What Happens in France in November: Events, Festivals & Key Dates

The first of November is All Saints Day – la Toussaint, and it is a time when people remember their loved ones who are no longer here. It is a public holiday, and families gather in cemeteries, placing chrysanthemums on graves. This is why you see all the chrysanthemums for sale at this time of year – do not make the mistake of buying them to decorate your garden – this would be viewed as very strange indeed.

Families generally spend time together reminiscing and remembering loved ones.

These are the school holidays which take place usually straddling the end of October and the beginning of November. They last two weeks, and many seize the opportunity to visit family. It also means that many attractions are open, and there is plenty to do – check with your local Tourist Office.

All over France, Mairies provide a Service at the commune’s WWI Memorial, often followed by a ‘pot d’amitie’ or a meal within their commune/parish. In France, the flower of remembrance is a cornflower – a bleuet and not a poppy. Flower displays (often of chrysanthemums) are placed at the War Memorial, and this is a time to come together and to remember.

This celebration starts on the third Thursday of November each year – stocks come into restaurants, wine cellars and supermarkets, and it is an opportunity for a meal with friends.

Les Gastronomades

Angouleme city sees its 30^th edition of this exceptional Food Festival with demonstrations, tastings and a real foodie vibe around Angouleme on the 29^th and 30^th of November 2024. It is an ideal opportunity to buy an extra special Christmas gift and to learn how to cook with regional specialities such as Pineau des Charentes. We have guests booking a stay with us in our gite each year who attend Les Gastronomades, such is its popularity.

Paris Chocolate Show

The Paris Chocolate Show takes place from the 30^th of October until the 3^rd of November. Expect live chef demonstrations, meet the producers, competitions, performances and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate!

Salon des Vins, Paris

This year is the 46^th annual Wine Show for Independent Producers from all over France, taking place in Paris from the 28^th November until the 1^st December, 2024. Our very own Loic Pelletant and the Queron family, Cep Enchante, both from just down the road here in the beautiful Charente, exhibit their wines and Cognac.

November is a good time to visit ‘out of season’ if you’re not a sun-seeker. It is a lovely time to experience all the seasonal produce and to begin to think about Christmas gifts. Our gite guests have stocked up their Christmas wine cellar and have enjoyed a fabulous food tour of the Charente.