In France, the 12 million children are required to go to school from ages six to sixteen. Every school, even university, can be free. Visit the French Embassy's Information Pages on L'ècole in France. Browse the other links to find out about life in France.

"Our school is called "les Prunus" because there are many trees around. The Prunus is a state school and it is very old. There are about 220 pupils aged from six to eleven. After (they graduate) they will go to the College. Most of them play soccer, handball, basketball, judo, karate or a few dance. We work all day from 8h30 to 11h30 and 13h30 to 16h30, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday is free. We have two month holidays in July and August and ten days in October; fifteen days at Christmas; fifteen days in February and fifteen days in April."

--Recher JL Director, les Prunus

Kitty's French Family Marie's brother	Whitney's French Family Damien playing soccer
Whitney's French Family Damien playing the drums	Rachel's French Family Vincent playing a video game
The french students celebrate birthdays, "Bon Anniversaire," much the same way that we do; with cake, ice cream, presents, and games. Visit the French embassy's web site to play hangman game with French cognates.
The French have many beautiful traditions associated with their holidays. On Christmas day, all the kids lay their shoes by the fireplace. Then Père Noel either fills their shoes with coal or candy. At Columbian, in our French class we each took one shoe off and put it in the hallway. Then Père Noël filled each of them up with candy and other treats.

What is Bastille Day? What Christmas Traditions take place in France and Canada? Festivals are one way to celebrate special events. Find out more about the Festivals of France.

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