November 1st, or La Toussaint, is a quiet, contemplative holiday. Families honor deceased relatives by visiting cemeteries and placing chrysanthemums on graves.
A Day for Remembrance
While the day is solemn, it reflects the deep value the French place on memory and family. It is also a legal holiday, with schools and businesses closed.
In Île-de-France, the atmosphere in cemeteries like Père Lachaise is both respectful and deeply personal. Parisians often bring flowers and spend time quietly cleaning and decorating family tombs.
In Brittany, cemeteries light up with candles and lanterns. Some towns still hold vigils in Breton, maintaining ancestral traditions.
In Occitanie, Toussaint is an occasion for family reunions and meals shared after cemetery visits. Markets sell chrysanthemums weeks in advance.
Immersion Tip
Ask your host family or local contacts if you can accompany them to a cemetery. It’s a moment to observe how French people connect with their roots and pay homage.
