Why is November 1 a bank holiday in France, what is it traditional to do and are shops open?
The day is widely known as the fête des morts
Most major chains will be open on November 1, albeit with reduced hours for many
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The Toussaint bank holiday on November 1 sees many shops and services shut as people visit cemeteries to remember their loved ones for the fête des morts, although the day of the dead actually falls on November 2.
The name Toussaint is an abbreviation of tous les saints or All Saints’ Day, which is a Catholic holiday celebrating all Christian saints.
However the celebration today is widely associated with remembering the dead rather than celebrating saints.
Catholics mark the day by attending a church service and many go on to celebrate the bank holiday by eating with family and friends and visiting graveyards where they place chrysanthemums in memory of loved ones.
Read more:Why are chrysanthemums the flower of Toussaint in France?
For many, November 1 is also the first of two consecutive three-day weekends in France, as November 11 (Armistice Day) falls on the Monday after the next weekend.
Are the shops open on November 1 in France?
Opening hours are determined on a case-by-case, rather than a national basis, however the major supermarket chains are likely to be open, albeit with many operating a shorter day.
Only Lidl has produced a national breakdown of all its opening times, which you can consult here.
For othershop, including DIY and garden centres, you should check the individual shop’s opening times online or call them to make sure they are open before visiting.
Local shops are more likely to be closed, however many bakeries will be open in the morning.
Public services are closed throughout France on November 1.
