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Dec 12

12th December - So how do the French celebrate Christmas?

So how do the French celebrate Christmas?

From tomorrow we are going to start the 'Clé's Countdown to a French Christmas', each day we will publish an article about Christmas in France, how it differs from the UK and America as well as other European cultures. Some of the quirks as well as the religious and traditional festive activities, we hope you like our 12 days of a French Christmas countdown.

In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family reunions, gifts and chocolates for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and le Réveillon.

We still arrange and meet with clients during December and over the holidays for property viewings in France, vendors still want to sell their house in France and you may have some time off work to visit France to look at some lovely French Houses BUT make sure you give us enough notice as it can be a busy period and of course most of our offices will have periods of closure over the festive period.

Christmas in France

The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region. As you would expect most regions celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, which is a bank holiday. However, in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on 6 December, la fête de Saint Nicolas, and in some provinces la fête des Rois* is one the most important holidays of the Christmas season. In Lyon, 8 December is la Fête de lumières, when Lyonnais pay hommage to the virgin Mary by putting candles in their windows to light up the city.

*Epiphany (la fête des Rois) is usually celebrated the 6th of January, but in some places in France it is celebrated the first Sunday after January 1st.

French Christmas Traditions

French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace, in the hopes that Père Noël (aka Papa Noël) will fill them with gifts. Chocolate, fruit, nuts, and small toys will also be hung on the tree overnight. In some regions there's also Père Fouettard who gives out spankings to bad children (sort of the equivalent of Santa giving coal to the naughty). Pere Noel, like Santa, has a long, white beard, but wears a long, red robe that is trimmed with white fur and hooded. He is also portrayed as being thin, rather than fat.

AND shopping in France is as big an event as in the UK and eslewhere of course.

In 1962, a law was passed decreeing that all letters written to Santa would responded to with a postcard. When a class writes a letter, each student gets a response.

Le Réveillon

Reveillon is a huge traditional feast that takes place over the holiday season. It is eaten late at night, following Christmas Eve mass. What is served largely depends upon which area of the country you live in. This is probably one of the best reasons to visit France during Christmas. Although fewer and fewer French attend la Messe de Minuit on Christmas Eve, it is still an important part of Christmas for many families.

Le Réveillon is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ's birth and is the culinary high point of the season, which may be enjoyed at home or in a restaurant or café that is open all night. Each region in France has its own traditional Christmas menu, with dishes like turkey, capon, goose, chicken, and boudin blanc (similar to white pudding). Examples of some the dishes served are oysters, pâté de foie gras, turkey, goose, salads, fruit, a Yule Log and, of course, wine.

Throughout the French Christmas season, there are special traditional desserts:

  • La bûche de Noël (Yule log) - A log-shaped cake made of chocolate and chestnuts. Representative of the special wood log burned from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day in the Périgord, which is a holdover from a pagan Gaul celebration.
     
  • Le pain calendeau (in southern France) - Christmas loaf, part of which is given to a poor person.
     
  • La Galette des Rois (on Epiphany) - round cake which is cut into pieces and distributed by a child, known as le petit roi or l'enfant soleil, hiding under the table. Whoever finds la fève - the charm hidden inside - is King or Queen and can choose a partner.

French Christmas Decorations

The sapin de Noël is the main decoration in homes, streets, shops, offices, and factories. The sapin de Noël appeared in Alsace in the 14th century, decorated with apples, paper flowers, and ribbons, and was introduced in France in 1837.

Another important aspect of French Christmas celebrations is the crèche filled with santons, which is displayed in churches and many homes. Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the Nativity are commonly performed to teach the important ideas of Christianity and the Christmas celebration.

Mistletoe is hung above the door during the Christmas season to bring good fortune throughout the year.

After Réveillon, it's customary to leave a candle burning in case the Virgin Mary passes by.

Is that Carol singing?

Some traditional French Christmas carols include "Un Flambeau", "Petit Papa Noel", "La Marche des rois", "Venez Divin Messie", "Nouelle Agreable" and "C'est la jour de la Noel."

Cle France Currency Guide link

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

2 CommentsViews: 22038
Dec 11

Currency Market Insight - 11th December 2025

Ask Us about Forward Contracts.

