Traveling To France In The Fall
Experience a beautiful country during a beautiful season.
Daydreaming about France again? Us too. With traveling on the mind, we thought to share some interesting tips about what the fall season feels like in France. If you've never been, you should know that large groups of people start gathering for traditional celebrations which only this time of year can bring. Among these celebrations, some favorites are the delicious 'Cider and Chestnut Celebration' in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue, the 'Fête des Sorcières' (the Sorcerers Festival) in Chalindrey, and the 'Fête du Piment' (the Pepper Festival) in Espelette. If you are like us, you just went off and started daydreaming again. Before you go, let us reel you back in with some very fun insights about each of these traditions with 'Traveling to France in the Fall.' Enjoy!
'Fête du Piment' (the Pepper Festival) in Espelette
In late October, over 200,000 people flood the south-western town of Espelette for this spicy daylong event. Honoring the red peppers from this regions, which originated in Mexico AND now belong as the staple in Basque cuisine, farmers sample and sell product during the festival. In addition, visitors can enjoy music, dance, awards ceremonies, eating and drinking.
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Fête des Sorcières (the Sorcerers Festival) in Chalindrey
The Fête des Sorcières has been held for nearly a century in the north-eastern cities of France, Chalindrey & Rouffach. This celebration is home to a 16th-century witch hunt and the infamous 'Devil's Point' in Fort du Cognelot. The festival focuses on remaining true to its Celtic roots rather than buying into the commercial side of Halloween. However, many guests show up dressed as witches & gobblins, so first-time visitors should beware that this event will likely give them a scare! For fun, there are exhibitions and screenings of scary films and, on the Saturday night of the festival, there is a large dance party. For the young festival-goers, there are face-painters and an election of a Miss Sorcière.
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The Cider and Chestnut Celebration in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
Vivid apple orchards and ancient chestnut trees are what grace the landscape of Sauveterre-de-Rouerge, a city that overlooks the Midi-Pyrénées region in the south of France. In October of each year, fresh apple cider is made and the city center brightens up with lively concerts and food vendors to celebrate the gorgeous atmosphere this town becomes in fall. Located in Ancizan, still in the Midi-Pyrénées, is the Museum of the Cider which allows guests to visit and observe how cider is made and to sample various types of cider. If you enjoy the outdoors and delicious cider, then this month long celebration is for you!
Image credit: www.guide2midipyrenees.com
Image credit: www.guide2midipyrenees.com
While there are many fun and exciting things to experience year-round in France, there is nothing quite like Traveling To France In The Fall! During this time, people come from all over the world to experience the various regions of France and, if you haven't experienced it yet yourself, it's something you should add to your wish list immediately! We hope you enjoyed reading about these unique fall traditions. Don't forget to add your comments and questions in the section below. For more French language and culture, check out our Group Classes & Private Lessons at www.jplinguistics.com. À bientôt!