If you are planning to study in France or visit as a tourist, knowing the public holiday dates will help you plan your stay with confidence.
Consult the dates of public holidays in France in 2026.
How many public holidays are there in France?
In France, there are 11 official public holidays each year. These holidays include both civil days, such as Labor Day, and religious days, such as Christmas.
Some regions or job sectors have extra holidays. For example, people in Alsace & Moselle region get 13 public holidays each year, including Good Friday (April 3) and Saint-Etienne Day (December 26), a tradition dating back to when Germany once occupied the area.
Public holidays in France in 2026
Jour de l’An (New Year’s Day) – January 1
New Year’s Day marks the start of the year. People often spend time with family or friends, share meals, and wish each other good health and happiness.
Lundi de Pâques (Easter Monday) – April 6
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. In France, families often relax together, enjoy meals, and children take part in chocolate egg hunts.
Fête du Travail (Labor Day) – May 1
Labour Day celebrates workers and their rights. Unions often organize marches and demonstrations.
On May 1st, people also give lily-of-the-valley flowers to wish good luck and happiness and to welcome spring. This tradition started in the 16th century with King Charles IX.
Victoire 1945 (Victory 1945) – May 8
This day marks the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. Ceremonies are held around the country and in Europe to honor those who fought and died in the war.
Ascension (Ascension) – May 9
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, 40 days after Easter. Many people go to church, while others enjoy the long weekend.
Lundi de Pentecôte (Pentecost Monday) – May 20
Pentecost Monday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, according to Christian tradition. People often rest or spend time with family, but whether it is a day off can vary.
Fête Nationale (National Day) – July 14
Bastille Day is France’s main national holiday. It remembers the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a key moment in the French Revolution. There is a big military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, attended by the President. The day celebrates the values of the French Republic: liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Assomption (Assumption) – August 15
The Assumption celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul. It is an important religious holiday, especially for Catholics.
Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) – November 1
All Saints’ Day honors all Christian saints and remembers those who have passed away. Families usually visit cemeteries and place flowers, especially chrysanthemums, on graves.
Armistice 1918 (Armistice Day) – November 11
Armistice Day marks the end of World War I in 1918. Ceremonies are held to remember soldiers who died. The President lays a wreath at war memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe.
Noël (Christmas) – December 25
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a major family holiday in France. People exchange gifts, share festive meals, and enjoy Christmas markets and decorations. Some families attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Ponts (Bridges)
A unique part of French work culture is the idea of Ponts, or “bridges.” When a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many people take the extra day off to make a four-day weekend. This is common and widely accepted by companies in France.
