815.

Best Small Group Tour of Paris

A French Collection's Paris tour has been described as the best small group tour of Paris and "connecting with the heart of Paris". Our bespoke small group tours have been created from my passion and insider knowledge of the most romantic city in the world that has, simply captured my heart. You'll be seduced by the Eiffel Tower, Museé d'Orsay, Monet's Garden and the bucket list items Paris is so famous for. We'll also soak up the buzz of the boulevards and cafes as we eat beside the local residents.

This is no rush-around-tick-a-box tour, instead you'll get to see the most beautiful sites, historical gardens, and legends and icons of Paris. You'll visit authentic cafes famous for their patrons and sweet smelling patisseries, discover the secret bits that most visitors miss, take a garden picnic and stroll antique markets which make this the most romantic city.

A Guide to Mont-Saint Michel Abbey

What do you think of when someone mentions the region of Normandy? Do you imagine the world famous Mont-Saint Michel with its high rock dwellings, fluctuating tides and peaceful grazing sheep. And why not, it's a stunning site that draws many people to Normandy.

The people of the Middle Ages believed that Mont-Saint Michel was a representation of the heavenly Jerusalem on earth, an image of Paradise. I think many of us would agree that photos of the sun setting on the Mount or grazing sheep upon the marshes still looks a bit like Paradise!

The Way of St James – Camino de Santiago

Saint Jean de Port - St James Way - Camino de Santiago

Have you ever thought of walking the Way of Saint James or Camino de Santiago?

The term "The Way of St James" or the Camino de Santiago, is not actually one path (chemin), but rather it describes many Christian pilgrimage routes, dating from medieval times that journey from various locations in Europe, to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It is here, in this cathedral, that the remains of St James the Apostle are said to lie in rest. For the Christian faith, it is a most sacred site, and second only to Rome for pilgrim travel. - Pilgrimage Traveler

Walking the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-du-Puy

The four main pilgrim routes in France are known by their starting points and today we take a look at the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-du-Puy (which starts in Le-Puy-en-Velay as the name suggests) and ends at Saint-Jean-de-Port and also the Chemin de Compostelle. This is a popular path and we are grateful to Sharon Warren for sharing her insider knowledge about these paths having walked them many times.

Rodin Museum – Why This Is the Most Beautiful Museum in Paris

Musée Rodin, Hôtel Biron, 7th Arrondissement, Paris

Musée Rodin is a sophisticated museum housed in a pretty 18th century chateau called Hôtel Biron on rue de Varenne in the 7^th arrondissement. Surrounded by elegant dwellings, lush private gardens and foreign embassies, this museum has to be my favourite, as is the arrondissement it lives in.

Peaceful reflection is the norm in the sculpture garden and hushed admiration of the art works within the walls of Hôtel Biron is how I would describe the vibe of visitors to this museum.

There is so much to share with you about this museum. The history involving evicted nuns no less; perfectly designed gardens; paintings, and sculptures including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell and Balzac; and the architecturally magnificent Hôtel Biron. Let's find out why the Rodin Museum is the most beautiful museum in Paris.

« Previous Page

Advent in France

What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?

French Advent Calendar

Armistice Day in France

Armistice Day in France

The Napoleonic Bee

The Napoleonic Bee

Napoléon Bonaparte I

Best Small Group Tour of Paris

Best Small Group Tour of Paris

A Guide to Mont-Saint Michel Abbey

The Way of St James – Camino de Santiago

Have you ever thought of walking the Way of Saint James or Camino de Santiago?

Walking the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-du-Puy

Rodin Museum – Why This Is the Most Beautiful Museum in Paris

Musée Rodin, Hôtel Biron, 7th Arrondissement, Paris

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