Pâques en France Easter (Pâques) in France is associated with many food-related traditions.
Before Lent (le Carême) comes Mardi Gras (‘Fat Tuesday’). Traditionally, this day was the last chance to enjoy rich foods before the fast. Parades are held throughout France, with a huge carnival taking place in Nice (le Carnaval de Nice). Sweet pastries, such as crepes (des crêpes), waffles (des gaufres) and deep-fried doughballs covered in icing sugar called beignets, are enjoyed.
As well as Easter eggs (les œufs de Pâques), chocolate bells (les cloches en chocolat) are traditional in France. They represent the story that France’s church bells ‘fly away’ to Rome on Good Friday, only to return on Easter Sunday with lots of treats!
A traditional main course in the Easter Sunday meal is gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb), prepared with herbs (des herbes) and served with spring vegetables (des légumes de printemps).
Joyeuses Pâques (Happy Easter) is the greeting exchanged during this period.
