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Fête du Travail 1st May

The Fête du Travail always falls on 1st May and is a bank holiday in France, like in many countries around the world. This was first celebrated in France in the late 18th century. In America, the equivalent is Labor Day and this was first celebrated on Tuesday 5th Septembre 1882 by 10 000 workers.

The Fête du Travail as it is celebrated nowadays originated in the late 19th century where in France, the US and other countries around the world, the workers protested for a limit of 8 hours to the working day. Workers in France marched with a red triangle as a button-hole which was later replaced by a wild rose.

In 1907, in Paris, the lily of the valley (muguet) replaced the wild rose bringing back an ancient tradition from the Renaissance period where lilies of the valley were offered ‘le muguet de mai’. These are now worn as a buttonhole with a red ribbon. It is tradition to offer ‘un brin de muguet’, a symbol of spring in France.

On 23rd April 1919, the Senate ratified the working day of 8 hours and designated the 1st May as a bank holiday.

May 17th, 2024
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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
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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
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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
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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…