All courses available either in person or via Skype or Telephone. Please contact us for more information

Vous recherchez des Cours d'Anglais? Cliquez-ici.

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.

May 17th, 2024
News

Why learning another language is good for your brain…..

Learning another language offers numerous cognitive benefits for the brain. Here are some of the key reasons why it’s good for your brain: 1. Improved cognitive abilities: Learning a new language challenges your brain to recognize and understand different patterns in speech, grammar, and vocabulary. This mental workout can enhance…

March 31st, 2024
News

So how is Easter celebrated in France?

As spring graces us with its presence, Easter in France takes on a character marked by introspection, time-honored customs, and a reverence for history. Let’s have a look at how Easter is celebrated in France… 1. Cultural Significance: Easter in France has, over the years, become synonymous with culinary excellence,…

March 25th, 2024
News

Our top tips for mastering your pronunciation!

French is renowned for its melodic and nuanced pronunciation, which adds a certain elegance to the language. However, mastering French pronunciation can be a challenge for learners, especially those coming from non-French-speaking backgrounds! In this guide, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help you improve your French pronunciation and…

March 19th, 2024
News

Summer Camp 2024 – activity programmes out now!

Embark on a journey of language discovery and adventure at Alpine French School’s Junior Summer Camp! Designed for children aged 5 and up, our camp offers a unique blend of interactive French lessons in the morning and thrilling outdoor activities in the afternoon. Let’s delve into the benefits of our…