Can we help?
+33 (0) 4 50 79 08 38
We all speak English and French!
Send an emailBook NowVous recherchez des Cours d'Anglais? Cliquez-ici.
Summer Camp activity programmes now available! Find out more
Discover some popular French Christmas Traditions and learn what Christmas is like in France
French children open Advent Calendars like in many other countries during the month of December leading up to Christmas.
Letters from French kids to Father Christmas always receive a response from Santa. Since 1962, France has had a law that stipulates any letter to Santa must be responded to in the form of a postcard. The law ensures that each child receives a reply to his/her letter to Santa making thousands of happy children each year! The postmen are happy to get into the Christmas spirit and deliver Santa’s replies.
In French this is known as the “crèche” and French families who have a nativity scene often really go to town with this and include all kinds of figures not just Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
This is the 2nd February when nativity scenes are displayed until. This is 40 days after Christmas Day.
This is Christmas Eve dinner. At around midnight, French families eat a special meal to celebrate the very beginning of Christmas Day.
In certain regions of France in the past, the tradition was that Père Fouettard would accompany Père Noël to spank naughty children! This French christmas tradition is now somewhat outdated as it isn’t in line with current parenting practice!
In other countries, the tradition varies slightly with stockings and nibbles and drinks for Father Christmas, but French children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Father Christmas will fill them with presents.
Dishes might include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert, a chocolate sponge cake log called a bûche de Noël is normally eaten. Another celebration, in some parts of France, is that 13 different desserts are eaten!
On January 6th, this is called Kings’ Day, Three Kings’ Day and Epiphany and in France, there is a tradition which means that French families will buy a ‘Galette des Rois’ which is a special tart and a small porcelain object called a ‘fève’ is hidden inside and the person who gets this in their portion is proclaimed the king (or queen) for the day and wears a pretend crown and can choose his King or Queen.
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,…
Continue ReadingFrench 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…
Continue ReadingEmbark 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…
Continue ReadingAlpine French School’s parent company, Gallico LCE, offers students the possibility to fund their language course with us using a government training budget. In France, everyone is entitled to have access to professional training to develop their professional skills. When you work in France, you or your employer pay contributions…
Continue ReadingVous recherchez des Cours d'Anglais? Cliquez-ici.