While many anglophone countries welcome Easter with bunnies and egg hunts, en France, the celebration takes on a distinctly charming and spiritual flavor. French Easter—Pâques—is a blend of faith, folklore, and gourmandise (indulgence), wrapped in centuries-old traditions.
The Tale of the Flying Bells — Les Cloches Volantes
Perhaps the most poetic tradition is that of les cloches volantes. According to legend, church bells (les cloches) fall silent from Jeudi Saint (Maundy Thursday) to Dimanche de Pâques (Easter Sunday) to mourn the death of Christ. Children are told that the bells fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope and return on Sunday morning, ringing joyfully as they scatter des œufs en chocolat (chocolate eggs) across gardens and homes.
This replaces the Easter Bunny (le lapin de Pâques) in many regions of France, especially la campagne (the countryside), where the ringing of bells carries great emotional and religious significance.
Chocolate and More Chocolate — Le Chocolat de Pâques
French chocolatiers treat Easter as a work of art. From classic eggs (œufs), to fish (poissons, a nod to Poisson d’avril on April 1st), and even hens (poules) and bells (cloches), the creations are magnifiques. Shops like Maison du Chocolat and Patrick Roger turn their windows into edible exhibitions.
Families often gather for a big déjeuner pascal (Easter lunch), which may include gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb), seasonal vegetables, and a nid de Pâques—a decorative cake shaped like a nest.
A Musical Touch — Une Chanson de Pâques
Though not as common as Christmas carols, there are Easter-themed songs in French culture. One such children’s rhyme is:
🎵 “Les cloches sonnent, ding, dang, dong,
Elles reviennent de Rome, ding, dang, dong…” 🎵
Simple and sweet, it captures the magic of the bells’ return and is often sung in écoles maternelles (preschools).
For a more modern musical nod, the chanson “Printemps” by Jacques Brel touches the heart of Easter—rebirth, hope, and reflection. While not explicitly about Pâques, the imagery of le printemps aligns beautifully with the spirit of renewal.
Easter in France is less commercial, more symbolic—a mix of quiet reflection and joyful celebration. Whether you believe in les cloches volantes or just love good chocolate, Pâques en France offers something deeply human and beautifully French.
Joyeuses Pâques à tous ! 🐣🔔🍫
