How To Make The Most Of Halloween In France?

Are you planning to visit France for Halloween but don't know how French people celebrate it? Then read this blog post to learn all about Halloween in France!

I've been lucky to spend a Halloween walking down the old, stone streets of Paris and through the small, charming paths of Geneva. It's really cool to see how these places mix their old fall traditions with the spooky excitement of Halloween.

In this article, I'll tell you all about Halloween in France! I'll share the best spots to go for Halloween fun, from big parades in Paris to cozy costume parties in smaller towns!

Whether you're traveling to see new things or you live there and want to get into the Halloween spirit, this guide will show you where to go and what to do!

Do They Celebrate Halloween In France?

Yes, Halloween is celebrated in France, but it's not as widely observed as in countries like the United States. The celebration has grown in popularity since the 1990s, largely influenced by American culture.

In France, Halloween is mostly marked by costume parties, themed events at clubs and restaurants, and special activities for children in schools and community centers. Some areas might have trick-or-treating, but it's less common than in the U.S.

Major attractions, like Disneyland Paris, also host elaborate Halloween festivities, drawing both locals and tourists. While it's not a traditional French holiday, Halloween has carved out a niche and continues to grow in popularity each year among the French people, especially in urban areas.

Halloween Events In France

1. Paris, France

Le Manoir de Paris: This haunted house transforms into an even spookier venue during Halloween, offering themed shows and scares tailored to adventurous souls.

Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival: An annual event that runs from late September to early November, featuring parades, nighttime shows, and meet-and-greets with characters in Halloween costumes.

Zombie Walk: An event where participants dress up as zombies and walk through the streets of Paris, usually held in late October.

2. Lyon, France

Halloween Festival at Walibi Rhône-Alpes: Just outside Lyon, this amusement park hosts a Halloween event with haunted houses, horror zones, and themed entertainment.

Lyon Ghost Tour: Explore Lyon's darker history with a guided ghost tour that runs through the Halloween season, telling tales of the city's haunted past.

3. Marseille, France

La Barasse Haunted Forest: An immersive Halloween experience in a forest setting on the outskirts of Marseille, offering scares and entertainment suitable for both families and adults.

Halloween Party Cruise: A themed cruise that departs from Marseille around Halloween, featuring costumes, dancing, and eerie entertainment on board.

4. Geneva, Switzerland

Tournée des Caves: This unique event involves a Halloween-themed exploration of Geneva's historic cellars, complete with stories, decorations, and perhaps a few surprises.

Geneva Horror Show: A film festival celebrating horror and supernatural genres, which often coincides with Halloween festivities.

5. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels Halloween Parade: A vibrant parade with floats, costumes, and performers that travels through the city center, usually on the weekend closest to Halloween.

Halloween Night at the Museums: Several museums in Brussels open late for special Halloween-themed tours and events, offering a cultural twist to the celebration.

Influence Of French Culture On Halloween Celebrations

Decorations

In French-speaking countries, Halloween decorations tend to be less extravagant compared to North America. While you might see pumpkins and autumnal motifs, the emphasis is more on subtle, elegant, or even Gothic-style decorations rather than the overtly spooky or gory themes common in the U.S. and Canada. Public spaces and businesses might be adorned with tasteful autumnal arrangements, and window displays often blend Halloween themes with traditional fall elements.

Costumes

Costumes in French-speaking areas might not always lean towards the horror aspect of Halloween. There's a notable preference for costumes that are either humorous, historical, fantastical, or based on popular American and European pop culture characters. The approach is often more creative and less about replicating the frightful elements, though scary costumes are certainly still part of the mix, especially among young adults and at themed parties.

Activities

Activities during Halloween in French-speaking regions often include parties, parades, and sometimes public gatherings, but trick-or-treating is not as widespread as in North America. Instead, children might participate in organized events like costume contests or themed parties at schools and community centers. Adult celebrations often revolve around themed nights in bars, clubs, and private parties.

Must-Visit Halloween Spots In France

Disneyland Paris: This is arguably the centerpiece of Halloween celebrations in France. The park dresses up for Halloween with spectacular decorations, themed parades, and special shows that are perfect for families and Disney fans looking to experience some magical Halloween fun. The park's transformation includes pumpkin sculptures, eerie entertainment, and the chance to meet Disney characters in Halloween costumes.

Le Manoir de Paris: As Paris's first haunted house, Le Manoir offers an immersive experience with actors and detailed sets that bring dark legends and horror stories to life. During Halloween, they ramp up their scares, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts.

Montmartre, Paris: Known for its artistic history and charming streets, Montmartre becomes even more enchanting during Halloween. Some local businesses and residents participate in trick-or-treating, and the area's atmospheric alleys make for a perfect backdrop for Halloween costumes and parties.

The Marais, Paris: This historic district is not only known for its beautiful architecture but also for its vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal spot for adult Halloween parties. Bars and clubs here often host costume parties with special themes.

