Bonjour, Croissant Crew!
Happy Easter weekend — whether you celebrate or not. Here in France, it’s a four-day affair: a long weekend with Monday off, giving families Sunday to gather and Monday to recover. After years of the American Friday-off version, I have to say the French approach just feels more civilized. More time to actually enjoy it.
The Easter Bell
One of the first things that surprises people about Easter in France is that the Easter eggs aren’t delivered by a bunny — they come from bells.
Specifically, the church bells, which fall silent from Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday in mourning. Legend has it that during this time, the bells fly off to Rome, returning on Easter morning loaded with chocolate eggs and sweets to scatter across gardens for the children to find.
France 24 put together a wonderful video (in English) that explains the bell tradition in depth, along with other French Easter customs — the meals, the rituals, the regional variations. Worth a watch if you’re curious.
Our Local Chocolatier
We stayed mostly traditional this year and picked up a chocolate bunny for Juliana from our local chocolatier, Maison Guinguet in Duras. Exceptional quality chocolate — and at just €5.50 (about $6), bought right from the épicerie in our village, it felt like a small miracle.
A Village Church and a Garden Full of Kids
The local Catholic church opened the gates to its garden for a children’s Easter event, and we stopped by. The church against that brilliant blue sky was simply too good not to photograph.
[Photo: Catholic church in Eymet, France]
Spring Is Here — And So Is Everyone Else
Easter weekend usually marks the turning point. The sun comes back, the village wakes up, and the first wave of tourists arrives for the two-week school holiday. The countryside comes alive again — and after a long, quiet winter, we are ready.
Wherever you’re reading this from, we hope your weekend is a good one. And whether a bell or a bunny finds you — may it come bearing excellent chocolate. 🍫
Baguettes and Butter Forever, Raina, Jason & Juliana ❤️
