The festival of lights is an annual occurrence in Lyon to give thanks to Mary (or Marie in French). As the town was struck by the plague in 1643, people prayed to Mary and promised that if she would spare the town they would pay tribute to her. Therefore ever since they have offered a tribute and led a procession up to the Basilica of Fourvière to honour the promise they made to her. Traditionally people would put out candles on their balconies or in their windows on December 8th to show their respect and gratitude. However over the years the tradition has developed into a world renowned festival celebrated over a whole four days to which thousands of people from many different countries flock to Lyon to see!

Hattie spent the first semester of her year abroad in Paris and she is now at university in Lyon. You can follow her blog: Parlez-vous français? but in the meantime, here is the countdown of her top five Parisian Sundays...

Francesca is studying French and Theology at Exeter, and is spending her year abroad in Rennes, France, as a British Council Language Assistant, teaching English to primary and high school students. Here she passes on her top tips about eating and drinking in Rennes, transport, accommodation and the best things to do while you're there.