What is La Rentrée in France? Back to School, Work & Activities!

La Rentrée is literally the return to school after the summer holidays, but culturally, it signifies so much more. It signifies a shift in mindset – it is ‘back to work’ time. The fun is over!

For those with school-age children, you’ll have noticed that shops and supermarkets have been full of school bags and school supplies throughout August.

In France, schoolchildren (or rather their parents!) buy all their own stationery, and they are usually supplied with a list from the school detailing exactly what size and style of paper, folders, files, and specific equipment is required for each subject. Most families will receive a payment from the State (CAF) to cover some of these expenses.

Top tip: once La Rentrée arrives in September, it is much more difficult to find school supplies, so make sure you do your school shopping over the summer. It is also a great time to buy clothes in those summer sales, ready for ‘back to school.’

La Rentrée also signifies ‘back to work’ in France, as many businesses close over the summer period for at least two weeks – some may close for the entire month of August. This often comes as a shock to many of our Anglophone guests staying here in the beautiful Charente. Garages, plumbers, electricians, builders, and even restaurants may close in August as everyone takes their well-deserved holidays. So, if you are here waiting for your house purchase to go through, do not expect to be engaging any artisans any time soon! Their work has usually been pre-arranged for September and you may have a considerable wait for someone reputable.

In Britain, I was used to being able to dip in and out of various Pilates, Zumba and Women’s Institute groups throughout the year. I was able to ‘pay per session’ with a signature on a disclaimer form or completing a brief questionnaire at most.

Here, things work a little differently. Exercise classes, gyms, clubs, and the like expect subscriptions to take place predominantly in La Rentrée. It is in September that such groups welcome new members and restart their classes with their programme for the year, which ends in June/July.

Top tip: Prepare your paperwork as you may well be asked for a doctor’s certificate for exercise classes, your insurance documents, and a cheque or direct debit for the annual inscription!

Bonne rentrée a tous!