Key dates in France this November
From public holidays to a wine celebration and cultural events, we look at some days to mark in your diary
Some key dates include two public holidays in France, and the start of numerous legal obligations that come into force on November 1
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November 1
The Toussaint public holiday falls today November 1, with many people in France visiting cemeteries to pay respect to their dead loved ones with chrysanthemums.
It is also the date when the winter truce for property rentals and the start of snow tyre season for cars begins, with both of these lasting until March 31, 2024. It is also the start of the mois sans tabac.
Read more: Eight changes for French residents taking effect from November 1
The international gastronomy fair also begins on this day in Dijon (and runs to November 12). Guest countries this year include Vietnam, Canada, Italy and Ireland.
November 6
Children in all school zones will return to school after the first half-term break on this date.
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Christmas holidays start on Saturday December 23 in all three school zones.
A debate on changing immigration laws will start in the Senate on this day – one of the proposals would see those seeking multi-year residency permits to pass a French test with a minimum level beforehand.
November 7
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Bills for the taxe d'habitation (second-home tax) will be available to view through the French tax website from this date, through the 'Espace Particulier' section.
If you pay the tax in monthly installments, it will be available on November 20 on the site.
In both instances, an email will also be sent informing you that the avis is available to view.
Alternatively, households opting to receive paper copies will be sent out between November 8 and November 20 for one-off payments, or between November 22 and November 29 if paying monthly.
November 9
The national day against bullying will take place today with schools dedicating at least two hours of lesson time to the subject.
Children of certain age groups will also be asked to fill out anonymous forms about bullying.
Read more: IN IMAGES: How France plans to tackle school bullying
November 11
A public holiday for Armistice Day falls on November 11.
Services will commemorate the end of World War One and honour the veterans of both world wars across France. There will be a minute of silence nationwide at 11.00.
Read more: Remembrance Day: where to buy your poppy – or ‘bleuet’ – in France
November 16
Beaujolais Nouveau arrives on this day – every third Thursday in November, when the new vintage of the designated wine is released, with parties and tasting events.
Read more: What are IGP/AOC/AOP labels on French products?
This will also be the day that the European Court of Justice has its hearing on the rights of Britons to vote in EU elections.
November 23
The sixth ‘DuoDay’ event will promote inclusion of people with disabilities in the French labour market. It also aims to change people’s perception of disability.
Read also: Models with disabilities are focus of photographer’s new French show
November 24/27
Online shoppers have two days to bag themselves a bargain with Black Friday (November 24) being followed by the more tech-focused Cyber Monday (November 27).
Traditionally, Black Friday marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
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