French holidays
France is full of rich history and lively celebrations that offer a unique glimpse into French cultural heritage and its spirit of togetherness.
National Day
National Day, celebrated every year on July 14, commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a decisive event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. This national holiday symbolizes liberty, equality, and fraternity, uniting citizens in patriotic pride.
The celebrations aren’t limited to Paris. French regions add their own unique touch to this major event. In Provence, you can attend a traditional bull run (yes, like in Spain, but very French). Bulls are released into the streets and locals take part in a frantic race. In Corsica, expect fireworks and festivities with a Mediterranean flair. In Brittany, you’ll find parades with locals dressed in traditional Breton costumes, all while enjoying hearty portions of crêpes and cider. In the Basque Country, you can watch traditional dances and Basque sports, such as pelota, played in town squares.
Each region celebrates this holiday with its own customs, turning July 14 into a kaleidoscope of cultural expression. It’s a day when history meets fun, when freedom tastes like cheese, and when the revolutionary in each of us takes on a French flair. Long live France!
Christmas and Christmas markets
Christmas in France is a warm and festive season, rich in traditions dear to the hearts of the French. At the centre of the celebrations is Réveillon, a sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner featuring exquisite foods such as foie gras, smoked salmon, oysters, and roast capon or turkey, often accompanied by Champagne. Dessert traditionally includes the famous bûche de Noël, a beautifully decorated log-shaped cake. Originally a tradition from eastern France, lively Christmas markets have spread throughout the country, delighting visitors with charming stalls offering crafts, festive decorations, mulled wine, and treats.
Today, strolling through these sparkling markets is a beloved Christmas ritual in France, capturing the magical spirit of the season. Each region of France has its own variations and special dishes, but the essence of the réveillon lies in indulgence, togetherness, and celebrating the joy of the holiday season.
La Chandeleur
La Chandeleur, celebrated every year on February 2 in France, blends religious tradition with delicious culinary customs. Historically marking the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Jesus at the temple, La Chandeleur has become a joyful family gathering centred on making and enjoying crêpes. Tradition has it that successfully flipping a crêpe while holding a coin ensures prosperity for the year ahead.
French families gather to enjoy these delicate crêpes topped with sugar, lemon, chocolate, or jam. Beyond its religious origins, La Chandeleur remains a cherished French tradition, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and unity.
Easter
Easter is another much-loved French tradition. Families typically gather for elaborate meals, often featuring roast lamb (“agneau pascal”), fresh spring vegetables, and seasonal delights. Chocolate also plays a leading role, with artisan chocolatiers crafting intricate chocolate eggs, bells, rabbits, and hens, beautifully displayed in pastry shop windows across the country. According to tradition, church bells stop ringing on Good Friday, “fly to Rome,” and return on Easter Sunday, dropping chocolates for children to find.
Children enthusiastically take part in egg hunts, searching gardens and parks for hidden treats. Easter symbolizes renewal and abundance, making it a treasured time for families across France to come together and indulge.
Fête de la Musique
If you’re a fan of live music, you absolutely have to be in France at the end of June! Fête de la Musique, celebrated every year on June 21, is France’s liveliest national music festival, marking the arrival of the summer solstice. Created in 1982 by the French Ministry of Culture, this festival promotes all musical genres and makes concerts accessible to everyone. Streets, parks, squares, and public spaces across the country transform into stages where amateur and professional musicians give free concerts. This festive atmosphere encourages audience participation and fosters a sense of community and celebration. From classical ensembles to rock bands to street performers, the festival reflects France’s rich musical diversity.
Tour de France
The Tour de France, which began in 1903, is France’s iconic cycling race and one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Originally created to boost newspaper sales, it has now become a cycling spectacle combining endurance, strategy, and sore muscles, held every year in July. Over more than 3,200 kilometres, cyclists tackle punishing climbs, dizzying speeds, and sometimes even cows crossing the road—while also taking in France’s magnificent scenery. Riders compete in daily stages, hoping to win the coveted yellow jersey worn by the leader of the general classification. Millions of people line the route to enthusiastically cheer on the racers as they pass.
Culinary traditions
Now let’s tackle a few urban legends about France and the French, and take a look at the country’s most endearing cultural quirks.
The French eat snails and frog legs
Yes, it’s true. But the idea that the French constantly feast on snails and frog legs is a humorous stereotype rooted in culinary curiosity and misunderstandings. Tourists in France often discover these dishes for the first time in restaurants, reinforcing the amusing idea that the French eat them regularly. In reality, many locals save them for special occasions or fine-dining experiences. The average French person is more likely to be seen with a croissant or a baguette.
The French live on wine, baguettes, and cheese
The idea that the French live exclusively on wine, baguettes, and cheese is another amusing stereotype likely born from France’s iconic culinary image. While these delights are deeply loved and of excellent quality, French cuisine is wonderfully varied, with regional specialties like bouillabaisse and cassoulet, to name just a few. But let’s be honest, if you had to survive on nothing but fresh, crusty baguettes, wheels of brie, and bottles of Bordeaux or Chablis, France really isn’t the worst place to attempt such a feat!
