French families bring chrysanthemums, usually in pots, to family graves on 1 November, the day known as La Toussaint. At abcFlora, we offer seasonal flowers, plants and sympathy arrangements delivered by local French florists, so you can send flowers to France this autumn with a gesture that comes across as caring rather than awkward.
The chrysanthemum habit spread across the country after World War I, when a call in 1919 asked people to leave tributes on soldiers’ graves. Over time, that merged with the cemetery visits families already made at the start of November.
Table of Contents
-
Why Are Chrysanthemums the Traditional Flower for La Toussaint in France?
-
What Other Flowers Besides Chrysanthemums Do French Families Place on Graves for La Toussaint?
-
Why Do the French Bring Fresh-Cut Flowers or Potted Plants to Cemeteries on La Toussaint?
-
What Should Overseas Senders Know About Timing Flowers for La Toussaint in France?
Why Are Chrysanthemums the Traditional Flower for La Toussaint in France?
For La Toussaint, the French turn to chrysanthemums because they bloom late in autumn and cope well with the cold, keeping graves colorful when most other flowers have faded. At abcFlora, we want you to know that chrysanthemums in France stand for honoring loved ones, not celebration.
That meaning grew stronger once tributes to fallen soldiers merged with the cemetery visits families already made on 1 November. Today, the flower belongs almost entirely to graves, funerals, and this time of year.
What Other Flowers Besides Chrysanthemums Do French Families Place on Graves for La Toussaint?
Along with mums, French families often choose heather, cyclamen, and seasonal wreaths for La Toussaint, since all of them hold up well in the cold. At abcFlora, we offer seasonal flowers and plants that suit the same quiet, lasting mood. Here are the usual La Toussaint flowers and decorations you will spot:
-
Heather: Small and tough, it comes in soft purples and pinks and handles damp November weather with ease.
-
Cyclamen: Dainty blooms in white, pink, or red that add color without feeling heavy.
-
Wreaths (Couronnes de Toussaint): Round tributes made from plants and flowers, laid on the headstone.
-
Mixed Autumn Pots: A blend of seasonal plants for a fuller look.
Why Do the French Bring Fresh-Cut Flowers or Potted Plants to Cemeteries on La Toussaint?
On La Toussaint, families often go for potted plants because they survive weeks of cold weather, while cut stems wilt fast outdoors. At abcFlora, we offer both fresh flowers and plants, so you can choose what suits the setting, since a living plant keeps honoring a loved one well after the visit is over.
Fresh-cut flowers still turn up now and then, usually for a quick visit or a personal touch. All Saints’ Day flowers are about care as much as color. Many families also tidy the headstone and light a candle on the same trip, so the flowers are only one piece of the ritual.
French gifting manners cover things like which blooms to pick and how to present them, so a quick read can save you from a misstep. For a full rundown, read What Etiquette Should You Follow When Sending Flowers in France?
What Should Overseas Senders Know About Timing Flowers for La Toussaint in France?
For La Toussaint, placing your order about a week before 1 November is the safest move, since local florists fill up fast and many families buy early. At abcFlora, we suggest you leave some breathing room with your flower delivery to France, so the flowers land ahead of the day rather than right on top of it. Here are a few tips to help you:
-
Order Early: Florists in France get swamped around 1 November, so a week’s head start keeps things calm.
-
Choose by Purpose: Chrysanthemums are for graves and remembrance. For anything else, go with warm autumn blooms.
-
Mind the Arrival Date: 1 November is a public holiday and some shops close, so aim for a day or two earlier. That way, the family has the flowers in hand when they head to the cemetery.
-
Write a Short Card: A brief, heartfelt note of remembrance suits the tone of the day.
Send Flowers to France with Care This La Toussaint
La Toussaint is a day of remembrance in France, and the flowers families bring reflect that. Chrysanthemums and other hardy autumn plants are the traditional choice for graves, while warm seasonal bouquets suit everyday gifts. When you choose flowers for a French family, matching them to the occasion shows thought and respect.
Contact abcFlora for a delivery that is timely and appropriate for the occasion. Our team will help you choose the right blooms so your message lands the way you mean it to.
Coming up, we will share more on sending flowers internationally, so every delivery feels easy and personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is La Toussaint celebrated in France?
You will see families visiting cemeteries on 1 November each year, the day known as La Toussaint.
What can you send instead of chrysanthemums as a gift in France?
You can send a seasonal bouquet in warm autumn shades, a safer pick for everyday gifts.
What should you write on a card sent for La Toussaint?
Keep your message short and sincere, and write it in English if you like, since it is printed exactly as written.