Whether you’re a student planning your semester abroad or a tourist eager to explore France’s beauty, understanding and planning around national holidays in France will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the French way of life.
This article is an overview of all the national holidays in France in 2025.
All national holidays in France in 2025
New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
Like many countries around the world, France celebrates the start of the new year. It is a time for family and friends to gather, exchange gifts, and share good wishes.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-new-years-day-in-france/
Easter Monday (Pâques) – April 1
Easter Monday is a Christian holiday celebrated after Easter Sunday. In France, it is a popular time for families to enjoy a special meal and participate in egg hunts.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-easter-in-france/
Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
Labour Day is a celebration of workers’ rights and achievements. It is often marked by parades and demonstrations organized by trade unions.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/blog/how-to-celebrate-labour-day-in-france/
Victoire 1945 – May 8
This holiday commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices made during the war.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-victory-day-in-france/
Ascension Day (Ascension) – May 9
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a public holiday in France, and many people attend church services on this day.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-ascension-day-in-france/
Whit Monday (Pentecôte) – May 20
Whit Monday is another Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It is a day of religious observance for many people in France.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-pentecost-in-france/
Fête Nationale – July 14
Bastille Day is THE national holiday in France and commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. The day is marked by grand military parades, fireworks displays, and festive celebrations across the country.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/blog/how-to-celebrate-bastille-day-in-france/
Assumption of Mary (Assomption) – August 15
This holiday celebrates the Catholic belief of the Virgin Mary’s bodily ascension into heaven. It is a day of religious observance for many people in France.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/blog/how-to-celebrate-assumption-in-france/
All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) – November 1
All Saints’ Day is a day to honor all Christian saints. It is a tradition for families to visit cemeteries and decorate the graves of loved ones with flowers.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-all-saints-day-in-france/
Armistice 1918 – November 11
Armistice Day marks the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. It is a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the war.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/blog/how-to-celebrate-armistice-day-in-france/
Christmas (Noël) – December 25
Celebrated with great enthusiasm, Christmas is the time of the year where families and friends gather to exchange gifts, share festive meals, and enjoy the holiday spirit. The season is characterized by Christmas markets and unique regional traditions.
More info here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/celebrate-christmas-in-france/
Other public holidays
Other national holidays in France may exist in a region, locality or in certain sectors of activity. This is the case, for example, with Alsace and Moselle, which also benefit from Good Friday and December 26.
Bridges (Faire le pont)
An interesting aspect of French national holidays, and one that’s quite unique to the country’s work culture, is the concept of “faire le pont,” literally meaning “to make the bridge.”
When a national holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many people take the opportunity “to make the bridge” by taking off the previous Monday or following Friday, to create a long weekend of 4 days. This practice is really popular among both French people and French companies.
