Different hemispheres – different seasons but lots we share…

• Celebrate à la française – Les jours feriés

There are two public holidays in November in France.
Le 1er novembre is La Toussaint
All Saints’ Day, a catholic festival when those who don’t have a saint’s day on the official calendar can celebrate.  In practice, it is the day when people go to the cemeteries to honour their loved ones. Traditionally, the tombs are decorated with chrysanthemums. These flowers are in season, frost resistant, and are symbol of peace and of the resurrection.

Le 11 novembre is l’Armistice.
This day marked the end of the First World War and is celebrated with ceremonies akin to our Anzac Day.

Beaujolais nouveau : le 19 Novembre
Every year, on the third Thursday of November, France celebrates the release of Beaujolais Nouveau — a young, fruity red wine made from the Gamay grape in the Beaujolais region of Burgundy, France. This much-loved French tradition brings people together to celebrate the arrival of the new vintage with wine, food and conviviality. The release is celebrated around the world, making it a wonderful opportunity to share a little taste of French culture.

Book your tickets now.  Be one of the first ones in the world to try the 2026 vintage.

The Association Française Tauranga has organised a degustation of the 2026 PIRON Beaujolais Nouveau at HIDE Thirst & Hunger from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on November 19th.

Tickets are limited so BOOK YOURS NOW !

The Association Française Tauranga, in association with Maison Vauron and Hide Thirst & Hunger, invites you to discover three Beaujolais wines in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with the option to enjoy specially paired canapés.

• Celebrate à la française – Les journées internationales

Le 3 novembre: Journée mondiale de la gentillesse : World Kindness Day
This day  is celebrated on November 13^th in the rest of the world and, until 2015 was in France also.  However, because of the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13^th that year, the date was changed to the 3^rd.

Le 6 novembre  : Journée mondiale sans papier : World Paper Free Day
Decide today if you are a paper hoarder or a paper purger or somewhere in between, and if you need to change. Do not confuse sans papier (paper free) with the des sans-papiers – people, usually migrants who have no documentation, and no proof of name or identity.

Le 19 novembre : Journée mondiale des toilettes: World Toilet Day
The sanisettes in Paris – self-cleaning public toilets that are wheelchair friendly, accessible to males and females, and environmentally friendly – have been free since 2009.  They have a rinse cycle after every use. Some people prefer to buy a coffee  and use a dry toilet seat in a café.    

Le 21 novembre La Journée mondiale de la télévision :  World Television Day
This was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996. UNESCO hopes/hoped to encourage the global exchange of television programs focusing on peace, security, social and economic development, and the enhancement of cultural exchange. There is no mention of TV reality shows. Perhaps we need a Reality Free Day as well.

Le 25 novembre: Journée internationale des professeurs de français :
International French Teachers’ Day
Super bonne idée ! What else can I say ?

Le 26 novembre : Journée mondiale de l’olivier : World Olive Tree Day
The olive tree is much more than merely a tree with a gnarled trunk;  it is the emblematic embodiment of the values of peace, wisdom and hope. Protect the trees and especially the values.

Le 27 novembre La Journée du chou-fleur :  Cauliflower Day
I don’t know why, but buy one today if you are planning on making a Cauliflower Salad or Cauliflower velouté with vadouvan -roasted cauliflower and chocolate. Bon appétit!
 

Le 28 novembre : Journée mondiale sans achats : Buy Nothing Day
It’s on the last Saturday in November, but just pretend it’s a Sunday afternoon in France.  Traditionally speaking, shops do not open in France on Sundays and the shopping week comprises 6 days, Monday to Saturday, with shops generally open from 9am to midday and 2pm -7pm. In rural areas, some stores will remain closed on Monday, too.  There are quite a lot of ‘buy nothing’ time slots. However the rules have changed in recent years. In urban shopping areas, most large shops such as department stores now operate what is called “la journée continue“, and do not close at midday.  Also, across France, you will now find supermarkets, DIY and gardening shops open on Sunday morning. In tourist areas the rules are more flexible, and all sorts of shops can now stay open all day.