What are the Public Holidays in France?

France has 11 national public holidays celebrated throughout the country, in addition to some regional holidays observed in specific areas. Here is a comprehensive list of these holidays along with additional information on regional variations:


National Public Holidays

  1. January 1st - New Year’s Day (Jour de l’an)

    • Marks the beginning of the new year.

  2. April 1st, 2024 - Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)

    • The day after Easter Sunday, celebrated as a public holiday.

  3. May 1st - Workers' Day (Fête du travail)

    • Also known as Labour Day, this day celebrates workers' rights and achievements.

  4. May 8th - WWII Victory Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945)

    • Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.

  5. May 9th, 2024 - Ascension Day (Jour de l’ascension)

    • Celebrated 40 days after Easter, this day marks the ascension of Jesus to heaven.

  6. May 20th, 2024 - Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)

    • The day after Pentecost, observed 50 days after Easter.
    • Note: This day is also recognized as the "Day of Solidarity" (journée de solidarité), which is an additional day of work without pay. Employers may grant it as a day off for employees, but it remains unpaid.

  7. July 14th - Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)

    • France’s National Day, celebrating the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille.

  8. August 15th - Assumption (Assomption)

    • A Christian holiday celebrating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

  9. November 1st, 2024 - All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)

    • A day to honor all saints and remember deceased loved ones.

  10. November 11th - Armistice Day (Jour d’Armistice 1918)

    • Commemorates the end of World War I.

  11. December 25th - Christmas Day (Noël)

    • Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.


Regional Public Holidays

In addition to the national holidays, some regions in France observe additional public holidays:

  • Alsace and Moselle:

    • March 29th, 2024 - Good Friday
    • December 26th - Second Christmas Day / Saint Stephen’s Day

  • Overseas Territories (commemoration of the abolition of slavery):

    • Mayotte: April 27th
    • Martinique: May 22nd
    • Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin: May 27th
    • Guyane: June 10th
    • Saint-Barthélemy: October 9th
    • La Réunion: December 20th
    • Saint-Martin: May 28th


Important Notes

  • Weekend Holidays: If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it typically does not lead to an additional day off on the following Monday.


For more details and the official calendar, please refer to the official French government website Service-Public.fr.

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