New for 2026: French Summer Camp Chamonix

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.

February 8th, 2026
Chamonix News

The New French Civics Exam Explained: What You Need to Know for 2026

Updated January 2026 You’ve gathered your paperwork, refreshed your French, and familiarised yourself with key moments in French history — and you think you’re ready to move forward with your French residency or citizenship application. However, as of January 2026, the French authorities have introduced a new mandatory Civics Exam,…

January 19th, 2026
Grammar for Dummies News

How to Learn French in Morzine-Avoriaz: Tips for Total Immersion

Learning French can be a fun and rewarding adventure – especially in France, where you can immerse yourself completely in the language and culture. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Morzine-Avoriaz and improve your French every day. 🌟 1. Immerse Yourself…

January 19th, 2026
Chamonix Juniors News

French Summer Camp Chamonix

After more than 10 years of running successful and popular French Summer Camps in Morzine, Alpine French School launches a French Summer Day Camp for teenagers in Chamonix. New for 2026, in July and August, Alpine French School will be welcoming teenagers to enjoy fun interactive French lessons in the…

January 16th, 2026
Culture & Tradition News

👑 Galette des Rois: A Delicious January Tradition

January in France is synonymous with a beloved tradition: the Galette des Rois! This iconic pastry celebrates Epiphany, which takes place on January 6th, but in practice, we enjoy it all month long – with family, friends, at work, or even at sports clubs… basically wherever people want to share…