It could be a good option for you, here's why...

At the moment, Bank of England Interest Rate is 4%, they will announce the next decision on Thursday 18th December 2025.

The days leading up to the 18th December are critical to currency markets and pose a high degree of potential risk.

Interest rate decisions are the primary focus for banks and traders.

Australia, the US, the UK and Europe are all making major decisions before the end of next week.

Rate cuts are highly anticipated for both the States and here in the UK.

Therefore, as it's expected, it's already "priced into" exchange rates. In other words traders have already traded with the belief that a rate cut will occur.

It's when things go against expectations that high volatility occurs.

Certainly, here in the UK, there's a mixed bag of news moving markets. Is there a "black hole" in public finances....or isn't there?

Does the Bank of England need to cut rates to stimulate growth? Or does it need to keep rates where they are to try and curb inflation?

We will find out over the coming days.

Here at Regency FX we can help mitigate risk if you have an upcoming currency conversion with the use of limit orders and forward contracts.

For more information on either of those options please give your dedicated account manager a call.

Economic calendar:
UK: Friday 07:00 GDP Report
UK: Thursday 18th DEC Interest Rate Decision.

So what next, what should you do?

As ever we look forward to keeping you in the loop and so please look out for our next update.

Our friendly currency experts are here to assist you and guide you through the markets, we offer a first-class service and even an online platform so you can monitor your transaction in real time.

Our business ethos is based on bank beating rates and fantastic customer service, click the link below for a no obligation quotation and see the savings for yourself.

Don’t wait. Contact us now.

Or to find out our latest rates, click below.

Regency FX Get a Quick Quote

Get ahead of the game and read our Guide to Foreign Currency Exchange.

Download the Guide Here - with no obligation of course.

Kind regards, 
David Evans 
Co-Founder of Cle France.

  1. Great exchange rates
  2. Quick and easy transfers
  3. No transfer fees
  4. Expert help and guidance
  5. Authorised by the FCA

Current rates: 

Thursday 11th December 2025 at 08:00am

£1.00 GBP = 1.1435 EUR

£1.00 GBP = 1.3370 USD

£1.00 GBP = 2.0125 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 2.3050 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.8480 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 1.0695 CHF

  • Want to Learn More?

  • We have created a selection of Free PDF Guides for you to download covering many aspects of buying property abroad, visit our PDF Guides Page today or download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document.
  •  
    • At Clé France / Regency FX, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.
    • We are pleased to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.
    • As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Regency FX.

Cle France Currency Guide link

How to Save Money on your foreign currency transfers

  • Regency FX can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than your bank.
  • Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.
  • All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.
  • Cle France has partnered with Regency FX, a trusted and fully safeguarded currency exchange provider, to bring you even better service and exclusive benefits when transferring money internationally.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 91
Nov 25

Autumn Budget News - 25.11.2025

How will the Autumn 2025 budget affect you?

On November 26, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present one of the most anticipated Budgets in recent years. Concerns are rising over expected tax hikes, frozen tax bands, reduced pension perks and significant changes to how property is taxed. With a fiscal gap of nearly thirty billion pounds and pressure from high inflation, many households and investors could face higher costs.

Here is a full breakdown of what could be coming and why now is the time to prepare.

Bank of England

What’s On The Government’s Tax Agenda?

Recent signals from the Treasury, combined with rising economic pressure, suggest several significant changes may be announced.

- Income Tax threshold freeze likely extended to 2030, quietly pulling more people into higher tax bands.

- Clampdown on pension perks, including a potential £2000 limit on how much salary can be put into a pension through salary sacrifice

- Mansion tax style measures, meaning extra council tax charges for homes above £1,500,000 or a yearly tax on properties valued above £2,000,000.

- National property tax on sales above £500,000, with the cost moving from buyers to sellers and increasing the expense for homeowners looking to sell.

- NI charges on landlord rental income, adding extra pressure on landlords already hit by recent regulations and tax changes.

- Cash ISA allowance cut to £12,000, reducing tax free saving space and increasing tax exposure for savers.

What You Need To Know Before Moving a Large Sum of Money

The biggest financial risk of the Autumn Budget is not just higher taxes. It’s the timing. When governments announce major changes, currency markets often react immediately. Sterling can fall sharply within minutes and stay unpredictable for days or even weeks.

