What’s On | A French Collection

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

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

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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 numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. 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

Mother’s Day In France

Mother’s Day in France (Fête des Mères) is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it falls on the same day as Whit Sunday/Pentecost. On those years it is celebrated on the first Sunday in June.

Mother’s Day Gifts

On this day gifts are given to mothers, grandmothers and significant women in the family. Typical gifts include flowers, chocolates, bedtime clothing and handmade items by children. Cards are often handmade and given with presents.

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com

Paris to Provence – A French Festival in Melbourne

Paris to Provence French Festival

The Paris to Provence French Festival brings France to Melbourne once a year in a big way at Como House and Gardens in the luscious, leafy suburb of Toorak and this year I headed there with my daughter to attend the festival and celebrate her 21st birthday at the same time. What a good idea I hear you say.

So with plans to eat and drink our ‘French’ way through the weekend and meet some amazing Francophiles who were participating in the Festival, we started with a celebratory pre-flight champagne and then jumped on our flight full of anticipation.

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com