France

France : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in France

In France, public holidays are an important part of cultural and national life, providing time for rest, celebration, and remembrance. These days are often linked to religious traditions, national history, and social achievements, with many observed through family gatherings, public ceremonies, and local events.

• New Year's Day (Jour de l'An)

  • Origin & Significance: Marks the beginning of the calendar year.
  • Date & Observance: January 1; a public holiday with family celebrations and often a day of rest.

• Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)

  • Origin & Significance: Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Date & Observance: The Monday after Easter Sunday; includes family gatherings and sometimes egg hunting traditions.

• Labor Day (Fête du Travail)

  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates workers' rights and achievements.
  • Date & Observance: May 1; marked by demonstrations, parades, and the giving of lily of the valley flowers for luck.

• Victory Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945)

  • Origin & Significance: Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
  • Date & Observance: May 8; involves ceremonies honoring veterans and remembering the fallen.

• Ascension Day (Ascension)

  • Origin & Significance: Christian holiday celebrating the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
  • Date & Observance: 40 days after Easter Sunday; often observed with church services and a day off.

• Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)

  • Origin & Significance: Christian feast of Pentecost celebrating the Holy Spirit's descent on the apostles.
  • Date & Observance: The Monday after Pentecost Sunday; a public holiday with church and community events.

• National Day (Fête Nationale / Bastille Day)

  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the French Revolution and the unity of the nation.
  • Date & Observance: July 14; marked by military parades, fireworks, and public festivities across the country.

• Assumption Day (Assomption)

  • Origin & Significance: Christian feast honoring the assumption of Mary into heaven.
  • Date & Observance: August 15; observed with religious services and some regional celebrations.

• All Saints' Day (La Toussaint)

  • Origin & Significance: Honors all saints and deceased loved ones.
  • Date & Observance: November 1; families visit cemeteries to place flowers on graves, especially chrysanthemums.

• Armistice Day (Armistice de 1918)

  • Origin & Significance: Commemorates the end of World War I.
  • Date & Observance: November 11; remembrance ceremonies are held at war memorials nationwide.

• Christmas Day (Noël)

  • Origin & Significance: Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Date & Observance: December 25; festive celebrations include family meals, gift-giving, and midnight Mass.

Site officiel de référence

• Service Public - Jours fériés en France