As a Roman Catholic majority country, France goes all-out at Easter. Their traditions are centuries old and quite different to our celebrations in England.

The build up to Easter begins at the very start of the April. In France this marks a time similar to April fools where people try to stick paper fish to the backs of as many adults as possible, without their knowing. This is an age old tradition and is marked by the availability of chocolate fish in sweet shops.

Today all the church bells in France are silenced in acknowledgment of Jesus’ death. The bells remain still until Easter Morning when the ringing of bells is cause for celebration and people embrace and kiss at the first peal. Children are told that the bells fly to Rome to see the Pope and on their journey back scatter beautifully painted Eggs about for them to find in their Gardens.

Easter is a well celebrated festivity for children in France, with traditional games, which mostly involve trying your best not to break raw eggs, either tossing and catching, or rolling down slopes.

Though it is a family based celebration, there is much for a tourist see and do over Easter in France. For the Religious aspects there are the important Chruch ceremonies, and also processions to see.

The On Market days near Easter, the master Chocolateers go all-out to present the beauty of their craft – an excellent opportunity to pick up something nice for loved ones.

Image credit: buggy droid

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