The very special event Easter, one of my most unforgettable fastival in France. Let’s explore the tour.
It was Easter Friday when I disembarked from the train in Lyon, a small town bathed in the sun. I remember the vibrance that was almost celebratory but yet calm all at the same time in the atmosphere.
For, Easter in France was nothing close to what I had experienced, as there were joyous activities as well as solemn undertones, with an abundance of sweets I was so eager to enjoy. I was always curious, “how are the people in France on Easter day?”
Well, in the good way of this phrase, I was about to witness. Feeling this child’s stomach butterflies, off I went to participate in one of the most important celebrations in France and to immerse myself into French Easter celebrations which were both lovely and completely new in my experience. And know about how is easter celebrated in France.
The colorful Easter festival in France and its customs from ancient times to мoderм days
France at Easter is beautiful, to say the least: poor inhabitants in the country’s rural regions or well off Parisians, everyone appears joyful and appreciative of food, faith, and good times.
However, in order to change paradigms in understanding, there is a need to look at the history behind the holiday as this will help one understand how Easter is being celebrated in France.
French customs of the Easter celebration are steeped into several centuries, these customs are of the Christian faith, since the Republic is majorly a Catholic nation.
The holiday marks the resurrection of Christ and therefore as expected, most of the practices revolve around such events. However, there is some intriguing history behind this, as the French have always managed to add some lightness into the dark side of Easter in France.
You will most likely find hunting for decorated eggs with Easter bunnies all over the place, here in France, it’s not the bunny that hops around, it’s the Easter bells. It’s true.
Les cloches de Pâques, the bells are said to fly to Rome on Good Friday and then return on Easter Sunday alongside a trailer load of eggs and every sort of chocolate that one can think of. This is more about nutty yet fascinating elements of France’s Easter celebrations.
Lyon: An Ideal Place to Visit During Easter Celebration
A lover of history, art and food – Lyon presented itself as the perfect setting for my Easter trip. Situated in the Rhone-alpes area, it is a town with beautiful old buildings and a modern city life.
As I strolled in the Old Town, pastel decorated the streets and patisseries exhibited chocolate eggs and les cloches de paques. Almost every local explanation of Leipzig’s Easter celebration mentions Easter and so does this part of the thesis.
Visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière to attend a traditional Easter Mass is in the top list of things to do in Easter in Lyon. This church has the most stunning view that neglected the hills and started overlooking the spectacular views of the entire city.
This Easter Sunday, just like any other local and tourist, I nested myself inside the basilica for its service. The gloominess of the Mass was counterpointed by vibrant societies in full bloom outside where households came celebrating Easter day picnics as children ran around with chocolate on their lips.
Easter Celebration and Evolution of Food in France
Easter vacations in France are not considered complete without enjoying some of the sweet delicacies that the French cuisine is well known for. Easter in France is all about chocolates and chocolate making professionals based in Lyon are among the best in the world.
From hens sculpted in dark chocolate to huge eggs marketed with praline stuffing, the creativity of French Easter sweets knows no bounds
One such clarification of mine was the friture de Pâques, chocolate fish shapes which are typical for the French holiday of Easter. The holidays in April have historical connections with the early days of Christianity when people used to allow fish as a sign of faith. Fitting to their style, even the chocolates have a tale behind them.
For people who specialize in dishes that are more of tangy tastes, French Easter comes with a different blessing. The centerpiece of any Easter celebrations and meals in most of the cultures around the globe is Lamb which represents the ‘Lamb of God’ in the form of Jesus Christ.
My days in Lyon were spent at a lovely bistro named Le Sud where exquisite roasted lamb was complemented with local Rhône wine. It was a meal that was most certainly in the spirit of Easter Traditions in France: uncomplicated, but symbolically very rich.
Relocation during Easter Holidays in Lyon
On the scale of accommodation facilities, Lyon has everything from luxury hotels to affordable ones thus making Easter travel possible for all classes. I spent my nights in the lovely Villa Florentine, a five star hotel, nestled on the Fourviere hill.
What was even more wonderful was watching the sunrise when the bells from the nearby churches tolled, reminding everyone about the blessings and joy that feature on Easter.
If you are a bit cash starved, I would suggest staying*s in Venice you can find plans & how which is a lovely small luxury hotel situated in the main Presqu’île district.
