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DATES OF INTEREST IN FRANCE TO PUT ON THE CALENDAR NEXT MONTH FEBRUARY 1 The _Pôle emploi_ (jobseeker service in France) will change its name to _France Travail_. The name change puts an

emphasis on getting back into work. Unemployment benefit recipients must prove they are actively seeking work or on a training course that could lead to a job. READ MORE: FRENCH JOBSEEKER

REBRAND AIMS TO INSPIRE ‘ACTIVE’ TAKE ON EMPLOYMENT The beginning of the month will also see electricity prices for most people rise by 9.8%, or 8.6% if on a regulated tariff. The changes

are due to the return of a certain tax on electricity (the _Taxe intérieure de consommation finale sur l’électricité_, or TICFE). READ MORE: SEE: MOST FRENCH ELECTRICITY BILLS TO RISE BY

9.8% IN FEBRUARY Finally, motorway tolls (péage) across the country are set to go up, by an average of 2.93%. FEBRUARY 2 Known as Candlemas in English, _La Chandeleur_ is a religious

celebration held on the 40th day of the Christmas-Epiphany season and is the traditional day on which to eat crepes in France. READ MORE: FIVE REGIONAL VARIATIONS OF FRENCH CRÊPES TO

DISCOVER ON LA CHANDELEUR The Six Nations rugby tournament kicks off on February 2. The first match sees France take on Ireland at the Orange Velodrome. FEBRUARY 10 Start of half-term

holidays for Zone C (until February 26). Chinese New Year (until February 15) is celebrated across France. Festivities begin with the rising of the second new moon after the winter solstice

which falls on February 10 this year. Expect to see fireworks, lanterns and dancing dragons. FEBRUARY 13 The last day of the carnival season and an opportunity to indulge in a meal of rich

or_ gras_ (fatty) foods before the start of Lent. READ MORE: MARDI GRAS: 12 TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL SWEET TREATS TO TRY IN FRANCE FEBRUARY 14 _La Saint-Valentin_ is a celebration of love. It is

usually celebrated with presents, bouquets of roses and romantic dinners with your partner. It has become increasingly popular to celebrate platonic love with friends. READ MORE: THE FRENCH

VILLAGE THAT CELEBRATES SAINT VALENTINE EVERY DAY FEBRUARY 17 Start of half-term holidays for Zone A (until March 4). FEBRUARY 21 World War Two Resistance hero Missak Manouchian will be

reburied in the Panthéon. FEBRUARY 24 Start of Paris International Agricultural Show (until March 3). The show is an important feature in the French political calendar and is often visited

by high ranking government officials. It is also the start of half-term holidays for Zone B (until March 11). FEBRUARY 26 Start of Paris Fashion Week (until March 5) for the women’s

winter/autumn 2024-25 collection. FEBRUARY 29 2024 is a leap year, or an _année bissextile_, meaning that there will be an extra day in February (on a Thursday). RELATED ARTICLES CHECK: WHEN

DO SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FALL IN MY PART OF FRANCE NEXT YEAR? KEY CULTURAL AND SPORTING EVENTS IN FRANCE IN 2024 PRESIDENT MACRON PAYS TRIBUTE TO RESISTANCE LEADER JEAN MOULIN