The French public holidays when you should skip working

Imagine yourself in the vibrant streets of Paris, the air rich with the aroma of fresh croissants, the chatter of joyous crowds, the city alive with the colorful bustle of a cherished national celebration.

It’s not just any day—it’s one of the famed French public holidays, a tapestry of culture woven into the yearly calendar. Each holiday acts as a heartbeat of France, telling tales of history, tradition, and national pride.

Business owners, understanding these holidays can mean the difference between an opportunity and an oversight.

Critical insights into the French holiday schedule directly influence operational decisions, marketing strategies, and customer interactions.

With this article, you’ll traverse the landscape of France’s most notable days—from the rousing fireworks of Bastille Day to the reflective quiet of Armistice Day.

By journey’s end, you’ll have a calendar etched with knowledge, prepared to navigate the nuances of La fête nationale and beyond, ensuring your business thrives in tandem with France’s rhythm of rest and celebration.

Prepare for a deep dive into the customs that shape the French economic pulse, the significance behind each pause, and how to align with the festive days while respecting their profound roots.

French public holidays

How do the French public holidays work?

The French public holidays (les jours fériés) are a collection of 11 holidays celebrated across the entire country. This number varies from province to province, with some celebrating as many as 13 public holidays. Much like in most countries, these holidays serve as a commemoration of special events, whether religious or national.

These French public holidays always fall on the same date, with the most notable exception being the Easter holidays. The French follow the Gregorian calendar, which is the most popular one in the world.

One shortcoming of the French public holidays is that they can fall on a Saturday. When they do, they don’t get moved to a weekday as is customary in some other countries.

However, this isn’t the case with Sundays. When a public holiday in France falls on a Sunday, it is moved to a weekday. And unlike in the UK, French public holidays aren’t reorganized to create the so-called long weekend.

Most official institutions do not operate on public holidays. Some private businesses might choose to open for a few hours though.

4 movable French public holidays you need to know about

A movable public holiday doesn’t have a fixed date and falls on a different day every year. In France, all the movable public holidays are related to Easter (Pâques).

Good Friday (le Vendredi Saint)

Only two provinces consider Good Friday a public holiday – Alsace and Moselle. This movable holiday falls on the Friday before Easter Monday. Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on this day.

Easter Monday (le lundi de Pâques)

Easter Monday marks the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It follows immediately after Easter Sunday. Easter Monday is an annual public holiday in entire France.

Ascension Day (l’Ascension)

Ascension Day is a movable holiday that falls on the 40th day after Easter. Christians honor Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven on this day. Though some spend this public holiday with their families, many go to church on Ascension Day.

Whit Monday (lundi de Pentecôte)

Whit Monday is celebrated across the whole country and falls on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. Though schools and government institutions don’t operate on Whit Monday, many businesses stay open.

9 non-movable French public holidays to look forward to

As the name suggests, non-movable French public holidays fall on the same date each year.

New Year’s Day (Réveillon de Jour de l’An)

Most European countries celebrate New Year’s Day and France is no exception. Naturally, this public holiday always falls on the 1st of January, according to the Gregorian Calendar. Very few institutions choose to operate on this day.

Labor Day (la Fête du Travail)

Labor Day is one of the most universal international holidays. This day is meant to show appreciation to workers. The French celebrate it on the 1st of May. Many consider it the creme de la creme of French public holidays. This is because it’s the only paid holiday in France.

Victory Day (La Fête de la Victoire)

Victory Day celebrates the day France gained freedom from the Nazis during World War II. The day always falls on the 8th of May and many French citizens spend it at parades.

Bastille Day (la fête nationale française)

Also known as the French National Day, it is a commemoration of the Feast of the Federation. It always falls on the 14th of July. This important national holiday is a tribute to the French Revolution. This popular holiday often features military parades and various dances.

Assumption Day (l’Assomption)

Assumption Day is a Christian holiday celebrated on the 15th of August. This public holiday dates back to 1858 when a little girl supposedly saw the Virgin Mary. The day commemorates the Virgin’s Mary ascension to heaven. Many people throw feasts on this religious holiday.

All Saint’s Day (La Toussaint)

This holiday falls on the 1st of November every year. On All Saint’s Day, people commemorate their deceased family members and loved ones. They often visit their graves and decorate them with wreaths, flowers, and candles. Though the schools are closed on this day, most businesses operate as usual.

