In France, there are 11 official public holidays<\/a> each year. These holidays include both civil days, such as Labor Day, and religious days, such as Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Labour Day celebrates workers and their rights. Unions often organize marches and demonstrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ\u2019s ascension into heaven, 40 days after Easter. Many people go to church, while others enjoy the long weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bastille Day is France\u2019s 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-\u00c9lys\u00e9es in Paris, attended by the President. The day celebrates the values of the French Republic: liberty, equality, and fraternity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n All Saints\u2019 Day honors all Christian saints and remembers those who have passed away. Families usually visit cemeteries and place flowers, especially chrysanthemums, on graves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"public](\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPublic holidays in France in 2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Jour de l’An (New Year’s Day) – January 1<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Lundi de P\u00e2ques (Easter Monday) – April 6<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
F\u00eate du Travail (Labor Day) – May 1<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Victoire 1945 (Victory 1945) – May 8<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Ascension (Ascension) – May 9<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Lundi de Pentec\u00f4te (Pentecost Monday) – May 20<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
F\u00eate Nationale (National Day) – July 14<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Assomption (Assumption) – August 15<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) – November 1<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"public](\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-10.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nArmistice 1918 (Armistice Day) – November 11<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n