Celebrate Halloween the French way with pumpkin creme caramel, a witch's festival and the day off.
Halloween, although a traditional Celtic festival, is starting to become popular with children all over France. This pagan festival actually originated in Ireland, Britain and Brittany (a Celtic region of France), although it faded into obscurity here long ago. Now there is a resurgence.
Chocloatiers and patisseries are decorating their shop windows with chocolate masks and Halloween sweets, lollies are beginning to be sold in individually wrapped pieces for trick or treating and Jack O lantern makers can now visit a farm just outside of Paris to pick their own pumpkin.
Pumpkin Creme Caramel is becoming popular with the French for Halloween. The ultimate in comfort food is being improved by pureed pumpkin, aromatic spices and a hint of maple syrup.
In Chalindrey the Fete des Sorcieres is held every year has has been for almost the past 100 years. Chalindrey is home to the Ford du Cognelot known as Devil's Point where there was a witch hunt in the sixteenth century. This festival is not about the commercialization of Halloween but rather a celebration of its Celtic beginnings. A haunting dance is held, screenings of scary films, face painting and the election of Mademoiselle Sorciere.
Other Halloween celebrations include Disneyland Paris of course where there is a major Halloween party each October 31, Limoges hosts an a Halloween celebrations including its annual strees show, story telling and markets and Chateau De La Roche Guyon, just outside of Paris is open for visitors to be spooked on the evening.
November 1, the day after Halloween is All Saints Day, a public holiday that dates back to the seventh century. It is the day that the French honour the dead. It is a wonderful day to visit cemeteries, where tombs are lavishly decorated with flowers and personal items.
One of the most eerie cemeteries in the world is Pere de la Chaise where the following are buried: Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, Honore de Balzac - French novelist of the 19th century, Frederic Chopin - Polish composer - His heart is entombed within a pillar at the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw, Poland. Moliere - French playwright, edith Piaf - French singer, Marcel Proust - French novelist, essayist and critic and Oscar Wilde - Irish novelist, poet and playwright. By tradition, Wilde's admirers kiss the art-deco monument while wearing lipstick.
The perfect accommodation for Halloween in Paris is found at Les Hotels Puarticulers which provides luxury accommodation in historic buildings around France. Travelzoo has an exclusive offer where you can stay at one of three properties around Paris and pay just $164 (99 Euros) per room, per night. Not only can you can save up to 60% OFF the normal rates at these deluxe hotels, but you will also receive breakfast for two (valued at $22-$27 per person) and a glass of champagne on arrival. This special offer applies to the following properties:
- Abbaye des Vaux Cernay (Yvelines): A luxury hotel nestled in a 65-hectare park near Rambouillet, 64km from Paris. Features include two tennis courts, swimming pool and a wellness centre with gym, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and solarium.
- Chateau du Marechal de Saxe (Essonne): Formerly belonging to the Marshal of France, this castle is surrounded by a beautiful private park, has 30 stylish rooms and houses an indoor pool and fitness equipment. It is located in Yerres, about 25km from Paris.
- Chateau d'Ermenonville (Oise): This prestigious hotel is a showpiece of Enlightenment architecture and a haven of tranquility located in the Oise, 40km from Paris. It has served as the setting for many films, such as The Visitors.
The only catch with this offer is that you need to have dinner at the hotel, but at unique properties like these we think it's worth it. You can choose from either the restaurant menu or specials board, with prices starting from approximately $50 (30 Euros) per person.
This offer is available for stays until 15 January, 2010. Book by 18 October.
Visit www.travelzoo.com.au.
Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan is a freelance writer and publicist. Her client list includes the independently researched deals from Travelzoo.
