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.

Christmas in France

So it is almost Christmas time and this is the one tradition that is celebrated all over the world in different ways. In France, many of the traditions are the same as in other European countries and in some ways, traditions are being updated and modernised all the time.

From talking to a number of friends and colleagues to find out more about French Christmas traditions, it is clear that while many traditions remain unchanged, some traditions do vary from family to family…..

One thing that seems to be common to most families is that French people love eating the finer things in life at Christmas. Champagne, oysters, foie gras and smoked salmon feature on the Christmas menus of almost all French people! Unlike the British for example, who eat something at Christmas that they don’t eat the rest of the year (mince pies, Christmas cake, pigs in blankets, roast turkey, brussel sprouts…..), the French don’t have so many foods that are unique to Christmas.

Christmas Day falls on 25^th December, however France among with many European countries do the majority of their celebrating on 24^th December. French people tend to get together with their families on 24^th December and start the Christmas festivities on this day with a large family meal at some time in the evening. This meal will typically last for several hours, often going on into the early hours.

After asking around to get the opinions of a large number of French people, it became clear that when it come to present opening, there is more variation! Some families also open presents on 24^th December, some choose to wait until 25^th December and some do a combination of both. Some of this depends on family traditions, some depends on the ages of the children and some the preferences of the parents. However, the French certainly enjoy a festive, indulgent, sociable, gourmet Christmas as all other countries do!

December 12th, 2024
News

Duke of Edinburgh award trips

At Alpine French School, we are passionate about providing enriching, transformative experiences for students that go beyond the classroom. We’re proud to offer tailored school trips that help students fulfill key sections of their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award, including the Residential, Skills, and Physical elements. Nestled in the heart…

November 26th, 2024
Activities News Things to do

French Christmas Traditions

French Christmas Traditions Christmas festivities are very much in the heart of French culture. How we celebrate Christmas varies slightly, depending on the region and individual families. Anyhow, ‘Noël’ is most awaited by ‘les petits et les grands’ every year and probably most dreaded by parents because of the long…

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,…