Covid boosters, train ticket deals: Dates to note in France in October

October 1

October 1 sees the start of the Octobre Rose campaign, which will run for the whole of the month and aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and related screenings.

A number of administrative changes also come into force from this date, the most important of which we cover in the articles here:

Read more: Eight changes coming in for residents of France in October

Read more: Tax, dentist fees, TV sport, letters: Ten practical updates for France

October 2

France’s nationwide Covid vaccination campaign will begin, offering vaccines at doctors and nurses surgeries, as well as certain midwife stations and in pharmacies.

Read more: Eligibility, flu jab: What to expect from France’s new Covid campaign

October 4

Train tickets for the Christmas period go on sale from this date.

TGV InOui tickets between December 10 and January 9 will be available, as will TGV Ouigo tickets (the low cost equivalent) between December 10 and July 5 (for certain routes).

The tickets are sold using a tier system so those who purchase early get the best prices and best seats.

October 6 – 20

The third annual French Fintech week will take place, which will also include a Fintech Cup Regatta in Morbihan.

It will see a number of events take place promoting innovative technologies in the financial technology sector, including talks, presentations, and interactive events.

October 13

A ‘general strike’ is being proposed by unions across several sectors for this day that could lead to both public and private industry walkouts.

The movement could see strikes across all of Europe and not just within France.

Transport services are expected to be hit hard, although full details have yet to be released by the unions.

Self-employed doctors have also announced their intention to strike on this day – many unions representing self-employed doctors have urged their members to engage in “renewable” strike action, with no defined end date.

Read more: Call for an unlimited GP doctors’ strike in France from October 13

October 16 – 22

La Semaine du Goût (Taste week) will be held across France to celebrate French culinary heritage.

It is the 34th edition of the festival, and will see artisanal producers and chefs alike participating… with plenty of good food available!

October 17

This is the start of the winter flu vaccination campaign in France. A change for this year is that the vaccine will be available to everyone directly from October 17, instead of offered in stages to different groups.

This is also the day the 2024 Finance bill will be presented to parliament.

October 19

The deadline to file requests for grants for lycée and collège state-school pupils.

October 21 – November 6

The Toussaint school break will last for two weeks, and falls on the same dates for children in all school zones.

Read more: Check: When do school holidays fall in my part of France next year?

October 28

The final of the Rugby World Cup will be held on this date at the Stade de France. Who are you hoping makes it to the final?

Read more: How to watch the rugby world cup on French TV for free

The changeover to winter time also takes place on the night of Saturday, October 28, into Sunday, October 29. At 02.00, clocks across the EU will be turned back by one hour.

In March 2019, MEPs voted to abolish the time change, before opting to postpone it so European Union member states could decide whether they wanted to stick to summer or winter time.

October 28 – November 1

The Salon du Chocolat will be held in Paris, featuring tasters and demonstrations by top chefs.