If you need to move money overseas for a property purchase, an investment transfer, business payments or any high value personal transaction, waiting until after November 26 could leave you with less than you planned for.

Regency FX Get a Quick Quote

How Can You Protect Yourself From Budget Day Volatility?

Budget announcements often trigger immediate swings in the value of Sterling. A single policy shift can push the market in the wrong direction, reducing the return on a large transfer in seconds.

Securing your rate before November 26th is the safest option. It gives you complete clarity over what you will pay at a time when markets can shift without warning.

For example, if you are buying a property abroad and need to convert from GBP, even a small percentage move in the exchange rate can change your total cost by thousands of pounds.

Locking in your rate removes that risk and lets you plan with confidence, knowing exactly what you need to pay to achieve the amount required.

Using a Forward Contract to Lock In Your Rate

There is a way to protect yourself from the volatility that could hit during the Autumn Budget. A forward contract allows you to secure today’s exchange rate for a transfer you plan to make in the future.

This means that even if the pound drops after the Budget, your rate does not. You are protected from volatility, unexpected announcements and market panic. It is one of the most effective tools for anyone moving large sums of money abroad.

We can lock in a forward contract for you now with just a 10% deposit and you can draw down the full amount anytime within 12 months, giving your transfer complete protection ahead of the Autumn Budget.

Staying Ahead Of The Budget Announcement

The Autumn Budget is unpredictable. Exchange rates are unpredictable. The combination poses real risk to anyone moving money across borders.

Regency FX helps clients secure stronger rates now, lock in value ahead of market swings and avoid the financial damage that can follow major government announcements.

Most major transfers can be completed the same day. No hidden fees. No uncertainty. Just more money staying in your pocket rather than being lost to the markets.

Don’t wait. Contact us now.

Or to find out our latest rates, click below.

Regency FX Get a Quick Quote

  • Want to Learn More?

  • We have created a selection of Free PDF Guides for you to download covering many aspects of buying property abroad, visit our PDF Guides Page today or download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document.
  •  
    • At Clé France / Regency FX, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.
    • We are pleased to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.
    • As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Regency FX.

Cle France Currency Guide link

How to Save Money on your foreign currency transfers

  • Regency FX can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than your bank.
  • Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.
  • All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.
  • Cle France has partnered with Regency FX, a trusted and fully safeguarded currency exchange provider, to bring you even better service and exclusive benefits when transferring money internationally.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

© RegencyFX. Unauthorised copying or re-wording of this blog content is prohibited. Any unauthorised copying or re-wording will constitute an infringement of copyright. The copyright of this content is owned by Regency FX Ltd.

Add CommentViews: 167
Nov 19

Currency Market Insight - 19th November 2025

Countdown Is Commencing to the Autumn Budget.

Have you ever known a more anticipated Budget?

With just a week until the Autumn budget there could well be a bit of volatility in the air for the Pound.

Recent, modest gains could easily be wiped out or added to.

For the Chancellor there was slight relief this morning with the UK inflation rate showing a down tick to 3.6%.

However the markets look to be a bit risk averse at the moment with the fizz coming out of most asset classes.

With the US Government back open for business again there's a bit of catching up to do reporting wise.

The highlight is the much anticipated non farm payrolls tomorrow which is a delayed report from September.

Analysts believe the job market in the States isn't the shiniest right now.

It's most likely Friday that will see the biggest moves though as global manufacturing and services data is published.

All in all it could be a good time to speak to your dedicated account manager here at Regency FX to check in on what's ahead.

Economic calendar:
USA: Thursday 13:30 Non-farm Payrolls
EURO: Friday 09:00 Manufacturing and Services Report
UK: Friday 09:30 Manufacturing and Services Report
USA: Friday 14:45 Manufacturing and Services Report.

So what next, what should you do?

As ever we look forward to keeping you in the loop and so please look out for our next update.

Our friendly currency experts are here to assist you and guide you through the markets, we offer a first-class service and even an online platform so you can monitor your transaction in real time.

Our business ethos is based on bank beating rates and fantastic customer service, click the link below for a no obligation quotation and see the savings for yourself.

