The rhythm
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School break: typically late Oct → early Nov (e.g., 18 Oct–3 Nov 2025; classes resume Mon 3 Nov). Dates are set nationally each year. (info.gouv.fr)
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Public holiday: 1 November (La Toussaint). Many families use the long weekend within the break to travel or gather. (French Moments)
What people actually do
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Cemetery visits. Families place flowers (nearly always chrysanthemums) and often clean and tend the grave—sweeping leaves, freshening plaques, lighting candles. It’s tender, unhurried, and communal. (French Moments)
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Time together. With schools closed, you’ll see multi-generational trips, countryside walks, chestnut roasts, and cozy lunches.
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A quiet Paris/Provence? Attractions mostly stay open, but offices and some shops may run “Sunday” hours on Nov 1. Travel hubs are busy at start/end weekends.
The tiny details outsiders miss (but locals take for granted)
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Never gift chrysanthemums to the living. In France they’re for the dead—full stop. Bring tulips or roses for your dinner host; leave the mums for Toussaint. (L'Alliance)
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Florists overflow onto sidewalks near cemeteries the last week of October—think pop-up alleys of colour. Prices are reasonable; plants are hardy for autumn chills. (French Moments)
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Grave-tending kits appear in carts: a small brush, sponge, rubbish bag, a watering can. You’ll see families chatting while they tidy—kids included. (L'Alliance)
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Nov 2 (Le Jour des Morts) exists too; practices often fold into Nov 1 because it’s the official day off. (Wikipedia)
Travel + planning tips (so you look très local)
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Book trains early for the first Friday/Saturday and the final weekend of the break; those are peak days in SNCF world. (SNCF Group)
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Museums/shops: Check special holiday hours for Nov 1; many major sites remain open, but local offices/banks close.
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Bring exact change (or a card) for cemetery flower stalls.
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Dress code: Dark or neutral colours, quiet voices. Dogs are generally not brought inside cemeteries.
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Want countryside vibes? Regional operators and TER pages often highlight Toussaint getaway ideas. (sncf-connect.com)
Words & phrases you’ll hear (and can try)
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« On va au cimetière pour la Toussaint. » — We’re going to the cemetery for All Saints’ Day.
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« On apporte des chrysanthèmes et on nettoie la tombe. » — We’re bringing chrysanthemums and tidying the grave.
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« Tu pars pendant les vacances de la Toussaint ? » — Are you travelling during the Toussaint break?
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« Attention, c’est férié le 1ᵉʳ novembre. » — Careful, Nov 1 is a public holiday.
Quick FAQ
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Is Toussaint religious or cultural? Both. Practicing Catholics may attend Mass; many non-religious families still keep the remembrance customs. (French Moments)
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How long is the break? About two weeks, set annually by the Ministry of Education (zones A/B/C don’t change Toussaint dates much). Check the official calendar each year. (Education Ministry)
We keep this post curated and kind because the tone of Toussaint truly is. It’s not a spectacle; it’s everyday tenderness, publicly shared.
Sources & further reading
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Official school calendar & Toussaint 2025 dates (Ministry / Service-Public). (Education Ministry)
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What is La Toussaint? Overview and customs. (French Moments)
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Chrysanthemums & cemetery traditions. (French Moments)
Your turn 👇
How do you spend Vacances de la Toussaint—and what surprised you the first time? Add a tip, a photo, or a short story.
Practice corner:
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A1: Write 3 sentences: where you go, with whom, and what you bring (use au/à la, avec, j’apporte).
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A2: Add a past memory using l’imparfait (Quand j’étais petit(e), on…) and one plan with futur proche.
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B1: Compare customs from your home country vs. France (use comparatives: plus… que / moins… que).
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B2: Summarize the significance of Toussaint in 120–150 words, weaving in register differences (family vs. civic vs. religious).
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Advanced: Write a brief op-ed on public rituals of remembrance in France, citing one historical or literary reference.
Post below and help newcomers feel at home during their first Toussaint 🇫🇷🕯️🌼
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