Living in France? A Quiet French Tradition Between Flowers and Memories

🍂 Between October and November, you’ve probably noticed that children in France have two weeks off school.

We call it “les vacances de la Toussaint” — All Saints’ holidays.

The French calendar is often shaped by religious or cultural celebrations, and these two weeks revolve around a very French tradition.

No, I’m not talking about Halloween!

Even though costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treating have made their way into France, it’s actually a very recent trend.

Many French people still see Halloween as too commercial — though children, of course, love it. (My mom, for example, really doesn’t like Halloween — she always says “it’s not pretty at all!” ).

So, what is this real French tradition at the beginning of November?
On November 1st and 2nd, the French honor their deceased loved ones.
It’s a time to remember, visit cemeteries, place flowers, clean graves, and gather as a family in a calm, reflective atmosphere.

When I was a child, it was quite an adventure! We would drive 800 kilometers to visit my parents’ hometowns.

We called it “doing the cemetery tour”: visiting the graves of my great-grandparents and grandparents, cleaning them, and laying flowers.

We always went to the same florist and chose flowers that could resist the cold because we lived far away.

💐 Why chrysanthemums ?

In France, chrysanthemums are strongly linked to death and remembrance.
They are the traditional flowers placed on graves for La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day).

They resist the cold and symbolize life continuing despite winter.

But be careful! Offering chrysanthemums for a birthday or celebration is a big no in France — this flower is associated with cemeteries.

🕯️ In practice
Most families visit the cemetery on November 1st, which is a public holiday in France.
November 2nd is All Souls’ Day, but people usually gather the day before.

🎃 And what about Halloween?
Halloween takes place the night before — on October 31st — and it’s mostly for children. Some adults decorate their homes or host costume parties, but the main tradition in France remains La Toussaint, much more deeply rooted in French culture.

La Toussaint is a time for memory, family, and respect for past generations.

It’s still a very meaningful and living tradition in France, marked by candles, flowers, and remembrance.

💬 What about you?
Do you have a similar tradition in your country?
I love reading your stories — send me an email at womenspeakfrench@gmail.com .

À bientôt,

Faustine