Removals to France: A Guide to Public Holidays in France

Whether you require removals to France to work here, to settle with a partner or retire, public holidays are a time of celebration. From Christmas at home with the family, to fireworks on Bastille Day, wherever you move to in France, you will have plenty of opportunity to join in the festivities.

Hamiltons has 20 years in the removals industry and offers high quality removals to France where we make customer service our top priority. You know that you are in good hands for removals to France as we are members of the prestigious trade association, the British Association of Removers (BAR), and comply with their strict guidelines. We provide removals from and to any destination within the UK, Europe and to other destinations further afield. In addition to commercial and household moves, we also provide specialist removals to France which can include the transportation of pets, valuables, vehicles and machinery.

Meanwhile, if you are moving to France and want to find out when you can have an extra day or two off work, here’s our guide to public holidays in France!
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Christmas

Just like in the UK, Christmas - or Noel in France - is a day of celebration. However, there are a few differences on how the French celebrate. In the north or north eastern France, children leave their shoes by the fireplace on December 6th so Father Christmas can fill them with small gifts and sweets. However, for the rest of France, this tradition takes place on Christmas Eve.

Just as in the UK, the French decorate their home with a Christmas tree. However, a nativity scene is also an important symbol at Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, French families may attend Midnight Mass and, after this, they will enjoy a midnight feast, called ’le réveillon’. This is held at home or in a restaurant and the menu varies according to where you live; this could be anything from salmon, oysters, snails, caviar as a starter, followed by goose or another bird or rabbit. Another thing you may be served during le réveillon is omelette with truffles.

On Christmas day, families may attend church again and also enjoy another feast where dessert will include a chocolate Yule log, called a Buche de Noel, which is decorated with ribbons and greenery.

New Year

While the children open their presents on Christmas Eve or on December 6th, some adults may wait until New Year’s Day to open their gifts. New Year’s Day is more of an adult celebration where they visit friends on and exchange gifts; there is also a New Year’s feast. Another time for feasting is January 6th, when the Christmas season draws to a close.

Many people drink champagne or hot wine to bring in the New Year and, of course, there is a New Year song that is traditionally sung at midnight. On New Year’s Day some of the food you would typically expect to see include King’s cake, which contains a tiny figure in the filling. Whoever finds it is ‘king’ for the day. Another dessert you can expect to see at New Years are cakes in the shape of a heart.

Easter

The way Easter is celebrated in France is similar to the UK. Church bells will sound on Easter Sunday to mark the Resurrection and in the morning the children will have an Easter hunt in their garden.

As well as some beautifully designed chocolate eggs, children will also eat chocolate bells and chocolate fish. There will also be some Easter games organised for the children and, of course, an Easter feast. The first Monday after Easter is a public holiday so, as in the UK, the French will enjoy a three day weekend.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, also called Fête Nationale, is celebrated throughout the country on July 14. The national day marks the storming of the Bastille, which became the symbol of the French Revolution, and the event is marked in towns and villages with anything from live music to street fairs, parties and firework displays.

May Day

As in the UK, French workers get the day off on May 1st. In France, especially in and around Paris, it is customary to give your loved ones a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley on this day. The day may also be marked with parades and demonstrations organised by the unions.

Victory in Europe Day

Also called Victoire, this day takes place on May 8th to celebrate the end of the Second World War and French freedom. The French may attend church on this day and they will also remember those who died in the war.

Other Public Holidays

Other public holidays include: religious holidays such as Ascension Day, Whit Monday (both variable) the Assumption of Mary to Heaven (August 15th) and All Saints Day (November 1). The French also mark Armistice Day (on November 11) with a public holiday.

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About Hamiltons

Hamiltons provide weekly removals to France, and we also offer a special service where you set the collection and delivery dates for your move. Our removals to France service is designed to individual needs and our experts are on hand to ensure your move runs smoothly from door to door.