Explore France’s national holiday calendar, including fixed and movable dates based on history, religion, and cultural observance.
France’s official public holiday system blends deeply rooted religious traditions and important national events. Across the year, citizens pause to honor values such as freedom, labor, remembrance, and faith. The calendar includes both fixed and movable dates, with specific occasions tied to the Christian liturgical year or major historical turning points in the nation’s past.
While many holidays are observed throughout all regions, there are exceptions in certain overseas territories or administrative zones. Each public holiday in France carries historical meaning, from celebrating the end of wars to honoring workers’ rights or observing religious feasts. These breaks affect public transport, government services, and business operations, especially in smaller towns and cities.
Public awareness of these dates is essential for planning travel, business logistics, and official paperwork. Given the influence of Christian and revolutionary history in shaping modern France, the yearly holiday cycle offers a reflection of the nation’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Key Nationwide Public Holidays in France
France celebrates 11 public holidays across the country every year. Most are fixed, while a few follow the lunar calendar. These dates are legally mandated as rest days in the public and private sectors unless exceptions apply.
New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1 Celebrates the first day of the calendar year and marks a general shutdown of businesses and services.
Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – Date varies (March or April) Observed after Easter Sunday, this holiday holds importance in France’s Catholic tradition.
Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1 Celebrates workers’ rights with parades, demonstrations, and closures across sectors.
Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945) – May 8 Marks the end of World War II in Europe and is often commemorated with military parades and remembrance ceremonies.
Ascension Day (Ascension) – 39 days after Easter A religious feast day observed by many practicing Christians.
Whit Monday / Pentecost Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) – 50 days after Easter A traditional religious celebration, sometimes used as a solidarity day in workplaces.
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) – July 14 Commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a symbol of the French Revolution. Major parades and fireworks mark the day.
Assumption of Mary (Assomption) – August 15 A Catholic celebration widely observed, especially in rural areas and by older generations.
All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) – November 1 A solemn occasion to honor all saints and deceased loved ones, often marked by visits to cemeteries.
Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) – November 11 Memorializes the end of World War I and pays tribute to fallen soldiers with nationwide ceremonies.
Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25 Observed by most, this Christian holiday has become a national cultural celebration with family meals and gift-giving.
Movable Religious Holidays and Their Impact
Three of France’s public holidays—Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday—follow the religious calendar and therefore change dates each year. These holidays are determined based on the ecclesiastical computation of Easter Sunday.
These holidays often create extended weekends. Businesses and individuals plan travel or family reunions around these periods. Schools typically adjust their calendars to align with these movable feasts, which are especially significant in Catholic regions.
Movable dates enhance the rhythm of the year, blending seasonal transition with religious tradition. While not every citizen observes the spiritual aspects, the time off is appreciated nationwide.
Major Civic Celebrations in French Culture
France’s two major civic holidays—Labour Day and Bastille Day—carry national pride and powerful symbolism. Labour Day not only celebrates workers but often reflects the political pulse of the nation through union-led marches.
Bastille Day stands out as France’s most prominent public holiday. Celebrations include the largest military parade in Europe on the Champs-Élysées, air shows, and fireworks displays in every major city. It represents liberty, democracy, and the historical significance of the French Revolution.
Victory in Europe Day and Armistice Day are also deeply embedded in public consciousness, especially among older generations. These days involve formal state ceremonies and remembrance for those who served in wartime.
Holiday Planning Considerations
Most French citizens and residents use public holidays for short getaways or family gatherings. Businesses operating internationally should factor in these dates when coordinating with French partners, as response times and deliveries may be delayed.
Additionally, when a holiday falls on a Thursday, many take the “pont” (bridge) day on Friday, creating a long weekend. The same goes when a holiday falls on a Tuesday, with Monday often treated as a bridge day. This cultural practice is widespread and unofficially recognized across both private and public sectors.
Awareness of bridge days is especially crucial for travel planning and appointment scheduling. Many services may be unavailable on these extended weekends.
Summary Table of France’s Public Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide |
| Easter Monday | Varies (March/April) | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide |
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Nationwide |
| Ascension Day | Varies (May/June) | Nationwide |
| Whit Monday | Varies (May/June) | Nationwide |
| Bastille Day | July 14 | Nationwide |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Nationwide |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Nationwide |
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide |
Broader Context of Observances in France
Public holidays in France offer a reflection of centuries of social change, religious tradition, and civic evolution. Each date, whether rooted in revolution or spiritual belief, contributes to a shared national rhythm. The connection between the past and present is maintained through commemorations, family customs, and community gatherings.
Official planning resources provide annual calendars and confirmations of public holiday dates. To verify dates and apply them to scheduling, consult the Service-Public.fr government portal or France.fr for cultural overviews and official updates.
Each year, the government updates these calendars in late December or early January. These dates serve as official references for schools, businesses, and public service operations.
When planning a trip, managing a team, or understanding the French lifestyle, these holidays shape opportunities, closures, and celebrations across every region of the country. They help mark transitions across seasons and deepen the sense of national identity.
Here are FAQs about Understanding France’s Public Holidays Across the Year, exploring the national observances, regional variations, and their cultural and practical impact on life in France.
1. How many public holidays are there in France, and are they the same across the entire country?
France officially observes 11 national public holidays (jours fériés) every year. These are recognized by all regions and departments unless a specific local variation applies. The national public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
- Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – varies by year (March or April)
- Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
- Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire) – May 8
- Ascension Day (Jour de l’Ascension) – 40 days after Easter
- Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) – 50 days after Easter
- Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) – July 14
- Assumption of Mary (Assomption) – August 15
- All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) – November 1
- Armistice Day (Armistice de 1918) – November 11
- Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25
While these holidays are recognized nationwide, regional exceptions exist, particularly in Alsace and Moselle, where Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) and Saint Stephen’s Day (Saint Étienne – December 26) are also public holidays due to historical ties with Germany.
