Vacations & Events | A French Collection

What’s On In France In February

Colorful houses of Menton old town embankment, France

Want to go to France in February?

Then you'll need to know what's on in France in February, and there's a lot happening. Everything kicks into gear in February. January is just a blur as we regather after Christmas and New Year, and February is when life comes back together and finally hits a regular rhythm.

Carnival de Nice, Chinese New Year, Fête du Citron, Valentine's Day and more

February in France is a cold month but spring is on the horizon and winter doesn’t hold people back from some serious celebrations and carnival spirit. From Mardi Gras to Chinese New Year, February offers a host of events you can’t miss if you’re in France in February. Of course we couldn’t talk about France in February without mentioning Valentine's Day! Below we’ll have a look at how you could spend Valentines in Paris, la ville l'amor.

French Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence, France

Aix en Provence, France town square with market

Aix-en-Provence, also know as La Ville des Fontaines (The City of Fountains)

Walking tours of France are becoming an increasingly more popular way of exploring France and Aix-en-Provence is a popular inclusion in tours around the Provence region.

Aix-en-Provence is also known as the City of Fountains or, in French, la Ville des Fontaines, and Nicole Ress from Walk the French Talk Tours has recently returned from one of her tours of Aix-en-Provence and she shares with us her highlights of this town and why it's a popular town for exploring on foot.

What’s On In France In January

France In January

January in France is a busy month so here are some of what we think are the highlights of what's on in France in January. With a mixture of activities experienced by ourselves and others on our 'must do' list, there will be something for everyone. Enjoy France in January...

Last year I arrived in Paris on New Years day. It was raining as the taxi driver unloaded our suitcases onto the shimmering pavement outside our hotel. There is nothing like coming in out of the rain into a warm hotel foyer, with lamps glowing gold and glinting off of polished surfaces. We quickly made our way to the nearest bistro for a light dinner of French onion soup. Think hot buttery onion, crusty bread, and melted gruyere!

French Christmas Traditions

Christmas carol singers at Notre Dame, Paris, France

France is a country rich with traditions and cultural customs. Christmas in France, called Noël, is no exception, boasting many age-old traditions. Some French Christmas traditions are even on the weird, but good, side of life.

French Christmas Traditions

If you’re in France in December then understanding a few traditions will help you plan your holiday. Or, if you are living an expat life like us, then knowing the cultural customs of Christmas in France helps you fit into local life. We've compiled some Christmas Traditions for you below.

Calendar of French Public Holidays and National Celebration Days

Insert Image

French Public Holidays and National Celebration Days

There are lots of public holidays and national celebration days in France. Some dates are fixed and celebrated the same date each year and others vary depending on the celebration and what is being celebrated.

If you are travelling in France it is important to know these dates as they can affect your travel plans. Public holidays see loads of people on public transport and accommodation more heavily booked. Traffic can be busy either side of these dates with the French often adding days either side of their public holidays.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on ABC National Radio, numerous blogs and travel websites. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

All Saints’ Day in France – La Toussaint – A French Tradition

All Saints’ Day is a traditional day in France

All Saints’ Day in France is locally known as “Toussaint” which is the contraction of “Tous les Saints”, meaning “All The Saints” in English. All Saints’ Day is a Catholic tradition of honouring the dead. This solemn event that stops the national takes place in Autumn on the 1st of November and is a national public holiday. All Saints’ Day officially starts at sundown the evening before, which is called All Hallow’s Eve.

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com

A French Weekend – Bastille Day and the FIFA World Cup

What a very French weekend it has been with Bastille Day (le Fete nationale) celebrations followed by the winning of the FIFA World Cup by Les Bleus (The Blues). I can’t imagine a bigger weekend of French celebrations can you?

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com

Lavender In Provence and Why Everyone Is Talking About It

Lavender in Provence and Why Everyone Is Talking About It

The lavender in Provence is on everyone’s lips and wherever I turn there is another stunning photo or article that has me sniffing my computer screen (that doesn’t work by the way) and committing to another trip down south of France at lavender time. If you, like me, love both lavender and Provence then keep reading.

For the very best information on the lavender fields in Provence I searched the internet and visited some of my favourite French websites to draw together this collection of articles. Each featured article is filled with essential information and dreamy photos on lavender in Provence.

After reading these articles you’ll understand why everyone is talking about it and probably want to visit Provence and tour the lavender fields yourself!

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com