Bastille Day, New Year and Other French Traditions
Talk about the holidays and customs that shape the French year, from the fête des voisins to the 14th of July.
On the 14th of July France celebrates its national day with fireworks and, the night before or on the day, firemen's balls held in fire stations. On 21 June the Fête de la musique fills streets with free concerts, and on 1 May, a bank holiday, people give each other sprigs of lily of the valley for luck. You can wish people « Bonne année » until the end of January, and weddings must take place at the town hall, usually followed by a vin d'honneur open to a wider circle of guests.
- 1
Qu'est-ce que vous faites pour le 14 Juillet, ici ?
What do you all do for the 14th of July here?
- 2
Il y a un feu d'artifice ce soir.
There's a fireworks display tonight.
- 3
On va au bal des pompiers ?
Shall we go to the firemen's ball?
- 4
Bonne année, meilleurs vœux !
Happy New Year, all the best!
- 5
On peut souhaiter la bonne année jusqu'à fin janvier.
You can wish people Happy New Year until the end of January.
- 6
Tu fais quoi pour le réveillon du Nouvel An ?
What are you doing for New Year's Eve?
Tip: To a friend.
- 7
Le 1er mai, on s'offre du muguet.
On 1 May people give each other lily of the valley.
- 8
C'est férié, les magasins sont fermés.
It's a bank holiday, the shops are closed.
- 9
On fait le pont.
We're taking the extra day off to make a long weekend.
- 10
Tu vas à la Fête de la musique ?
Are you going to the Fête de la musique?
Tip: To a friend.
- 11
Il y a des groupes à chaque coin de rue.
There are bands on every street corner.
- 12
On organise la fête des voisins.
We're organising the neighbours' party.
- 13
Chacun apporte quelque chose.
Everyone brings something.
- 14
Comment tu as fêté ton anniversaire ?
How did you celebrate your birthday?
Tip: To a friend.
- 15
Dans ta famille, vous vous faites des cadeaux ?
Do you give each other presents in your family?
- 16
Chez moi, on fait ça différemment.
Where I come from, we do it differently.
- 17
Ils se marient à la mairie en juin.
They're getting married at the town hall in June.
- 18
Il y a un vin d'honneur après la cérémonie.
There's a drinks reception after the ceremony.
- 19
Je ne raterais ça pour rien au monde.
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
- 20
C'est une tradition que j'aime beaucoup.
It's a tradition I really like.