Chocolate, flying bells and a giant Omelette…..
In France, traditionally, the chocolate is brought not by the Easter Bunny but by flying bells…
As with many countries around the world, France celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter. It’s considered a very important few days in France, and many try to make it a long weekend to gather with family.
According to the religion, church bells should ring every day in order to invite the faithful to attend church. However, church bells do not ring from Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) to Christ’s Resurrection Day (Sunday) to celebrate this biblical miracle.
Easter bells or les cloches de Pâques – The church bells do not ring during these days because they sprout wings and fly down to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. The church bells then return to France laden with eggs and chocolates that are spread in the gardens all over France much to the delight of the children and some adults!.
Château de Vaux le Vicomte‘s near Paris, Easter hunt is one of the best in Île-de-France. Every year, for Easter weekend, the teams of the private castle bend over backwards to make children have fun and challenge older children with over 90,000 chocolates hidden in the 33-hectare landscaped garden.
Even in the small mountain village that I reside, Chocolate at the local Patisserie takes on many forms especially for easter.
Besides of the chocolate, the roasted leg of lamb is a very typical dish during Easter in France. Especially at Christian homes, it is very typical to taste this delicacy accompanied by seasonal vegetables and baked potatoes. Le navarin d’agneau is the name of this delicious dish that is often seasoned with Provence herbs.
Across France many regions have their own special Easter treat. In the Alsace region, there is a sponge cake in the shape of a lamb. This cake is called le lamala. In the Corsica region, there is a cake in the shape of a crown called le cacavellu and In the region of Provence there is a pie called la couve, which is supposed to represent a hen’s nest.
One of the more unusual traditions happens in the town of Bessières, in the south of France. On Easter Monday , they cook a giant omelette with literally thousands of eggs.
Other events to look out for over the Easter Weekend include the Special Local Markets that occur in the Alsace region. The Markets are the place to find Chocolate rabbits amongst other crafts and local produce.
Join us on our Alsace Biking Tour to experience the region for yourself.