Planning a trip to France? It’s important to be aware of the French holidays.
Maybe you want to take part in the local festivities, or maybe you just want to know if you will be able to go shopping!
France celebrates with a variety of public holidays – days off known as ‘jours fériés‘.
Some are civil holidays, while others stem from religious celebrations. Either way, these days hold cultural significance across the country.
Here’s your guide to the 11 official public holidays celebrated across France.
Most businesses and Government offices close on these public holidays. Some shops or restaurants may remain open, especially in tourist areas.
Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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Public French Holidays Summary
In a hurry? Here is a summary showing the eleven official public holidays in France and when they are celebrated:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Easter Monday: Date varies (the Monday following Easter Sunday)
- Labor Day (May Day): May 1
- Victory in Europe Day: May 8
- Ascension: Date varies (held 39 days after Easter Sunday)
- Pentecost (Whit Monday): Date varies (occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday)
- Bastille Day: July 14
- Assumption Day: August 15
- All Saints Day: November 1
- Armistice Day: November 11
- Christmas Day: December 25
New Year’s Day
Date: January 1
In France, New Year’s Day is called Jour de l’An or Nouvel An. The French of course celebrate the arrival of the new year on January 1st.
The French kick off the new year by exchanging kisses and expressing bonne année wishes to each other, a gesture symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
A typical tradition during this holiday involves a feast known as le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre, extending from the previous evening into the early hours of Jour de l’An.
You’ll see tables brimming with luxurious foods like foie gras, oysters, and champagne.
The first day of January is typically a relaxed one, where families enjoy leisure time together.
Outdoor activities are also popular on this day, with many families going for a stroll in parks or along beautifully decorated streets.
Public celebrations are more subdued by day, as the night before is the primary time for public festivities, such as fireworks and parties.
Easter Monday
Date: The day after Easter Sunday (variable date in March or April)
Easter is an important holiday in France. Easter Monday is a public holiday known as Lundi de Pâques.
This day falls on the day after Easter Sunday, which is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ marking the end of Lent.
The date varies each year, as it follows the lunar calendar used to determine Easter Sunday.
A common tradition on Easter Monday is the Chasse aux œufs, or Easter egg hunt, where children (and sometimes adults) search for chocolate eggs.
(I’ll take a pass on regular eggs, but I’ll certainly look for chocolate ones!)
Families also gather for a festive meal, often featuring lamb as the central dish to symbolize spring and renewal.
Labor Day / May Day
Date: May 1
In France, May Day, or Fête du Travail, aligns with international Labor Day observances on the 1st of May.
It’s a day dedicated to workers’ rights and solidarity among workers. You’ll find celebrations and demonstrations highlighting the achievements and struggles of the workforce.
Employers give their employees the day off, making it a public holiday across the country.
It becomes a day where the spirit of togetherness is palpable; unions organize rallies and protests to voice labor issues, asserting workers’ rights.
Parades and gatherings often mark the day, where the working class stands united in their various causes.
The 1st of May is also the Fête du Muguet, celebrating the lily of the valley.
You’ll see people selling these flowers on the street as a symbol of spring and as a gesture of good luck. Many participate in this custom, exchanging sprigs of lily of the valley with loved ones.
I was in Lyon on May 1st this year, and I probably passed at least a dozen people selling little bouquets of muguets outside of stores. There were several vendors stationed at the various exits of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse!
Victory in Europe Day
Date: May 8
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) or Fête de la Victoire occurs on May 8th in France to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe.
This holiday marks the official acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8, 1945.
Commemorative events take place at various war memorials. One most important occurs at the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most iconic attractions in Paris.
Public officials, including the President of France, make speeches and lay wreaths to honor the fallen.
Expect to see military parades featuring veterans and soldiers. The display of the French flag is widespread as a sign of respect and national pride.
The day is not only focused on victory but also on remembrance.
While there are joyful celebrations, there’s also a solemn recognition of the cost at which this victory came.
Ascension Day
Date: 39 days after Easter Sunday (variable date)
Ascension Day (Jeudi de l’Ascension) is one of the many public holidays in France with a religious origin.
Observed on a Thursday, the specific date for this holiday changes each year as it is determined by the date of Easter. However, it always falls on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday.
Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief of Jesus Christ’s bodily ascension into heaven.
