Haunting French History: Halloween and Père Lachaise Cemetry

Halloween isn’t as big in France as in some countries. I’m yet to have a trick-or-treater at my door. Instead, it's all about All Saints' Day, the day after Halloween, a time of remembrance deeply embedded in French culture. From eerie tales to historical lore, I’ll be revealing why, in France, this time of year is about more than just tricks and treats.

But that's not all. We’ll wander through the winding paths of Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of legends. Often shrouded in the autumn mist, this cemetery isn't just about who's buried there; it's about the stories that linger like whispers among the mausoleums and monuments. 

So, join me as we discover how these traditions resonate with the French, the eerie allure of Père Lachaise, and lift the veil on the mysterious, historical, and deeply cultural aspects of Halloween and All Saints' Day in the heart of France.

For full notes and details on today’s episode see the links below:

• The History of Celebrating Halloween in France
• The Story Behind All Saints Day
• A Visit to Some Famous Graves in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• The French Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.
• Héloïse And Abélard the French Romeo & Juliet

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance