Do the French celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is one of the most iconic American holidays : a time for family, food, and gratitude. But what about France? Is there such a thing as a “French Thanksgiving”? Let’s discover together how people in France experience this time of year, what Americans do when living there, and how you can bring a French twist to your Thanksgiving celebration!

Do people celebrate Thanksgiving in France?

Is Thanksgiving a French tradition?

No, Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in France. Unlike in the United States or Canada, French people don’t have a national holiday dedicated to giving thanks or eating turkey in November. In fact, many French people only know about Thanksgiving through American movies and TV shows.

Culturally, France places more emphasis on other fall traditions : such as La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st, which is a day off to honor the departed, or the “fête des moissons” (harvest festival), celebrated locally in some rural areas. These traditions are about family and remembrance rather than gratitude and abundance.

How do Americans living in France celebrate Thanksgiving?

For the thousands of Americans living in France, Thanksgiving remains a cherished tradition. They often host private dinners at home, invite French friends to share the experience, or join events organized by international schools, cultural centers, or American restaurants in major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux.

Some restaurants even offer special Thanksgiving menus, featuring roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, sometimes with a French twist!

Are there French equivalents to Thanksgiving?

Although there’s no direct French equivalent, you can find the same spirit of togetherness and appreciation in many French customs. For example:

• Family Sunday lunches : long, joyful meals that last for hours.
• Autumn food festivals, celebrating local products like chestnuts, mushrooms, or truffles.
• Wine festivals, such as the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration in mid-November.

So, while France doesn’t have Thanksgiving, it certainly knows how to celebrate the pleasures of the table!

🥖 What would a French-style Thanksgiving look like?

If you’re living in France or simply love French culture, you can easily create your own “French Thanksgiving”, mixing the warmth of the American holiday with the elegance of French cuisine.

French Thanksgiving menu ideas

Why not replace traditional American dishes with French ones?

Here’s a sample French Thanksgiving menu to inspire you:

• Starter: Pumpkin soup with chestnuts or a warm goat cheese salad.
• Main course: Roasted capon with herbs, gratin dauphinois, and seasonal vegetables.
• Dessert: Apple tarte tatin, walnut tart, or crème brûlée

French wine to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner

The French take wine pairing seriously! Here are some perfect French Thanksgiving wine ideas:

• White wines like Chablis or Sancerre pair beautifully with turkey and creamy sides.
• Red wines such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir complement rich flavors without overpowering the meal.
• For dessert, try a sweet wine like Sauternes or a sparkling Crémant for a festive touch.

Traditional French dishes that could fit a Thanksgiving table

Many classic French dishes naturally suit a Thanksgiving-style feast:

• Potimarron rôti (roasted red kuri squash)
• Gratin dauphinois
• Duck breast with honey sauce
• Tarte aux noix or clafoutis with autumn fruits

📚 Learn Thanksgiving vocabulary in French

Essential French words for Thanksgiving

To talk about Thanksgiving in French, start with these words:

Useful phrases to talk about gratitude and family

Expressing thanks is an important part of the celebration! Here are some common French expressions:

• Je te remercie de tout cœur. — I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
• Je suis reconnaissant(e) pour… — I’m grateful for…
• C’est un plaisir d’être ensemble. — It’s a pleasure to be together.

🍂 What can you do in France in November instead of Thanksgiving?

Discover authentic fall traditions in France

If you’re in France in November, you can enjoy authentic French fall experiences:

• Visit autumn markets and taste local delicacies.
• Discover new wines and regional festivals.
• Warm up with hearty seasonal cuisine and cozy cafés.

👉 Read our article about what to do in autumn in France

Visit charming regions without the crowds

November is a peaceful time to explore France, no summer crowds, lower prices, and warm hospitality. Discover some of our favorite regions:

• Provence for mild weather and olive harvests.
• Bordeaux for vineyards and gastronomy.
• Brittany for seaside walks and crêpes by the fire.

Learn French in immersion during the calm of November

Autumn is a perfect season for a French immersion stay: cozy, authentic, and ideal for focused learning.

Enjoy personalized lessons and share warm meals with your host teacher while experiencing real French life.