While Halloween isn’t a customary holiday in France, its popularity is steadily increasing. Personally, I love dressing up and attending a fun spooky party, but in France, it’s a good idea to know where to go, so that you’re sure to be surrounded by like-minded lovers of Halloween. While main cities such as Paris are sure to accommodate costumed revellers, the city of Limoges, in southwest-central France, is probably the country’s most famous Halloween destination. Read on for more information and prepare to get spooked in Limoges.
A spooky parade
Halloween in Limoges centres around its fabulous parade. Held since 1996, you’ll see a wonderful array of costumed locals hit the streets, from children dressed as vampires to whole families of werewolves! I love dressing up for the occasion and taking part, but you don’t need to be in fancy dress to enjoy the fun. Around 30,000 people attend each year, so it’s a fantastic atmosphere to experience. Get ready to see goblins, ghosts and ghouls, and plenty of beautiful candlelit pumpkins.
Halloween in Limoges
Even after the parade, Limoges doesn’t stop celebrating. Check out local shops, restaurants and bars to find special events taking place throughout the city. You can attend story-telling shows, Halloween-themed parties and bars, street parties, themed fairs and more. In France, 1st November (All Saints Day, known as La Toussaint) is a national public holiday, so the people of Limoges use this as a good excuse to celebrate Halloween with gusto. However, All Saints Day is a highly-respected holiday throughout France, which is why many places in the country still don’t celebrate Halloween.
Les Fermes de Gally
Anyone passing through Paris to spend Halloween in Limoges should head to Les Fermes de Gally. 40-minutes west of Paris, this farm hosts brilliant pumpkin carving sessions for their annual pumpkin festival, La Fête de la Citrouille. Taking place from 26th to 31st October, it’s a great family event suited for kids aged 3 to 12 and their parents. Same-day tickets are sold at the farm from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 15:00 each day.
Embrace Halloween and carve your own pumpkin.
French phrases
Spending Halloween in France? Here are a few words and phrases to remember before you go:
Halloween – L’Halloween
Happy Halloween! – Joyeux Halloween!
A Pumpkin – Un citrouille
Candy, please! (Instead of “trick or treat”) – Bonbons s’il-vous-plaît!
Halloween costume – Le déguisement d’Halloween
A Ghost/phantom – Un fantôme
A witch – Une sorcière
A haunted house – Une maison hantée
You scared me! – Tu m'as fait peur!
A full moon – La lune entire
Jack-o’-lantern – Une citrouille-lanterne
Halloween is the best time for tasty candy!
Travelling to France for Halloween? With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle you can travel from Folkestone to Calais in only 35 minutes. Limoges is just a six-hour drive from Calais.