Experience Easter on a barge cruise holiday in France

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If you’re looking for a change of scene over the Easter period, why not celebrate the season on a barge cruise holiday in France? From Easter eggs to Easter bells, here’s a taste of the traditions and festivities you can look forward to in France in spring.

The Tale of The Easter Bells

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The Tale of The Easter Bells

Whilst the English speaking world might be familiar with the notion of Easter eggs being delivered by the Easter bunny, in France, there is the tradition of the Easter bells, les cloches de Pâques.

As a sign of mourning ahead of the Crucifixion, from Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) the Church bells cease to ring, sounding again only on Easter Sunday in celebration of the resurrection and heralding the approach of spring.

The story goes that the church bells grow wings and ribbons, fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, before returning to their steeples, delivering chocolate, chicks, rabbits, lambs and sugared eggs to children on route.

Just like English children may go on Easter egg hunts, in France, following the announcement that ‘les cloches sont passées’, children will rush out to hunt for their treats, or ‘la chasse aux oeufs’.

Eggs and Elephant Ears

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Eggs and Elephant Ears

Easter coincides with the start of spring, so in France this occasion is often celebrated with seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, peas, and – of course – lamb. Lamb is also symbolic of the sacrifice made by Jesus during the Crucifixion.

On a typical menu you might spy Easter pate, also known as Paté de Pâques. Another quaint tradition, during Easter in certain parts of France, the eating of eggs was forbidden during Lent, so during this period, any eggs laid would be hard boiled and set aside to be saved for Easter.

Wrapped in a pork mix and encased in pastry, this pate is more of a terrine or pork pie, fantastic for picnics.

A traditional Easter dessert is ‘elephant ears’ also known as Palmiers, a crispy, puff pastry, cinnamon delicacy, so named for their auricle shape.

Toast the coming spring

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Toast the coming spring

Wine festivals are celebrated throughout the seasons in France, but for ambience, history and palette tingling pleasure, it’s hard to beat the wine fair in Tonnerre, held annually at the end of March.

Attracting around 3,000 connoisseurs and wine lovers, this fair is held in the enchanting surrounds of the old Hospices of Tonnerre, which date back to 1293, predating the Hospices in Beaune by some 150 years.

Tonnerre is roughly two hours from Paris and nestled on the road to Compostela, set not far from the Burgundy Canal. An atmospheric setting, where King Edward once lodged with his army during the 100 Years War, sip on sublime wine from more than 60 exhibitors, whilst appreciating the fascinating history of this 13th century former alms house, sampling artisanal delicacies and perusing the craft stalls.

Join us

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See spring in from the serenity of the waterways, and discover a unique side of France and its traditions, in a relaxed and intimate manner, from the comfort of the C’est La Vie.