Armistice Day (Le Jour du Souvenir)

Also known as Remembrance Day, this public holiday falls on the 11th of November. The French commemorate the soldiers who died during World War I. Government officials pay tribute to fallen soldiers on this day.

Christmas Day (Le jour de Noël)

Christianity plays a big part in shaping the history of Europe. It’s thus no surprise that the French also celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. This public holiday falls on the 25th of December. Many French decorate their homes week in advance. Families often meet to feast together on this special day. And last but not least, they give each other presents.

Boxing Day (le lendemain de Noël)

Though not a national holiday, the people of Alsace and Moselle celebrate Boxing Day. In these two regions, it’s considered an official public holiday.

Do you still get paid on French public holidays?

If you have worked for at least one month, you are legally qualified to get a holiday with pay. However, your employer is only obliged to pay you on Labor Day. The French have no other paid holidays. If your employer chooses to pay you for other holidays, it’s entirely because of their goodwill. Luckily, most French employers are very generous in this regard.

FAQ On French Public Holidays

How many public holidays are there in France?

Trust me, you’ll need a decent-sized calendar. France has a generous serving of 11 public holidays a year.

Mind you, that doesn’t include the regional holidays like Corsica’s Day of Liberation or Alsace’s regional celebrations.

When is Bastille Day and what is its significance?

Bastille Day, kicking off July 14th, is the French equivalent of the Fourth of July. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a turning point of the French Revolution.

The soirées include dazzling fireworks, parades, and a palpable sense of national pride.

Are French public holidays the same in every region?

Ah, here’s where it gets interesting. While most are uniform, some regions, especially those with unique historical backdrops like Alsace and Moselle, observe additional days off.

It’s a nod to their distinct cultural tapestry.

Do all businesses close on French public holidays?

Mostly, yes, especially on the major ones like Christmas and New Year’s Day.

However, necessity rules; bakeries, cafes, and some shops might swing their doors open, albeit for shorter hours. It adds charm to the holiday hustle, don’t you think?

How does France celebrate May Day?

May 1st, Labor Day, doubles as May Day, and here’s where the tradition blooms – literally. It’s customary to offer lilies of the valley to loved ones.

Pretty sweet, right? Plus, it’s a chance for workers to champion their rights with parades and gatherings.

Are French public schools closed during public holidays?

Indeed, French public schools shut down, giving kids a chance to recharge. Just picture the excitement on their faces.

And during extended holiday periods, like All Saints’ Break, those hallways stay quiet for a bit longer.

How does France’s public holiday calendar affect travel within the country?

Picture this: trains packed, roads bustling, and popular spots swarming with visitors.

If you’re planning a trip, book well in advance, especially around Easter or summer vacations. And why not? Everyone deserves a scenic escape now and then.

What happens when a French public holiday falls on a weekend?

Sorry to be the bearer of mundane news, but there’s no extra day off. French workers just sigh and carry on with the weekend.

Unlike some lucky countries, the holiday isn’t typically shifted to a weekday.

Which French public holiday is known for its military parade?

Cast your eyes to July 14th, Bastille Day. Paris hosts a grand military parade down the Champs-Élysées.

It’s a spectacle of solidarity, grandeur, and historic remembrance. People from all over the world tune in or line the streets to witness it.

Is it true that some French public holidays are based on the lunar calendar?

Indeed, they ebb and flow with the moon. Easter Monday and Whit Monday are prime examples.

Their dates shift each year based on the lunar cycle. Keeps you on your toes when you’re plotting out your year, right?

Conclusion

So, we’ve sailed across the ocean of days that shape the French public holidays, diving deep into the heart of what makes France not just a place, but an experience amplified on specific points in the calendar. Business owners, you’ve got the scoop now. From the fiery pomp of Bastille Day to the tranquil reflection of Armistice Day, these are not just breaks in the routine; they’re cultural beacons, illuminating the path to savvy business moves.

• Honor the traditions.
• Plan for the closures.
• Seize the festivities to network.

Leveraging the rhythm of these vibrant festive days attunes your business acumen to the French beat. Adjusting operations on these key dates means joining the dance gracefully—a celebration of strategy and cultural finesse.

As the final confetti settles and the calendar pages flutter, carry forward the joie de vivre offered by these days of rest and revelry. Your business will thank you, with a French flourish.

If you liked this article about French public holidays, you should check out this one on how many working days there are in a year.

You should also check out these other articles of ours about public holidays in Japan, South Korean holidays, Singapore public holidays, New Zealand holidays, and also public holidays in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.