On this day, churches throughout France host masses and special prayer services to honor the occasion.
Pentecost
Date: 50 days after Easter Sunday (variable date)
Celebrate the religious holiday of Pentecost (La Pentecôte).
Similar to Ascension Day, the specific date for this holiday changes each year. However, it always falls on a Monday, 50 days after Easter Sunday. (It’s also known as Whit Monday.)
It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ. This France holiday is observed with mass services at churches and special prayers.
More recently, this has become a Day of Solidarity. Workers do not get paid for the day, and their earnings go to support the elderly and disabled in France.
Bastille Day
Date: July 14
Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a pivotal event that symbolizes the birth of the French Republic.
It’s France’s holiday equivalent to the 4th of July in the United States.
You’ll witness an impressive display of French pride, with the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe marching along the Champs-Élysées, watched by citizens and dignitaries alike.
Later in the evening, the sky lights up with spectacular fireworks, especially the renowned show at the Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous landmarks in France.
Towns across France—big or small—host their own local fêtes, so no matter where you are, you’ll feel the sense of national pride and unity.
Vive La France!
Assumption Day
Date: August 15
Assumption Day, known in French as l’Assomption, is a major Catholic holiday commemorating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven.
This day is observed with various religious processions and services in churches throughout France. There are so many churches honoring the Virgin Mary all across France (including the Notre Dame Basilica, one of the top attractions in Lyon.)
In some locations, such as Lourdes, thousands of pilgrims and visitors gather to honor this profound belief in Mary’s ascent.
However, since so many French take their vacations in August, it may not be as widely celebrated.
All Saints’ Day
Date: November 1
All Saints’ Day, known as La Toussaint in French, is celebrated on November 1st each year.
It’s a day when you’ll witness families honor their deceased loved ones.
You’re likely to see French families cleaning graves and decorating them with chrysanthemums, a flower symbolizing eternity in French culture.
Armistice Day
Date: November 11
Armistice Day (L’armistice) commemorates the end of World War I, as the armistice went into effect on the ‘eleventh month, the eleventh day, and the eleventh hour’.
Military ceremonies take place, particularly at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies.
Each year on Armistice Day, they rekindle the eternal flame at the memorial of the Unknown Soldier.
If you want to observe the ceremony, you’ll need to arrive early!
Christmas
Date: December 25
The French celebrate Noël (Christmas Day) on December 25th (just like here in the US).
It’s a day when families come together to enjoy a festive meal, known as Réveillon, which traditionally takes place on Christmas Eve but may also occur on Christmas Day.
Your dining experience may include indulgent foods such as foie gras, oysters, and for dessert, a Bûche de Noël (Christmas log cake).
(I made a Bûche de Noël one year for Christmas. It didn’t turn out very pretty, but it still tasted good!)
Exchange gifts on Christmas Eve or the morning of Christmas Day. It’s common to attend a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, a tradition that holds spiritual significance for many.
Public Holidays in Alsace and Moselle
In addition to the national public holidays in France, the regions of Alsace and Moselle have two extra holidays due to Concordat law privileges that date back to 1801.
It’s important to be aware of these additional holidays if you plan on visiting Alsace or Moselle during this time. Some businesses and restaurants open only for limited hours or are closed entirely.
Good Friday is celebrated two days before Easter Sunday (variable date in March or April). Good Friday (Vendredi Saint). This public holiday honors the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
St. Stephen’s Day (Fête de Saint-Etienne) is held on December 26. It honors the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen. December 26 also known as Boxing Day.
Final Thoughts:
If you time your visit to France right, you can partake in the special France holiday traditions. In addition to the official France public holidays, there are plenty of other celebrations to enjoy, such as New Year’s Eve, Candlemas, and incredible Carnaval festivities in Nice.
It’s fun to stumble across unique local celebrations such as the Feria de Nîmes or the Fête des Lumières (one of the best reasons to visit Lyon)!
Do you plan to spend your holidays in France? Pin this for later!
Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is the founder of Travel to Lyon.
She has explored Lyon with her husband (Chris) as well as on solo trips to France. She has visited Lyon many times, including a 2-week stay last spring (unseasonally cold for a Phoenix girl!). Whether you’re interested in food, history, or culture, Lisa’s tips will help you plan the perfect trip to Lyon!
Learn more about Lisa!
