Halloween
Halloween is not traditionally a French celebration, although its popularity has been steadily growing in recent years. It remains somewhat overshadowed by La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st — a national holiday dedicated to honouring the dead, placing flowers on graves, and gathering with family.
That said, Halloween is increasingly visible in the Fontainebleau area. You can find proper carving pumpkins for sale at places such as Fresh, Carrefour, or Les Jardins de Provence (a garden centre). Tools for pumpkin carving can be harder to come by — unless you order online, the only local shop known to stock them is Gifi in Avon where they are called 'Kit de Sculpture Citrouille'.
Many villages now host Halloween activities. Last year, for example, our local council organised a small party, the tennis association hosted another, and there was even a trick-or-treat route for children. Be aware that French Halloween costumes often lean towards the macabre rather than the cute — it’s not uncommon to see a small, “blood-soaked” child waving a plastic cleaver or other delightfully ghoulish characters roaming the streets.
Of course, it’s all about the sweets in the end!
And instead of saying “trick or treat,” French children typically ask, “des bonbons ou un sort ?” — literally, “candies or a spell?”
Finally, if you’re in central Fontainebleau, you may not find a grand ball at the Château (as many of us might wish), but there will be a lively lolly scramble to enjoy.
Halloween 2025
2025
25th October
26th October
The Crossroads Halloween Party!!!
27th - 28th October
Stage Street Art Par Flc : Graffe Ton Cauchemar
29th October
Halloween Au Théâtre Municipal De Fontainebleau
31st October
Chasse Aux Bonbons Par L'UCAIF
La Tribu Des Jeux "Halloween" À La Médiathèque De La Charité Royale
Soirée Halloween (Reservation needed)
Crossroads Halloween Party
There will of course be the Crossroads Halloween party as well with face painting, pumpkin decorating, trunk or treat, and more. Join the Fontainebleau districts premier expat community with family for Halloween Fun.
More details to come...
