What is the Poisson d’avril in France?

In the UK, people generally know April 1st as April Fool’s Day and treat outlandish media stories with healthy scepticism. For example, some older readers may even remember the famous “spaghetti harvest” dating from the mid-1950s…

In France, the traditions of silliness and pranks are popular too, especially with children – with the first day of the month known as the Poisson d’avril. Let’s look at the origins of this day and find out what the Poisson d’avril means to the AXA Marthon team… such as sticking paper on people’s backs!

The origins of Poisson d’avril

In 1564, King Charles IX’s decision to move the New Year to January 1^st from April 1^st – which had also been a time for exchanging presents – met with some resistance within the French population. People enjoyed their New Year’s tradition giving presents and it took a long time for its citizens to adjust to the change.

This reluctance gradually inspired the evolution of April 1st pranks; over time, people stopped giving genuine gifts and started making humorous deceptions like fish-shaped cakes and paper fish. Why fish? During the period of Lent, the prohibition of eating meat led people to eat fish instead.

Popular Poisson d’avril events in France

The Poisson d’avril continues to be popular – and there have been many celebrated pranks.

Almost forty years ago, in 1986, Le Parisien published an advert announcing the Eiffel Tower’s move to Marne-la-Vallée, where the Disneyland park was under construction. In addition, officials declared they would replace the famous Parisian landmark with a 35,000-seat stadium for the Olympic Games.

The Paris métro likes to participate as well. In 2016 the Pyrénées station became “Alpes,” Alexandre Dumas became “Les Trois Mousquetaires” (The Three Musketeers) and Quatre Septembre became “Premier Avril”.

More recently in 2023 the city of Paris announced the idea of building an artificial beach on the Champs-Élysées.

The AXA Marthon team recall their favourite Poisson d’avril moments

Virginie recalls childhood memories of paper fish on her back: “I have a few memories of fish stuck to my back when I was at school, and now I’m helping my son prepare them!”

Karine too remembers tricks played when she was young: “I have memories of school, where the most classic moment was to stick a paper fish on the teacher’s back.”

It’s not only fun for children, but adults too as Florent explains: “I remember being the victim of a Poisson d’avril joke by my wife; the story is long but it still makes me laugh.”

Bon Possion d’avril!

Insurance France is the trading name of AXA Marthon. We are an English and French speaking AXA agency, taking care of your insurance so you can enjoy your life in France.

To find out more please contact us below for a free, no-obligation quotation:

Phone: +33 (0)5 45 70 43 76

Email: agence.florentmorin@axa.fr

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