Don’t wait. Contact us now.

Or to find out our latest rates, click below.

Regency FX Get a Quick Quote

Get ahead of the game and read our Guide to Foreign Currency Exchange.

Download the Guide Here - with no obligation of course.

Kind regards, 
David Evans 
Co-Founder of Cle France.

  1. Great exchange rates
  2. Quick and easy transfers
  3. No transfer fees
  4. Expert help and guidance
  5. Authorised by the FCA

Current rates: 

Wednesday 19th November 2025 at 11:30

£1.00 GBP = 1.1340 EUR

£1.00 GBP = 1.3120 USD

£1.00 GBP = 2.0210 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 2.3295 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.8375 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 1.0515 CHF

  • Want to Learn More?

  • We have created a selection of Free PDF Guides for you to download covering many aspects of buying property abroad, visit our PDF Guides Page today or download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document.
  •  
    • At Clé France / Regency FX, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.
    • We are pleased to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.
    • As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Regency FX.

Cle France Currency Guide link

How to Save Money on your foreign currency transfers

  • Regency FX can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than your bank.
  • Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.
  • All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.
  • Cle France has partnered with Regency FX, a trusted and fully safeguarded currency exchange provider, to bring you even better service and exclusive benefits when transferring money internationally.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 210
Nov 5

Currency Market Insight - 5th November 2025

UK Interest Rate Looms

It is a pretty tight call, so all eyes will be watching…

Thursday sees the Bank of England makes its interest rate decision.

It looks nailed on to be held at 4%.

However the expected vote count by the MPC is for 3 to vote for a cut.

That's a pretty tight call, so all eyes will be watching.

With the budget already being discussed 3 weeks away, and with yesterdays press conference by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, she might be hoping for a cut to help stimulate economic growth.

If there is a cut or the vote count is different to expected it could be a bumpy ride for the Pound as the week draws to a close.

Over the pond there's something to get Dollar teeth into on Friday being the non farm payrolls. The last couple of readings have been a bit dismal, and only 50,000 are expected to have been added in October.

All around there could be turbulence ahead. Our dedicated account managers are on hand to provide any help they can if you have an upcoming currency conversion requirement.

Economic calendar:
UK: Thursday 12:00 BoE Interest Rate Decision
UK: Thursday 12:00 MPC Vote Count
UK: Thursday 12:30 BoEs Andrew Bailey Speech
US: Friday 13:30 Non Farm Payrolls.

So what next, what should you do?

As ever we look forward to keeping you in the loop and so please look out for our next update.

Our friendly currency experts are here to assist you and guide you through the markets, they offer a first-class service and even an online platform so you can monitor your transaction in real time.

Our shared business ethos is based on bank beating rates and fantastic customer service, click the link below for a no obligation quotation and see the savings for yourself.

Don’t wait - Contact us now - Click Below.

Regency FX Get a Quick Quote

Also, why not get ahead of the game and read our Guide to Foreign Currency Exchange.

Cle France Currency Guide link

Get ahead of the game and read our Guide to Foreign Currency Exchange.

Download the Guide Here - with no obligation of course.

Kind regards, 
David Evans 
Co-Founder of Cle France.

  1. Great exchange rates
  2. Quick and easy transfers
  3. No transfer fees
  4. Expert help and guidance
  5. Authorised by the FCA

Current rates: 

Wednesday 5th November 2025 at 10:30

£1.00 GBP = 1.1350 EUR

£1.00 GBP = 1.3030 USD

£1.00 GBP = 2.0110 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 2.3075 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.8415 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 1.0575 CHF

  • Want to Learn More?

  • We have created a selection of Free PDF Guides for you to download covering many aspects of buying property abroad, visit our PDF Guides Page today or download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document.
  •  
    • At Clé France / Regency FX, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.
    • We are pleased to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.
    • As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Regency FX.

Cle France Currency Guide link

How to Save Money on your foreign currency transfers

  • Regency FX can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than your bank.
  • Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.
  • All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.
  • Cle France has partnered with Regency FX, a trusted and fully safeguarded currency exchange provider, to bring you even better service and exclusive benefits when transferring money internationally.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 372

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