Halloween and La Toussaint

Joyeux Halloween!

Halloween in France differs from the celebration we know in english-speaking countries. This however, does not mean you can’t have your fun if you celebrate the holiday. Traditionally on the 31st October, children and adults dress up to enjoy the celebrations, either at parties or trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood.

What do the French think about Halloween?

When you visit or live in France, you may be surprised as Halloween is not celebrated as extravagantly as you might see in cult classics like Hocus Pocus. So what can I do in France for Halloween, you may ask? Halloween to many is a commercial holiday, considered too American or kitsch to be practised in France. La Toussaint, however, takes place the day after Halloween and is widely celebrated. Because of this, Halloween tends to be overshadowed and not given a lot of attention.

Despite not being tradition, the French attitude towards Halloween is in fact changing. You may now see for example certain houses decorated for the holiday, as well as children wandering the streets dressed up with their parents. Admittedly this does not compare to the American equivalent. Do not let that put you off though, as towns often organise themed events in which you can participate. Check-out the Halloween Party in Morzine at the place de l’office du tourisme. Starting at 16h30 on the 31st, you and your children can enjoy pumpkin carving and even a competition for the scariest one!Halloween in French

In preparation for the holiday, why not learn some interesting vocabulary to boost your french? Here is a short list of everything you may need to know.

Autumn-automne

Pumpkin-une citrouille

Sweet-un bonbon

Costume-un déguisement

Spider-une araignée

Ghost-un fantôme

Haunted house-une maison hantée

Witch-une sorcière

La Toussaint and All Saint’s Day

All Saint’s Day in France marks the halfway point between Summer and Christmas. It is the day where French people visit cemeteries and lay flowers to honour their dead loved ones and special events take place. This holiday also coincides with a 2 week school break! In comparison to Halloween, this day has enormous significance in France and is celebrated by the majority.

Whatever your beliefs and preferences are, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the autumn holidays. Do not let the aversion to american holidays ruin your favourite time of the year, and maybe the next day meet with your family and friends to commemorate those no longer with us.

August 4th, 2025
Chamonix News

Major Changes to French citizenship requirements: what you need to know

There has recently been some news about the language requirements to apply for French citizenship. What is changing and when? On 15th July, 2025, the French government announced that from January 1st, 2026, the required level of French for acquiring French nationality will increase from B1 to B2. This change…

July 17th, 2025
Activities Chamonix News

Piste X Code: an important initiative created in Morzine, active in Chamonix and across the Alps

Piste X Code is an important initiative created in Morzine by Amie Henderson and Louise Paley, which is also actively promoted in Chamonix and across the Alps. The Piste X Code aims to make us all more considerate on the mountain, to help avoid accidents and to keep skiers and…

July 4th, 2025
Activities Chamonix News

Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix support the Piste X Code

Alpine French School Morzine & Chamonix is a proud supporter of Piste X Code. Piste X Code was created in 2022 by Amie Henderson and Louise Paley after they observed several tragedies on the ski slopes. They felt that many of these accidents are unavoidable and they set out on…

February 24th, 2025
News

Why Learning French in the Alps is More Effective Than a Classroom Setting

Why Learning French in the Alps is More Effective Than a Classroom Setting When people think about learning a new language, they often picture sitting in a classroom, memorising vocabulary lists and drilling grammar rules. But what if there was a more natural, engaging, and effective way to learn French?…