11 French Holiday Traditions You Haven’t Heard Of

The calendar flips to December, and in many countries, families are putting up the tree, sipping hot chocolate and bundling up. There are a wealth of similarities of Christmas traditions between different countries. But there’s no doubt that each country has its own set of customs and specialities — and France is no different. From its traditional desserts to its festive decorations, each of France’s regions comes alive for this time of year. Here are 11 French holiday traditions you may not have heard of, including our staff’s favorite ones. 

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11 French Holiday Traditions You Haven’t Heard Of

In Provence, taste each of its 13 desserts.

In France, we like to eat. No ifs, ands or buts. And Provence is known not for one dessert but its 13 desserts! This Provençal tradition dates back to the 1600s, and the number 13 corresponds to the 12 disciples and Jesus, per Made in Marseille. The 13 desserts include an orange, three types of nougat and dried fig, among other goodies. But the real star of the 13 desserts is la pompe à l’huile, a cake made with fleur d’oranger.  We recommend trying la pompe à l’huile at Béchard, a bakery in downtown Aix-en-Provence. 

In France, midnight mass services are held.

In France, they often have midnight mass before Christmas. Travel designer Frank remembers attending a midnight mass at Saint Sulpice in Paris with his mother-in-law. They turned off all the lights and only left the candles on. For product manager Florence, Christmas mass is another tried and true tradition in her family, along with time around the table.

On December 4, dust off your green thumb for Sainte-Barbe.

In Provence around Christmastime, you may see germinating wheat next to the manger scene. This is linked to a regional tradition for Sainte-Barbe. On December 4, families in Provence plant several grains of wheat called les blés de la Sainte-Barbe in French. Planted in three different bowls, this tradition represents the Holy Trinity and budding good fortune for the new year, according to Jour de Mistral.

The dinner table is filled with seafood, escargots and foie gras.

Step aside, Christmas ham or turkey. In France, Christmastime often includes oysters, shrimp, salmon, frog legs and foie gras. Travel designer Mathilde says eating escargots is a favorite tradition for this time of year. And for travel designer Eva, her family also enjoys eating œufs de lump (or fish eggs).

Christmas markets aren’t reserved exclusively for Alsace.

C’est vrai, Strasbourg hails itself as the Christmas capital. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find festive cheer and Christmas markets throughout France. Whether it’s in the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris or the Vieux Port of Marseille, downtown Nantes or along the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence, Christmas cheer is contagious. If you have the chance, be sure to visit the legendary markets in Strasbourg or Colmar. But if you aren’t in Alsace at Christmastime, don’t fret. You’re sure to stumble upon outdoor markets serving up hot chocolate, vin chaud (hot spiced wine) and lait de poule (eggnog). 

You might also be interested in our article on where to feel the holiday spirit in Paris.

In Provence, the nativity sets have their own special touch.

What makes the nativity sets in France, namely in Provence, any different? At first glance, you’ll see baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and perhaps the wisemen. But in Provence, if you look a bit closer, it’s as if Bethlehem has been transported to southern France. The crèche, or nativity set, may include a bakery, Provençal homes, lavender, etc. The tradition of these painted clay figures dates back to the 1800s, per Rocher Mistral.

When in Alsace, be sure to taste some of the region’s renowned bredele or kouglof.

For Fanny, one of our travel designers, her favorite Christmas tradition is the sweet fragrance of her mom’s kouglof made with chocolate chips. This speciality from the Alsace region resembles a bundt cake and is a staple at Christmas time.

For Mathilde, it’s Alsace’s bredele, or a regional cookie. “As soon as I can, I meet up with my friends from Alsace to spend the day making bredele,” says Mathilde. “These treats are then offered or served at the end of the meal during the wintertime.” 

Or perhaps make your own! Try your hand at bredeles with this recipe.

You can’t make it through the season without spotting a Buche de Noël.

Nope, it’s not sugar cookies, fruit cake or even puppy chow. Throughout France, homemade or in the frozen aisle at the grocery store, you’ll find bûches de Noël. This Christmastime cake is in the shape of a yule log and comes in a variety of flavors. 

Holiday traditions don’t stop after December 25th.

Once Christmas is over and all the gifts have been opened, the fun doesn’t stop. All the Christmas chocolates go on sale, including the ubiquitous Révillon chocolates. Another incontournable in terms of French holiday traditions is la galette des rois. When eating a galette des rois for the Epiphany on January 6th, don’t swallow too quickly! There is a fève, a small figurine carefully hidden in the heart of the cake. If you’re the lucky duck that finds the figurine in your slice of cake, you’re the king or queen.

Don’t cry because Christmas is over; smile because les soldes are right around the corner. 

Yes, Black Friday has infiltrated France. But arguably better and more widespread than this day is the soldes, or sales, of January. There are sales, which store owners can run as they wish. But then there are soldes, which refer to two periods of four weeks on specific dates set by the government, per Service Public. Throughout France, the winter soldes begin on the second Wednesday of January. So in case you didn’t get what you wanted under the tree, you’ll have the chance to find your bonheur.

Where to Stay in France

Hotel Regent Petite France in Strasbourg
Celebrate the holidays from the “capital of Christmas” of Strasbourg. Several centuries old, this five-star hotel is tucked in the historical district. Enjoy a stay in one of its 75 rooms and suites, and treat yourself to a drink at Bar Champagne. Walk out the front door of this hotel and step into a fairytale with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.

J.K. Place in Paris
Located in the 7th arrondissement, this ultra chic boutique hotel boasts 29 rooms and suites. After wandering the Paris streets donned with Christmas lights, cozy up in its hotel spa. A short walk to the Louvre and the Tuileries, the hotel is prime location for your winter trip to France.

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There’s no one way to celebrate Christmas. And in France, each of its regions has its special traditions, recipes and rituals. From Provence’s santons and 13 desserts to Alsace’s magical markets and bredeles, France sparkles around the holiday season. Want to discover some of these French holiday traditions for yourself? Let us help! Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning a holiday trip fit for a fairytale. You might also like: Experience the Enchanting Charms of Strasbourg! or Culture and Gastronomy in Provence.