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5 classic French Christmas movies

If you're getting in the mood for a good Christmas film but can't face another viewing of Elf, Home Alone or Love Actually, here are some suggestions for classic French Christmas films, compiled by cinema club Lost in Frenchlation.

Published: 4 December 2023 12:06 CET
Updated: 24 December 2023 08:28 CET
5 classic French Christmas movies
Photo by Nikolay DOYCHINOV / AFP

If you’re in the mood to try something new, here are some French Christmas classics just waiting to be discovered – and one of them might become your new favourite holiday movie (although a quick note that French Christmas films are often a little darker than their saccharine US counterparts). 

Joyeux Noel (2005)

Joyeux Noel, directed by Christian Carion, is a film about the famous unofficial truce that took place in the First World War trenches on Christmas Eve of 1914.

French, German, and British soldiers cease hostilities to celebrate the holiday together in no man’s land. The film highlights the universal desire for peace and humanity amidst the chaos of war. This film was nominated for an Academy Award in 2005.

Le Père Noël est une ordure (Santa Claus is a stinker) – 1982

A hilarious and dark French comedy that follows the absurd and chaotic events at a helpline for troubled individuals on Christmas Eve.

With its irreverent humour and memorable characters, this film is recommended for those seeking a hilarious and unconventional take on the holiday season. It’s currently available on Netflix. 

La Bûche (Seasons Beatings) – 1999

A heartwarming French film filled with humour and charm. Set during a dysfunctional family’s Christmas gathering, it follows the quirky dynamics, unexpected revelations, and ultimately, the power of love and forgiveness.

A delightful holiday movie perfect for cosy nights with friends, offering laughter and warmth.

Un conte de Noël (A Christmas Tale) – 2008

A captivating French film that brings family dynamics, estrangement, and emotional depth during the holiday season. With stellar performances and a nuanced script, it explores the complexities of relationships, forgiveness, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.

A must-watch for cinephiles and holiday-goers alike.

Les Bronzés font du Ski – 1979

A classic French comedy – a sequel to Les Bronzés – this follows a group of friends on a ski vacation.

With its hilarious antics and quirky characters, it’s a great choice for those in search of a lighthearted, laughter-inducing film set in a snowy winter wonderland. Perfect for a fun, holiday-inspired watch.

If you are interested in seeing Les Bronzés font du Ski, look no further than Lost in Frenchlation’s event on December 28th. At Luminor Hôtel de Ville, Lost in Frenchlation will be hosting a live stand up comedy show followed by a showing of the film, subtitled in English. Full details here.

By Henry Keohan

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WHAT CHANGES IN FRANCE

What to expect on May 1st in France

Demonstrations, flowers, closures, traffic and rain - here's what to expect if you're in France on May 1st 2024.

Published: 29 April 2024 10:45 CEST
Updated: 1 May 2024 06:20 CEST
What to expect on May 1st in France

May 1st is a significant day in the French calendar, with a lot of history and events around the country.

Here’s what to expect this year;

Day off

May 1st is a public holiday and this year it falls on a Wednesday, meaning a day off for most workers.

It forms an opportunity to ‘faire le viaduct’, so don’t be surprised if your colleagues have booked either the Monday and Tuesday or the Thursday and Friday off work to create an extended break.

Closures

Most workplaces will be closed on Wednesday, including all public administration offices such as préfectures and mairies. Some smaller offices may also have revised opening hours for the rest of the week if their staff have booked extra holiday, so it would be worth checking in advance if you’re planning a visit.

The Eiffel Tower will be open but both the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay close on May 1st. If you’re planning a visit to a smaller site it is worth checking in advance.

Smaller independent shops will mostly close for the day, some larger businesses and chains may be open but with reduced hours. Many supermarkets will close for the day.

Some restaurants, cafés and bars will stay open but many others will close so it’s definitely worth booking or at least checking opening hours if you are planning dinner or drinks out.

Employees who work on May 1st are entitled to get paid double wages (rather than simply getting an extra day off as is the case for other public holidays) which is why many businesses prefer to close. Some of France’s bigger tourist attractions close for only two public holidays – Christmas Day and May 1st.

Demonstrations 

May 1st has, since 1889, been International Workers’ Day and around the world there are demonstrations and marches held on the day as a demonstration of international solidarity.

This is a tradition that France has embraced with enthusiasm and most towns and cities will have a manif (demo). These are mostly organised by trade unions and are in the main calm and peaceful – families take their kids and there is music and snacks at the departure points.

There are serious subjects to be addressed, however, and this year many of the marches are focused on the rising cost of living and the increasing number of people living in a precarious financial situation, although some marches will also focus on issues such as gender inequality and climate change, while others will prioritise local issues such as funding for schools.

Expect road closures along the demo route and a heavy police presence – as is common with demos, there may be some trouble or violence towards the end of the march in the bigger French cities.

In Paris the demo will set off from 2pm from the Place de la République and head to Nation. Between 15,000 and 30,000 people are expected in Paris and nationwide the turnout is estimated at 150,000 – a steep fall from last year when around 800,000 turned out to protest against pension reform. 

Flowers

Before it was International Workers’ Day, May 1st was a festival with pagan roots celebrating the arrival of spring, and some of the traditions hark back to that.

In northern France you may (possibly) still see the ‘May tree‘ – a tree that a young man plants outside the home of the woman he wanted to marry.

Meanwhile all over the country you will see stalls selling bunches or pots of the pretty white lily-of-the-valley flowers (muguet).

These are a tradition going right back to the 1500s and are said to bring good luck. Florists and supermarkets sell them but you’ll also see temporary stalls set up, many run by trade unions or leftist groups who are raising funds for their organisation.

Muguet: France’s lucky May flower

Weather

Tradition might say that May 1st ushers in the return of les beaux jours, or the beautiful, sunny days of spring and summer, but this year the weather appears to have other ideas.

Unusually cold weather will persist through the week, with May 1st forecast to be rainy in many areas.

Traffic

If you’re heading to a popular local leisure spot like a beach or make on May 1st traffic might be heavier than usual, but traffic watchdog Bison futé has no alerts listed for Wednesday. Instead, traffic is predicted to be heavier on Saturday as people return from their extended ‘pont’ weekend, while the school holidays also finish for Zone B (northern France plus Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur).

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