Easter for me has always been a time for gathering with family, for eating copious amounts of chocolate, for egg hunts and as a child for going to church with my grandmothers. This is the same in much of the English speaking world, but what goes on for Easter in France? In this episode I chatted to Alex Ganipeau from the French Hack about her memories of Pâques when she grew up in France. There are some traditions that are particular to France, such as the Cloches de Pâques, the Easter bells which depart France on Good Friday and fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, then returning to France on Easter Sunday dropping Easter eggs, candy and presents for all the children. The church bells all ring out in every French village on Easter Sunday and the kids start looking for eggs! Alex and I also talk about the pagan origins of the Easter traditions and other special ways it is celebrated in France. For tourists travelling through France across Easter, it is important to note that Good Friday is not a public holiday in France but Easter Monday is. For anyone interested in the Normandy Retreat as mentioned in this episode, email [email protected] for details. ** Louise Prichard is the host of the Loulabelle's FrancoFiles podcast. ** Other Loulabelle's links: FrancoFile Fix on YouTube Loulabelle's FrancoFiles Spotify Playlist Loulabelle's FrancoFiles Instagram Loulabelle's FrancoFiles website