All about Easter
![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/kaja-reichardt-5gybfex7kwg-unsplash-scaled-440x410.jpg)
A religious and pagan festival
Easter is undoubtedly the most important festival in Christianity, as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. Christians and Jews celebrate it every year in April, during the spring full moon. But Easter isn't just a religious festival, it's also an opportunity to celebrate spring after the long (and cold!) winter months. In France, bells are traditionally rung throughout the year, except at Easter, when they are silent from Maundy Thursday to Holy Saturday. During this period, the bells go off to Rome to be blessed, and on the way back they pour out sweets, much to the delight of the children, who set off on an egg hunt as soon as past midday!
Easter in the world
There are different ways of celebrating Easter around the world, each one unique to its own culture.
- In Germany, there are no bells, but a rabbit, just like in some French regions. The origin of the Easter bunny comes from a German legend in which a poor woman, unable to give her children sweets, decorated eggs which she hid in the garden. The children saw a rabbit and thought it had laid the eggs.
- In Italy, the tradition is to eat "Colomba", a cake in the shape of a dove, a symbol of good news.
- In Spain and Portugal, the three Holy Days are public holidays, and celebrations prepared months in advance take place in the streets.
- In the United States, the Easter bunny brings sweets to children and a big egg hunt is traditionally held in the gardens of the White House.
- In Scandinavia, tradition encourages people to get up early to watch the sun dance. Its yellow colour is used in Easter decorations.
Three reasons fo celebrating Easter in the French Riviera
![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/climat-esterel-cote-dazur-400x340.jpg)
A great climate
With the return of spring, temperatures are mild and pleasant! It's the perfect time to take a stroll around the Estérel massif. Avoid the heat, crowds and traffic jams of July and August and enjoy the magnificent scenery. What's more, the flora and fauna are particularly abundant in April. What are you waiting for? This is your chance to take some magnificent photos to share with friends and family, and for the brave, to take their first swim of the year!
Must-see destinations :
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/mobylette-vintage-400x340.jpg)
Attractive prices
Whether it's accommodation or leisure activities, prices are generally lower at this time of year. Take the opportunity to spend a week at a campsite on the French Riviera or discover the Estérel with your family on an electric mountain bike!
Other activities on the French Riviera :
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/evenements-esterel-cote-dazur-400x340.jpg)
There are plenty of outdoor events!
The return of good weather means the return of events! In April, you can attend and/or take part in a host of sporting events, as well as discovering local produce at the many open-air markets!
Unmissable events:
DiscoverEaster events in Esterel French Riviera
Take advantage of Easter to take part in the various events organised in the Estérel Côte d'Azur region: trails, traditional festivals, markets, etc.
Here are a few ideas for outings:
![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/chasse-aux-zoeufs-du-clos-des-roses-2-580x370.jpg)
The Clos des Roses egg hunt
The "Chasse aux Z'Œufs" returns to the Clos des Roses in Fréjus on 30 March 2024. It's the perfect opportunity for your children to explore the forest at the Domaine in Fréjus! What's more, the Domaine has plenty of surprises in store for them: an egg hunt, chocolate prizes, a snack, entertainment, a small farm, a face painter, a Disney parade and creative stalls. Departures are scheduled for 10am-11am-2pm-3pm and 4pm (prices: €15/child, of which €1 goes to charity). Accompanying adults enter free of charge and will even have the opportunity to discover the estate's vintages. What are you waiting for? Book now for a day of fun and chocolate!
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/bain-de-paques-roquebrune-sur-argens-580x370.jpg)
The Easter bath
Celebrate the arrival of Easter with a festive swim in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, on the beach of San Peïre. When is the event? Sunday 31 March 2024. Before taking to the water, a musical warm-up, orchestrated by a dance association, will enliven and motivate the brave bathers. There will also be an egg hunt to delight young and old alike, an enchanting tradition where laughter and surprises mingle with the search for the precious coloured eggs hidden by the mischievous Easter bunny. Please register on site. Wine and hot chocolate offered by the municipality to enhance this special day.
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rando-et-trail-les-lucioles-580x370.jpg)
Fireflies walk and trail
On Saturday 20 April 2024, enjoy an unusual experience during a night-time hike or trail. Two trail and hiking routes of 7 and 14 km are also on offer. You'll cross natural and historic sites illuminated at the foot of the Roquebrune sur Argens rock... Races for children born between 2011 and 2017 are also on the programme. Don't forget to register online before 18 April 2024!
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/le-chocolaterie-du-rocher-580x370.jpg)
Meet the chocolatier du rocher
Take advantage of the Easter holidays to meet an artisan chocolatier who will show you the secrets of chocolate making! During this 1-hour group outing, you'll be able to enjoy a chocolate drink, find out how chocolate is made and discover the characteristics of handmade chocolate. Recipes will be developed especially for Easter! Tastings are scheduled throughout the visit. Minimum 10 people, €4/person, at Roquebrune-sur-Argens. If you're an individual, you should know that the Roquebrune-sur-Argens tourist office organises gourmet walks during the school holidays!
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/bravade-frejus-580x370.jpg)
Fréjus Bravade
Every year, Fréjusians honour Saint-François-de-Paule, who saved the town from the plague in 1482. The historic centre is alive with parades, dances, precessions and masses. The Bravade takes place from 20 April to 22 April.
Discover![](https://www.esterel-cotedazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/frejus-nature-580x370.jpg)
Fréjus 100% nature
From 13 to 14 April 2024, come and discover "Fréjus 100% Nature", a springtime event in the historic heart of the town, focusing on relaxation, discovering nature, gastronomy and fun activities. From 9am to 6pm, you can enjoy expert advice, guided tours, entertainment, plant sales, exhibitions and free workshops for children.... In short... A unique event offering total immersion in nature, with a variety of activities for all ages!
DiscoverIdeas for fun activities in the French Riviera
FOR CHILDREN
- Dive to discover the beauty of the underwater world
- Go mountain biking, cycling or even on a tandem bike with the whole family
- Discover the wildlife and nature parks on the French Riviera
FOR FAMILIES
- Go canoeing and kayaking on Lake Perrin in Roquebrune-sur-Argens
- Take a buggy ride through l'Estérel
- Horse-riding in the Esterel massif
FOR THE ADVENTUROUS
- Climb the Via Cordata at Dramont
- Discover the Esterel on a mountain bike
- Sail to the Ile d'Or in a RIB
- Admire the sunset over the French Riviera on a catamaran