French Christmas Carols
and Traditions
French Christmas Carols are sung during the season from Christmas in Paris to the Strausbourg Alsace cathedral midnight mass and into the countryside. French Christmas traditions in France includes singing these beautiful French Christmas carols from Advent until New Years.
French Carols are an easy way to learn basic French. Many of the tunes are similar to English Christmas carols which makes it easy to learn French words as you sing and have fun at the same time.
French Christmas Carols
"Minuit, Chrétiens" (also known as "Cantique de Noël")
Minuit, chrétiens
C’est l’heure solennelle
Où l’Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu’à nous.
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de son Père arrêter le courroux.
Le monde entier tressaille d’espérance
À cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.
Peuple à genoux,
Attends ta délivrance!
Noël! Noël! Voici le Rédempteur.
Noël! Noël! Voici le Rédempteur.
Tranlslation
Midnight, Christians,
It's the solemn hour,
When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.
People kneel down,
Wait for your deliverance.
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!
The Buche de Noel (yule log) is a French holiday tradition at Christmas for dessert. Make it yourself with this yule log recipe.
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Christmas in France is a very exciting time of year. All over the country there are special activities and French Christmas carols fill the air.
"Vive le Vent"
(sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells")
Vive le vent, vive le vent,
Vive le vent d'hiver!
Qui s'en va sifflant, soufflant
Dans les grands sapins verts.
Vive le temps, vive le temps,
Vive le temps d'hiver.
Boule de neige et jour de l'an
Et bonne année grand-mère ! (bis)
Sur le long chemin
Tout blanc de neige blanche.
Un vieux monsieur s’avance
Sa canne dans la main
Et tout la-haut le vent
Qui siffle dans les branches
Lui souffle la romance
Qu’il chantait petit enfant.
Translation
Live the wind, live the wind,
Live the winter wind!
Which goes whistling, blowing
In the big green Christmas trees.
Live the weather, live the weather,
Live the winter weather.
Snowball and New Year's day
And Happy New Year Grandma! (repeat)
On the long road
All white with white snow.
An old man walks
His cane in hand
And all the high-wind
Whistling in the branches
Whispers romance
He sang a little child.
"Mon Beau Sapin"
(Sung to the tune, "O Christmas Tree")
Mon beau sapin, roi des forêts,
Que j'aime ta verdure! (bis)
Quand par l'hiver, bois et guérets
Sont dépouillés de leurs attraits.
Mon beau sapin, roi des forêts,
Tu gardes ta parure.
Toi que Noel planta chez nous
Au saint anniversaire, (bis)
Joi sapin comme ils sont doux,
Et tes bonbons et tes joujoux,
Toi, que Noel planta chez nous,
Tout brillant de luieres.
Translation
My beautiful tree, king of the forest,
I love your green!
When the winter woods and fallow land
Are stripped of their attractions.
My beautiful tree, king of the forest,
You keep your dress.
You stuck with us as Christmas
In the holy birthday
Joi tree as they are soft,
And your candy and your toys,
You, as Christmas planted among us,
Any bright luieres.
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Helpful Articles About the Custom of French Culture:
The culture of France has many rich traditions and customs to explore.
Wine is an important part of French culture and tradition. Visit the French wine regions for a culture filled trip of wine tasting and beautiful scenery.
Christmas traditions in France have many customs unique to different regions.
Learn about all the delicious variety of French Christmas desserts .
Visiting France? You’ll want to know about:
France food menu guide for easier ordering.
The best airport in France closest to your destination.
Top tourist attractions in France.
Helpful Paris articles:
Paris facts to know before you go.
The Louvre Paris France
The French radio station Neige Folle plays French Christmas carols and holiday music from France and Canada. Late November to December 26.
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