Halloween

Halloween is not a French tradition although it is growing in popularity. Largely it is overshadowed by the Toussaint which occurs on the 1st of November and is a chance to remember the dead, place flowers on graves and gather with family.

But, like I said Halloween is growing in popularity. Around Fontainebleau you will find the correct pumpkins for sale at places like Fresh, Carrefour or at Les Jardins de Provence (a garden store). Finding the tools though is slightly harder and without buying them online the only place I have heard selling them is Gifi in Avon.

There are also events in many of the villages. Last year in my village there was both a small party run by the council, one by the tennis association and a trick or treat circuit for the children. It should be noted that the French tend to go for the more macabre side of Halloween than cute. It is not unusual to see a small blood soaked child waving a cleaver or other slightly terrifying masked children.

Of course it is all for the lollies.

Oh, and the French don't generally ask trick or treat, they ask candies or a spell.

Finally, if you are in central Fontainebleau, well they may not be having a ball in the Chateau as many of us would like, but they are having a Lollie scramble.