The French spend hours and hours at the table
The idea that the French spend hours at the table isn’t entirely false. This French tradition dates back to the time of the nobility, when lavish feasts made up of a multitude of courses were a display of wealth and refinement. The bourgeoisie, eager to follow suit, adopted the custom, turning long meals into social events. Over time, multi-course meals became the norm: starter, main course, cheese, salad, dessert and, of course, great wines at every step. Even today, meals remain a time to relax, punctuated by lively conversation. The French still believe that good food, good company, and a little extra time are always worth it! After all, why rush to eat when you can debate politics, swap recipes, or passionately discuss the best cheese?
The French art of table setting
Given how much time the French spend at the table, setting a table in France is a true art that reflects elegance, hospitality, and attention to detail. Known as “l’art de la table,” this tradition emphasizes not only functionality, but also aesthetic beauty, showcasing carefully arranged plates, polished cutlery, sparkling crystal glasses, and impeccable table linens. Each place setting and each glass has a designated spot, meticulously positioned to reflect the order in which the dishes will be served. Floral arrangements, candles, and subtle decorations often adorn the table, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Beyond simple decoration, the art of setting the table is a sign of respect for guests and enhances culinary enjoyment, transforming each meal into a sophisticated ritual that embodies French refinement.
“Café Gourmand”
This is a delicious French tradition that combines the pleasures of coffee with those of miniature desserts, or mignardises. Born in 1985 as a clever way to satisfy a sweet craving without ordering a full dessert, it generally includes an espresso or coffee served with small portions of classic French pastries, such as mini crème brûlées, macarons, mini chocolate mousses, or fruit tartlets. Very popular in cafés and restaurants across France, Café Gourmand perfectly embodies the French love of variety, elegance, and moderation. It’s the ideal choice for those who think life is too short to choose between coffee and dessert: why not enjoy both?
Going grocery shopping at the market
The French have a deeply rooted affection for their open-air markets—true places of tradition, gastronomy, and community life. Picture a lively scene where locals passionately haggle over the best tomatoes and vendors enthusiastically extol the superior qualities of their cheese. And let’s not forget the smell of freshly baked baguettes and brioches wafting through the air, melting even the most determined dieters. It’s not just a shopping trip—it’s an experience that awakens all the senses and celebrates life’s simple pleasures.
Afternoon snack, or “four o’clock”
The French 4 p.m. snack is the ultimate childhood ritual that adults secretly cherish, too. Derived from the French verb “goûter,” meaning “to taste,” this snack is a delightful break in the day. Picture children running out of school, greeted by the sweet smell of pains au chocolat fresh from the oven, or a simple slice of bread with butter and jam. And let’s be honest—who can resist a buttery madeleine or an éclair with tea or hot chocolate? It’s a moment of indulgence and joy that makes the afternoon slump a little more bearable.
Aperitif
The French aperitif, affectionately called “apéro,” is the art of socializing before dinner and working up an appetite. The term comes from the Latin word “ aperire,” meaning “to open,” because it opens the evening’s festivities. Picture this: friends and families gather, sipping pastis, kir, or a glass of wine, while nibbling on olives, cheese, charcuterie, and nuts. It’s a relaxed, convivial moment when time seems to slow down and conversations flow as easily as the drinks—a joyful ritual that stretches out meals and makes every social get-together special. The French have perfected the apéro, turning it into a beloved ritual that adds a touch of joie de vivre to the end of the day. Cheers!
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In summary
French traditions and customs offer a charming blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. From festive celebrations like July 14 and Christmas to everyday rituals like afternoon snack, embracing French etiquette enriches any stay in France. By understanding these customs, travellers discover a unique and unforgettable experience of French life, along with a wonderful lesson in the French art of living. Live in the moment, make it beautiful, and enjoy every minute.
FAQ
Understanding French social norms means grasping subtle but important customs. It’s recommended to greet politely, using “bonjour” and “au revoir,” and to use the formal “vous” with strangers or older people. It’s also customary to look others in the eye when making a toast and to greet each person individually when joining a group.
You should be punctual for formal appointments, although being slightly late for a dinner is generally acceptable. It’s best to avoid overly personal topics, such as salary or politics, unless your French hosts bring them up themselves. You should never rush through a meal, because in France, eating is a slow and almost sacred moment. It’s also important to respect that very French notion of balance between professional and personal life. Finally, people generally greet with a light handshake or with a polite kiss on the cheek, depending on the context. Learning a few words of French will also always make a good impression.
France, and Paris in particular, has long enjoyed a reputation as a global fashion capital. It influences trends on an international scale and embodies iconic elegance, notably thanks to haute couture. Yet behind this glamorous image, everyday French style is often surprisingly relaxed. The French favour understated, practical elegance, preferring timeless pieces and simple cuts over flashy or extravagant clothing.
Their wardrobe often consists of classic essentials like jeans, well-tailored jackets, and neutral colours—more effortless chic than a constant pursuit of sophistication. French fashion is about balance: appreciating beautiful pieces and high-end design while maintaining comfort and authenticity day to day. It shows that true style doesn’t need to overdo it to be noticed.