In addition to being reasonably priced, it also offered a fair distance from most of the major Halloween activities and sites in Lyon. Seeing that it was at the center, I could run out into the back streets and grab a croissant from the bakeries before lunch.
What You Need to Know About Easter in France
Simply put, Easter in France does not have to be a boring and expensive traveling experience when the right places are sought. Lyon does not lag behind other French territories with efficient public transportation. Coming to Lyon on Easter Sunday, I noticed there were still buses, trams working, it is quite convenient when there is no car.
If you want to cut down on expenses then stay clear of tourist traps and go looking at the various places which do not charge any entry fee in Lyon. I also loved one such activity which had little cost and took place at the Parc de la Tête d’Or, which is a huge garden in which locals spend their Easter picnic time.
It is a large place with no entry fee, and it is a great place to rest and watch people as well as get a few notes on Easter Garcon bells in France.
Best time to enjoy Easter in France
In France, Easter can be most appreciated during spring when weather conditions are relatively moderate and flowers are in bloom. Lyon in particular bursts with color as the parks and gardens get filled. I traveled there in April and the city was flooded with tulips and cherry blossoms.
For those planning for their Easter sojourn in France, I would advise them to book months beforehand especially for hot destinations Montreal and Lyon. Since Easter is a very special day, it should be no surprise if bookings to hotels and restaurants get filled at an alarming rate.
And, in case you wish to escape drilling crowds of people, it is better to choose smaller towns where life is easier and more leisurely, although the festive feeling is no-doubt being present at Easter.
A Retrospection on the Joy of Easter Celebrations in France
Now that my Easter weekend in Lyon is over, I have begun to reminisce over the beauty and elegance of Easter weekend in France. It is worth attending both the emotional, solemn religious services, as well as the exuberant celebration of Easter on Easter.
Whether a person has been a travel enthusiast for years or is just a step away from exploring, for all, there is something in store associated with Easter in France. So if you are ever looking for answers to questions such as “Is Easter celebrated in France?” that will be positive and will be most elegantly done with a lot of chocolate.
For your next getaway, how about going for An Easter Holiday to France? It will not only be a traditional holiday but also one that will be spent in celebrations, and therefore it will be enjoyable.
FAQs:
How is Easter celebrated in France?
Easter in France is marked by a combination of religious rites, family feasts and some beautiful customs. Lots of people go to church, and the children engage in egg hunting.
In France, the Easter bells (les cloches de Pâques) are believed to be the senders of chocolates and goodies instead of the Easter bunny.
Do the French have an Easter bunny as a symbol of Easter?
No, instead of the Easter Bunny, French tradition involves the Easter bells (cloches volantes). It is said that henceforth the church bells took to the sky to Rome until Easter st Sunday St and upon their return to France the following Sunday, they too wafted with goodies for the little ones ranging from chocolates to eggs.
What are some popular Easter foods in France?
Easter meals in France are associated with Lamb which is said to depict Jesus as the Lamb of God and is served roasted or braised.
Also, there are delicacies like chocolate chickens and fillings like chocolate, eggs and fish shapes’ chocolates which are particularly arranged out during Easter.
What is the meaning of Easter bells in France?
France has the Easter bells moving from and to Rome, taking Jesus’ resurrection as their symbol, such that on Good Friday, the bells leave Rome and go in search of something.
The bells maintabashed silence to pay respect to his death, but on Sunday, Easter, the bells ring in laughter and confectionaries for the calm rest of the children.
Does France have any overall Easter events or spare gatherings?
Several towns and cities throughout France have additional aspects to their Easter celebrations including special services, festive meals and community events such as egg hunts.
There are also processions or craft fairs associated with the holiday in some of the villages during the time. Paris and Lyon, two larger cities in France, are also alive with activity during the Easter season in terms of decoration and special offers in restaurants.
When is the appropriate time of the year when I can plan a visit to France for Easter celebrations?
As Easter comes in spring, it is also a good time to go to France since the weather is pleasant and there are lovely flowers blossoming. The best period to visit France and enjoy the full oda to Easter in France is during the week leading up to Easter Sunday when the various services are being conducted in the churches and other activities associated with the celebration are in full swing.
