Every November, French teachers around the world take time to honor Le Jour du Souvenir — the day France remembers those who sacrificed their lives for peace. If you’re looking for meaningful and engaging French Remembrance Day activities, this post will walk you through ideas and ready-to-use resources to help your students understand the importance of Remembrance Day in France.
🕊️ What Is Le Jour du Souvenir?
In France, Le Jour du Souvenir (Remembrance Day) is observed on November 11, marking the end of World War I and the signing of the Armistice of 1918. It’s a national holiday where people remember the soldiers who gave their lives and reflect on the value of peace.
Students learn about important French symbols such as:
🏛️ L’Arc de Triomphe and la tombe du Soldat inconnu
🔥 La flamme du souvenir
🌸 Le bleuet du souvenir (the French flower of remembrance)
🎵 La Marseillaise, the national anthem of France
Teaching this topic in a French classroom allows students to connect history, language, and culture while practicing key vocabulary and comprehension skills.
🎖️ 1. Le Jour du Souvenir Reading Comprehension Packet
This differentiated French Veterans Day activity includes three versions of an informational text about le Soldat inconnu— one for beginners, one for intermediate learners, and one for advanced students. Each version comes with comprehension questions, so you can easily adapt it to any French level.
It also includes:
A chasse aux mots (vocabulary hunt)
A fun data disk activity
A Bleuet du souvenir craft
Four printable classroom posters
Teaching Le Jour du Souvenir – French Remembrance Day Activities for the Classroom
👉 Perfect for mixed-level classrooms or French Immersion settings.
🕯️ 2. Le Jour du Souvenir / Remembrance Day Presentation (French + English)
This bilingual Google Slides presentation makes teaching Le Jour du Souvenir effortless. It comes in two versions — one in French and one in English — so every student can understand, no matter their language level.
The presentation introduces:
The history of November 11 in France
L’Armistice, le Soldat inconnu, and l’Arc de Triomphe
La flamme du souvenir and le bleuet
A mini quiz and discussion questions
A printable vocabulary sheet (Les mots importants) for quick review
Teaching Le Jour du Souvenir – French Remembrance Day Activities for the Classroom
💡 This is a great visual tool for differentiation and helps all students participate meaningfully in a Remembrance Day lesson.
🧩 3. Collaborative Poster: Veterans Day in France
If you want to add a creative and hands-on element to your Veterans Day activities, this collaborative poster is a wonderful option. Students research key elements of le jour du souvenir, such as l’Armistice, la tombe du soldat inconnu, and le bleuet du souvenir, and color pieces that come together to create a large classroom display.
Teaching Le Jour du Souvenir – French Remembrance Day Activities for the Classroom
Two versions are included — one in French and one in English — so everyone can contribute, regardless of level. It’s an excellent way to celebrate remembrance and unity in your classroom.
❤️ Why These Activities Work
These French remembrance day activities combine cultural learning with language practice. They are designed to:
Support Core French and Immersion teachers
Offer differentiation for mixed-ability groups
Build vocabulary around le jour du souvenir
Encourage empathy and understanding of veterans and peace
✨ Bring Le Jour du Souvenir to Life in Your Classroom
Whether you use the reading packet, the bilingual presentation, or the collaborative poster, your students will gain a deeper appreciation for French history, culture, and values of remembrance and peace.
🩵 Teach, reflect, and honor together — all while practicing French in a meaningful way.
Explore the bundle here:
👉 Le Jour du Souvenir French Veterans Day Activities Bundle on TPT