Additionally, overseas territories like Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and French Polynesia may celebrate other holidays that reflect local culture and history, such as Abolition of Slavery Day.
2. What is the difference between a public holiday (jour férié) and a non-working day (jour chômé) in France?
In France, not all public holidays are automatically days off work. The law distinguishes between a "jour férié" (public holiday) and a "jour férié chômé" (non-working public holiday). Here's how it works:
- A jour férié is a recognized public holiday.
- A jour chômé means employees are not required to work and are generally entitled to paid time off, unless otherwise stated in their employment contract.
Only Labour Day (May 1) is mandatorily a non-working day with pay for all employees, except for essential services. For the other holidays, whether employees get the day off depends on their employer, collective bargaining agreements, or specific sectors.
For instance:
- Public institutions, banks, and schools are generally closed on most public holidays.
- Retail stores and restaurants may remain open depending on regional laws and local demand.
- Some holidays falling on weekends are not compensated unless negotiated.
So, while public holidays are common nationwide, their impact on workers and businesses can vary significantly based on employment terms and regional practices.
3. What happens when a public holiday in France falls on a weekend?
In France, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s not automatically carried over to the next weekday, unlike in some countries such as the UK or US. This means employees lose out on a day off, unless their company offers compensation or a substitute day.
For example:
- If Christmas Day (December 25) falls on a Sunday, employees do not receive a compensatory day off on Monday, unless their employer chooses to provide one.
- May 1 (Labour Day) falling on a Sunday has no automatic replacement day, even though it's a compulsory paid holiday.
However, many companies offer a “pont” (bridge holiday) when a public holiday lands on a Tuesday or Thursday. This allows employees to take the intervening Monday or Friday off, often using a vacation day, creating an extended weekend. For instance:
- If Ascension Day falls on a Thursday, many employees take Friday off (faire le pont) to enjoy a four-day weekend.
This tradition is widespread and often anticipated in planning business schedules, school calendars, and public services. It’s also one reason why May, with its many holidays, can feel like a month full of long weekends in France.
4. How do public holidays affect daily life, travel, and business in France?
Public holidays in France bring significant changes to daily routines, travel logistics, and business operations. On these days:
- Shops and supermarkets: Large grocery stores and shopping centers may be closed, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. However, in major cities, some remain open, especially on holidays that fall on Sundays.
- Restaurants and cafes: Many stay open, particularly in tourist areas, although opening hours may vary.
- Public transport: Trains, buses, and metro services operate on reduced or Sunday schedules, which may mean fewer routes and longer wait times.
- Government offices, banks, schools: Generally closed on public holidays across the country.
- Highways and traffic: Expect heavy traffic during holiday weekends, especially near long weekends in May or during Christmas and summer holidays.
During holidays like Bastille Day (July 14) or All Saints’ Day (November 1), many locals travel to visit family, attend church services, or honor their ancestors. Cemeteries are often filled with flowers on All Saints’ Day, and fireworks mark Bastille Day nationwide.
For travelers and tourists, it’s essential to check local opening times, book accommodations in advance, and expect certain delays or closures—especially when public holidays are combined with school vacation periods.
5. How do France’s public holidays reflect its cultural and religious history?
France’s public holidays are deeply tied to its Christian heritage, revolutionary history, and republican values. While the country is officially secular under laïcité, many holidays remain rooted in religious tradition.
Examples of religiously rooted holidays:
- Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday are Christian holidays that follow the liturgical calendar.
- All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) and Assumption Day (August 15) stem from Catholic traditions.
- Christmas (Noël) is both a religious and cultural celebration widely observed in secular households.
Examples of civic and historical holidays:
- Bastille Day (July 14) commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key event in the French Revolution. It symbolizes the triumph of liberty and the birth of the Republic.
- Labour Day (May 1) is celebrated by labor unions and often includes parades, protests, and flower-giving (traditionally lily of the valley).
- Victory in Europe Day (May 8) and Armistice Day (November 11) honor military history and the end of the two world wars, with official ceremonies and public tributes.
These holidays reflect France’s dual identity: a secular republic with deep Catholic cultural roots. While religious observance has declined, the customs, public ceremonies, and time off remain an essential part of French social and cultural life.
Public Holidays in France by Month
January
- New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) — January 1
April (variable dates)
- Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) — Monday after Easter Sunday
May
- Labour Day (Fête du Travail) — May 1
- Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945) — May 8 (marks the end of WWII in Europe)
- Ascension Day (Ascension) — 39 days after Easter (Thursday)
- Whit Monday / Pentecost Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) — 50 days after Easter (Monday)
July
- Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) — July 14
August
- Assumption of Mary (Assomption) — August 15
November
- All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) — November 1
- Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) — November 11 (marks the end of WWI)
December
- Christmas Day (Noël) — December 25
Summary of Major Nationwide Holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide |
| Easter Monday | Variable (April) | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide |
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Nationwide |
| Ascension Day | 39 days after Easter | Nationwide |
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter | Nationwide |
| Bastille Day | July 14 | Nationwide |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Nationwide |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Nationwide |
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide |
Notes:
- France’s holidays include both national historic commemorations and Christian religious days.
- Some holidays, like Easter Monday and Ascension Day, change dates yearly based on the Christian calendar.
- Bastille Day on July 14 is France’s national day and celebrated with parades and fireworks.
COMMENTS