Local Halloween Customs And Traditions

While Halloween is a relatively new holiday in French-speaking countries, it has been embraced with local adaptations:

La Toussaint (All Saints' Day): In France, while Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, the following day, November 1st, is a public holiday known as La Toussaint, where people honor their deceased loved ones. Many families use this time to visit cemeteries, clean graves, and leave chrysanthemums, which are a traditional flower for the occasion.

Costume Themes: In places like France and Belgium, Halloween costumes may often veer towards classic figures from folklore and history, rather than the gore and horror popular in North America. This reflects a broader European fascination with history and myth.

Halloween Foods and Drinks

Les Biscuits de Halloween: Bakeries in French-speaking regions might offer special Halloween-themed pastries, such as cookies or macarons decorated with ghosts, pumpkins, and other spooky motifs.

Pumpkin Dishes: While not as ubiquitous as in North America, dishes featuring pumpkin, such as soup or tarts, become more common in restaurants and homes during the Halloween season.

Candy Apples: Known as 'pommes d'amour' (apples of love), these treats are popular at Halloween, combining the festive spirit with a traditional French confection.

Family-Friendly Activities and Adult-Only Events

Family Activities:

• Pumpkin Carving: Workshops can be found in community centers or farms, where children can learn to carve pumpkins and take part in other festive crafts.
• Themed Park Events: Many amusement parks and zoos offer daytime Halloween events that are less about scares and more about fun, with costume parades, face painting, and magic shows.

Adult-Only Events:

• Horror Film Festivals: Cities like Paris and Geneva may host horror film festivals, showcasing both classic and contemporary horror films.
• Costume Balls: Nightclubs and private venues often host Halloween balls or costume parties, where dressing up is taken to an impressive level, often with a touch of French glamour or historical themes.
• Ghost Tours: Especially in older cities with rich histories like Lyon and Marseille, ghost tours take on a special appeal during Halloween, offering a mix of historical fact and spooky local legends.

Tips For Foreigners During Halloween In France

Engaging with locals during Halloween in French-speaking countries can enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the local customs. Here are some tips on interacting effectively:

Respect Traditions: While Halloween is a time for fun and games, it's important to respect local customs, especially around All Saints' Day in France, which is a more solemn occasion. Observing or asking about local customs can show respect and curiosity.

Participate in Community Events: Attending local events such as parades, festivals, or public parties can be a great way to meet people and experience Halloween as the locals do. Participation also shows your interest in their culture.

Dress Appropriately: If you’re joining in on Halloween festivities, consider dressing up! Locals appreciate the effort, especially when costumes are thoughtful or creative. If you're unsure about the appropriateness of a costume, it's okay to ask a local or a host about local norms.

Be Open and Friendly: Simple gestures of politeness and friendliness can go a long way. Even if there's a language barrier, smiling and being approachable can help bridge gaps.

Common French Phrases For Halloween

Learning a few key phrases in French can help you connect with locals and enhance your Halloween experience. Here are some useful phrases:

• Joyeux Halloween! (Joyous Halloween!): A general greeting to spread Halloween cheer.
• Des bonbons ou un sort? (Trick or treat?): This is the direct translation of "trick or treat" and can be used if you're accompanying children who are trick-or-treating or at parties.
• J'adore votre costume! (I love your costume!): Complimenting someone's costume is always a good conversation starter.
• Pouvez-vous me recommander un bon endroit pour fêter Halloween? (Can you recommend a good place to celebrate Halloween?): This question can lead to local recommendations that you might not find in guidebooks.
• Est-ce que cette fête est adaptée aux enfants? (Is this party suitable for children?): If you're traveling with family, it’s helpful to know which events are kid-friendly.

Learn French For Halloween With Lingopie!

In this article, we learned about Halloween in France, how it is celebrated, local customs, special foods, and fun activities for both kids and adults. We also talked about La Toussaint, which is a more serious day when people remember their loved ones.

If you're interested in learning more about French culture or want to understand more French words and phrases used during Halloween, check out Lingopie! Lingopie offers a great way to learn French through TV shows and movies in the language you're learning.

Why not give Lingopie a try? You might discover your new favorite show and learn some French along the way! Don't forget to check out more articles for fun insights and tips on our French blog!

Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween In France

1. Do they celebrate Halloween in France?

Yes, Halloween is celebrated in France, especially in major cities and among younger people. It includes parties, parades, and some trick-or-treating.

2. How is La Toussaint different from Halloween?

La Toussaint, or All Saints' Day, is observed on November 1st and is a time when French people honor their deceased loved ones by visiting cemeteries and decorating graves, often with chrysanthemums. It is more solemn and reflective compared to the festive and spooky celebrations of Halloween on October 31st.

3. Is Halloween a holiday in Paris?

No, Halloween is not a public holiday in Paris or anywhere else in France. Businesses, schools, and government offices remain open. However, there may be parties and events to mark the occasion.

4. Do French children go trick or treating?

Trick or treating is not as widespread in France as it is in countries like the United States, but it is becoming more popular. In some neighborhoods, particularly those with many expatriates, children do go trick or treating.