I totally get what you mean. Valentine’s Day in France is a fairly recent thing—kind of like Halloween, actually.
I remember when Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating first started appearing in the late 1990s—it felt very much like a commercial import from the US.
And yet, over time, it found its place (even if it never reached the same level of enthusiasm as in Anglo-Saxon countries).
It’s interesting how traditions evolve.
Even the Santa Claus we know today—red suit, white beard, jolly laugh—wasn’t always part of French culture.
While Saint Nicolas had long been celebrated in certain regions, the American-style Père Noël only became mainstream in France around the 1950s, largely influenced by advertising and globalisation.
That said, I'm with you, Carnaval and Mardi Gras have much deeper roots in French and European traditions.
They bring a sense of joy, creativity, and festivity that is truly unique.
Anyway, thanks again for sharing your perspective—it’s always great to chat about how traditions shift and evolve! 😊🎭✨
Indeed I remember organizing Halloween brunches when I was a student in Toulouse in the 1980s & it was a totally unknown event and quite exotic for my French friends 🙂
I've been to all of these except Nancy, and spent a month in Strasbourg for a training course (formation.) You are so right to point out these other great cities in France.
Valentine's day did not exist in France, at all, until a few decades ago (I've lived in France since 1978) - it feels very much to me like an Anglo Saxon import for commercial reasons.
I very much prefer the other holiday commonly celebrated in February in France & Europe: Carnaval & Mardi Gras.
Thank you Lorraine for your comment!
I totally get what you mean. Valentine’s Day in France is a fairly recent thing—kind of like Halloween, actually.
I remember when Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating first started appearing in the late 1990s—it felt very much like a commercial import from the US.
And yet, over time, it found its place (even if it never reached the same level of enthusiasm as in Anglo-Saxon countries).
It’s interesting how traditions evolve.
Even the Santa Claus we know today—red suit, white beard, jolly laugh—wasn’t always part of French culture.
While Saint Nicolas had long been celebrated in certain regions, the American-style Père Noël only became mainstream in France around the 1950s, largely influenced by advertising and globalisation.
That said, I'm with you, Carnaval and Mardi Gras have much deeper roots in French and European traditions.
They bring a sense of joy, creativity, and festivity that is truly unique.
Anyway, thanks again for sharing your perspective—it’s always great to chat about how traditions shift and evolve! 😊🎭✨
Pierre
Indeed I remember organizing Halloween brunches when I was a student in Toulouse in the 1980s & it was a totally unknown event and quite exotic for my French friends 🙂
I've been to all of these except Nancy, and spent a month in Strasbourg for a training course (formation.) You are so right to point out these other great cities in France.
I'm definitely with you on Bordeaux and Dijon! Two of my favorite cities.
Two charming cities indeed! :)
i can vouch for all those cities! Of course my heart goes to Strasbourg ( where i lived for 5 years) and Nancy:)
Thank you for the article - Strasbourg is the best!!
You're welcome, Connie! Thank you for passing by!
Of this list I have been to Bordeaux and Lyon. Both beautiful. So many more to see.
Bordeaux and Lyon are both fantastic cities! So much more to explore indeed—hope you get to visit more soon! 😊
Thanks for that, Pierre. I've been to a couple (Aix & Strasbourg) so I might have to make the effort to see some/all of the others.
You're welcome, Tim! :)
Dijon and Annecy are the 2 I haven't explored yet. I'd add Toulouse to the list. I went to vet school there and lived there for 10 years. Loved it!
Valentine's day did not exist in France, at all, until a few decades ago (I've lived in France since 1978) - it feels very much to me like an Anglo Saxon import for commercial reasons.
I very much prefer the other holiday commonly celebrated in February in France & Europe: Carnaval & Mardi Gras.
That's awesome, thank you, Lina!