If you are planning to buy a holiday home in France, spending Christmas there is sure to be memorable. The French adore this time of year when their love of food and family really comes into its own.
Here are our 6 favourite French Christmas traditions that you could adopt while enjoying the festive season in France.
1. Marché de Noel
Christmas markets are a huge part of celebrating Christmas in France. They pop up in most towns and villages, usually beginning in the last week of November and continuing until the end of December. Local businesses and craftsman set up wooden stalls to sell their wares, which can include anything from handmade Christmas decorations to edible treats. The Alsace region is particularly known for its markets and is home to Christkindelsmärik, France’s oldest and most famous Christmas market.
2. Le Réveillon
Like many European countries, the biggest Christmas celebration happens on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The meal is traditionally eaten in the evening to celebrate the start of Christmas Day, and the food traditionally consists of foie gras, oysters, or escargots for starters, followed by capon or turkey for main and finished with the bûche de Noël, or Yule log for dessert. The meal is usually followed by a trip to midnight mass.
3. Crèche
Setting up a nativity scene is custom in many countries. However, the French take this to the next level! Residents of Provence area, in particular, make a huge effort with their nativity scenes, which don’t just include the traditional figurines. They use santons (clay figurines) to make the scene bigger and better, representing vegetable sellers, bakers, local dignitaries and others who are a key part of village life.
4. Postcards from Père Noël
Since 1962, there has been a law in place stipulating that every letter to Père Noël must receive a reply. So, every child who sends a letter will typically receive a postcard in return with a reply from Santa himself.
5. Shoes by the fire
Whilst children in the UK and elsewhere would traditionally leave stockings by the fire, French children leave shoes by the fire on Christmas Eve. Père Nöel will then fill them with fruit, nuts and other small treats for the children to find on Christmas morning.
6. Fête des Rois
Fête des Rois, or Three Kings Day, marks the end of the festive season. The French celebrate this day by making and eating the Galette des Rois, or king cake. A flaky pastry generally filled with frangipane; it traditionally contains a hidden fève (tiny baby figurine). Whoever finds the fève will be crowned king or queen for the day.
Celebrating Christmas in France will be a new experience. You’ll soon join in with the locals and embrace these traditions wholeheartedly, whilst still keeping your favourite ones from back home.
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If you would like further advice on the selling process in France, download your free France Guide.
Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday in France by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family
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