Celebrated on April 1st, April Fools’ Day in France is all about laughter, pranks, and having fun. If you are an international student in France, it is a great chance to experience French humor and learn about local traditions.
Here are some ways you can enjoy April Fools’ Day in France, from classic pranks to tasty treats.
The classic fish prank
Pranks on this day should be fun and respectful. Try to avoid anything that might embarrass or upset someone. Friendly and thoughtful pranks help everyone enjoy the day.
The most popular prank in France on April Fools’ Day is to tape a paper fish on someone’s back. When the person finds it, people shout “Poisson d’Avril“.
Why a Fish? There are different ideas, but one common story is that when the New Year changed from April to January in the 16th century, people who still celebrated in April were called “April Fools”. They were given fake fish to represent someone who is easily tricked.
How to participate as an international student
April Fools’ Day in France is not only for kids. People of all ages join in the fun, and you can join in the fun too!
Make your own paper fish
Try taping a colorful paper fish on a classmate’s back and see how long it takes them to notice. Or, leave a funny “Poisson d’Avril” note in someone’s notebook or backpack.
Other playful ideas
If you want to try more than just the fish prank, there are other playful ideas, especially for friends who like a little more mischief.
French students sometimes make fake announcements, like pretending a class is cancelled, but remember to reveal the joke quickly so no one is bothered. Another common prank is swapping the sugar and salt containers in the cafeteria. These tricks are usually just for close friends.
Share your home traditions with your peers
If you have traditions from your home country, try sharing them with your friends, classmates, and teachers. People are often interested in learning about other cultures, so do not hesitate to talk about your customs.
For example, in the US, it is common for celebrities or big brands to play pranks on social media, but you don’t usually see this in France. Sharing these stories can be a fun way to learn about each other’s cultures, and connect through laughter.
Fish-shaped chocolates and pastries
Bakeries and chocolate shops in France make special fish-shaped chocolates and pastries for April Fools’ Day, making the day extra sweet.
If you are an international student in France, you can find these fish-shaped chocolates at your local bakery or pastry shop. Around this time, supermarkets and stores also sell treats shaped like eggs, bells, rabbits, lambs, or roosters. April Fools’ Day is close to Easter, making early April a festive time of year.
Useful French vocabulary for April Fools’ Day
As we mentioned, in French, people say “Poisson d’Avril” when a prank is discovered. April Fools’ Day is also a good chance to learn some new words. Here are some common words and expressions:
| French | English |
| Une blague | A joke |
| Un canular | A prank (often more elaborate) |
| Une plaisanterie | A light joke |
| Piéger quelqu’un | To trick someone |
| Faire une farce | To play a prank |
| Faire marcher quelqu’un | To make someone believe something false |
| Se faire avoir | To get fooled |
To learn more about French culture and traditions, follow our Go! Go! France blog.
