As much of Northern Europe – and indeed even the south – suffers from another dump of snow, surely it’s time to think forward to the spring, which we promise is not far away.
And where better to celebrate the Easter weekend than in a villa in Saint Tropez, where the sun will be shining and the chocolatiers full of delicious Easter gifts.
In fact, the countdown to Easter has already started here in Saint Tropez, home to our exclusive portfolio of luxury villas for rent Pampelonne Beach, with many shops across the town displaying beautifully crafted Easter eggs, chicks and bunnies.
The Easter weekend is without doubt one of our favourite holidays in Saint Tropez, and one that is also popular with clients looking for villas for rent Pampelonne Beach. In fact, it is an ideal time to come to the region as the weather is warming up, the days are getting longer yet the crowds which you see in the summer have yet to materialise.
France is predominantly a Catholic country and therefore Easter is widely celebrated. On Good Friday, those staying in a villa in Saint Tropez close to the church Notre-Dame de-l’Assomption may be aware that the bells fall silent. This is to acknowledge Jesus’ death. The bells will not ring again until Easter morning, which this year falls on March 31st, in celebration of the Resurrection.
As in many Catholic countries, Easter in France is very much a family holiday with relatives and friends getting together to for a big meal, which often features a dish with lamb.
However, this year, the schools in Saint Tropez will not have their annual spring holiday during this time, but two weeks after Easter. This is because state schools must take their holidays in three different time allocations, depending on where they are located in France
French children are not deprived of Easter altogether, however. Almost all companies and public service workers, as well as schools and colleges, have the day off on Easter Monday although Good Friday is a normal working day.
Another French tradition is that the Cloches – or flying bells – leave Easter eggs for children, and not the Easter bunny as in other parts of Europe.
It is said that on the same day that the bells are silenced, they fly to the Vatican in Rome, carrying all the sadness and grief of the people who mourn Jesus’ crucifixion. The bells fly back two days later, laden with chocolate and eggs which they bring for the children in celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection.
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