11 Must-Know Public Holidays in France

Are You Planning a Trip to France?

While many businesses close on the national holidays such as Bastille Day, you may still find shopping centers or vital services are open, albeit for shorter hours.

A useful tip: don't forget to bring your iRoamly France travel eSIM to stay connected, so you can quickly check opening hours and make the most of your time in the city.

French Public Holidays

There are 11 official public holidays in France, with 4 being fixed (because they’re always on a Sunday and are therefore always moved to a Monday).

Whether you are visiting or living in France, these days are a great opportunity to see local culture and festive traditions in practice.

French Public Holidays Table

What to Do on the 11 French Public Holidays?

1. New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An, January 1)

The arrival of the new year in France means impressive fireworks and larger-than-life banquets to mark the occasion – look out for celebrations spilling onto the streets in major towns and cities! If you are spending the New Year in Paris, then watching the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower must be one of the must-do things in Paris.

Activities: Paris’ street parties; family meal with well-wishing toasts for the new year ahead.
Food or Souvenir: Luxurious gift boxes of chocolates; pâtisseries in a typically French fashion.
Tip: Expect a late start to the festivities – most people will be sleeping off the previous night’s celebrations.

2. Good Friday (Vendredi Saint, date varies)

Primarily observed in the regions of Alsace and Moselle, Good Friday is a day of church services and quiet contemplation on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Activities: Special liturgical music at church services.
Food or Souvenir: Artisan crafts, often found for sale in marketplaces.
Tip: This is not a public holiday for the whole of France, so much of the country will practice business as usual – expect a much quieter atmosphere in Alsace and Moselle.

3. Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques, date variés)

Spring and all its colors are welcomed on Easter Monday with egg hunts organized throughout cities and countryside parks, making for a fun and family-oriented day.

Activities: Community-run Easter egg hunts; some theme parks – such as Disneyland Paris – hold special events.
Food or Souvenir: Easter’s best chocolate or beautifully hand-painted eggs.
Tip: With the day off, this is peak time for day trips – the early bird catches the worm in terms of crowds!

4. Labour Day (Fête du Travail, May 1)

May Day is workers’ day across the nation, with traditions of labor rights protests and gifting of good-luck sprigs of lily-of-the-valley.
Activities: Involvement in worker rights gatherings or whimsical protests; community festivals take place up and down the country.
Food or Souvenir: A handpicked stem of lily-of-the-valley, a symbol of the day.
Tip: Most businesses shut up shop nationwide, allowing for lazy picnics or short ventures.

5. Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945, May 8)

Victory Day marks the end of WWII in Europe with parades, thanksgiving services and remembrance commemorations across the country.

Activities: Attend parades and services of remembrance, especially in Paris.
Food or Souvenir: War memorabilia can be found for sale during street events.
Tip: Paris’ Champs-Elysées is the place to be, with many events taking place – arrive early for the best seat.

6. Ascension (Ascension, date varies)

Religious Ascension often sees citizens jetting away for a long weekend – the holiday falls on a Thursday, so many take the bridging day to make a four-day mini-break.
Activities: Cultural festivals and concerts are common, with free events being held.
Food or Souvenir: Regional wine and deli goods are often sold at markets.
Tip: Internal flights will be popular – best to book in advance.

7. Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte, date variés)

Once a public holiday for all, Whit Monday has been reduced to a bank holiday or a voluntary day off in many businesses.
Activities: Volunteer your time to local charities; Local park exploration.
Food or Souvenir: Craft items are usually available to buy at charity events or in local stores.
Tip: Museums and tourist spots will have variable opening hours.

8. Bastille Day (July 14 - Fête Nationale Française)

The French national day, Bastille Day is a day of fireworks, parades, and parties, celebrating the start of the French Revolution.

Activities: Admire Paris’ dazzling military parade or the spectacular Eiffel Tower fireworks.
Food or Souvenirs: Tricolor accouterments and Bastille Day-branded ephemera.
Tips: Expect crowds, especially around landmarks, and get your spot early for events.

9. Assumption (August 15 - Assomption)

A Catholic holiday, celebrated with church services and in some regions, processions, or local fairs.
Activities: Attend Mass or participate in local events, especially in smaller towns.
Food or Souvenirs: Try the seasonal produce and regional foods at produce markets.
Tips: A quieter holiday; perfect for low-key religious or rural traditions.

10. All Saints’ Day (November 1 - Toussaint)

A day of remembrance, with people tending and decorating the graves of their loved ones, traditionally with chrysanthemums.

Activities: Visit historic graveyards, attend church services.
Food or Souvenirs: Floral arrangements and candles are used to adorn graves.
Tips: Quiet and contemplative; a day to experience history or simply to reflect.

11. Armistice Day (November 11 - Armistice 1918)

Commemorating the armistice ending World War I, November 11 is solemn, with ceremonies on peace and remembrance.
Activities: Commemorative events, visiting war memorials and museums.
Food or Souvenirs: History books, poppy themed items (a symbol of remembrance).
Tips: All over France, a minute of silence is held at 11 AM; respect the tradition.

12. Christmas Day (December 25 - Noël)

Christmas is a festive time, with markets, feasting, and general merriment. The streets will be aglow with decorations and good cheer, making Christmas in France a magical experience full of tradition and joy.

Activities: Explore the Christmas markets, possibly attend Midnight Mass.
Food or souvenirs: Eat a bûche de Noël (a yule log cake) and shop for handmade gifts.
Tips: Plan carefully – much of France will be closed down for Christmas.

13. St. Stephen’s Day (December 26 – Saint Étienne)

In the regions of Alsace and Moselle, St. Stephen’s Day extends the Christmas celebrations, often bringing communities together for more family time and feasting.
Activities: Keep partying with friends and family members, see Christmas markets that stay open.
Food or souvenirs: Box up more gingerbread and the like that was leftover from Christmas.
Tips: Take it easy after the Christmas rush; enjoy the winter season and local festivities.

FAQ

What are France's main public holidays?

Major holidays are Bastille Day (14 July), New Year's Day (1 January), Labour Day (1 May) and Christmas Day (25 December).

When's the busiest day in France?

Bastille Day can be supremely crowded with people flocking to fireworks displays, parades and general merrymaking.

Why is 14 July so special in France?

It's the day that marks the start of the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille, the prison itself a symbol of the former government.

What's France's most famous holiday or festival?

Bastille Day. The grand military parade and fireworks displays rank highly as a 'must-see' event of the year in France.

Summary

Whether you're marching through Paris' streets at the head of a Bastille Day parade, or competing over eggs on Easter Monday, experiencing the country's holiday spirit for yourself can leave a lasting impression of your time here in La Belle France.

Plan your trips accordingly if you wish to experience them to the full!