France Public Holidays
France Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in France? All public holidays in France are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the France employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to France and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
France, a country known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and deep-rooted traditions, observes a number of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are a reflection of the country’s historical milestones, religious celebrations, and social values. The public holidays in France include national days, Christian religious festivals, and other special commemorative days. French public holidays provide an opportunity for citizens to take a break, celebrate with family and friends, and reflect on the country’s past and values.
National Public Holidays
National public holidays in France commemorate important historical events, particularly those that shaped the country’s identity, political system, and social structure. These holidays are celebrated with a strong sense of patriotism and often feature public ceremonies, parades, and gatherings.
Bastille Day (14th July)
According to rrrjewelry.com, Bastille Day, known as La Fête Nationale, is the most important national holiday in France. It is celebrated on the 14th of July and commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a key event during the French Revolution that symbolized the overthrow of the monarchy and the birth of the Republic.
Celebrations:
- Military Parade: The highlight of Bastille Day is the military parade held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the oldest and largest military parade in Europe. It is attended by the French President and foreign dignitaries, showcasing the country’s military strength and unity.
- Fireworks: In the evening, spectacular fireworks displays light up the skies over Paris and other major cities. The fireworks at the Eiffel Tower are particularly iconic, drawing large crowds and tourists.
- Parties and Festivals: Throughout France, local municipalities organize parties, music festivals, and dancing events, often held in public squares. Many French citizens participate in these festivities, celebrating national pride and freedom.
Victory in Europe Day (8th May)
Victory in Europe Day, or La Fête de la Victoire, is observed on the 8th of May. This holiday marks the end of World War II in Europe, when the Allied forces, including France, declared victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Key Events:
- Commemorative Ceremonies: Official ceremonies are held across France, with the main event taking place at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who died during the war.
- Veterans and Military Tributes: Veterans of World War II and other conflicts are honored during public ceremonies, and military parades or flyovers are sometimes organized to mark the day.
- Reflection and Gratitude: For many French citizens, Victory in Europe Day is a time for reflection on the importance of peace, the cost of war, and gratitude to those who fought for freedom.
Armistice Day (11th November)
Armistice Day, celebrated on the 11th of November, commemorates the end of World War I in 1918, when the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany. This day honors the millions of soldiers who lost their lives during the Great War.
Observances:
- Ceremonies at War Memorials: Throughout France, ceremonies are held at war memorials to honor the fallen. The largest ceremony takes place at the Arc de Triomphe, where the French President pays tribute to the soldiers of World War I by laying a wreath and observing a minute of silence.
- Moment of Silence: At 11:00 a.m., a moment of silence is observed nationwide, marking the time when the Armistice was signed.
- Community Events: Local communities often organize events, such as readings of letters from soldiers or performances of wartime songs, to keep the memory of the war alive.
Labour Day (1st May)
Labour Day, known as La Fête du Travail, is celebrated on the 1st of May in France and many other countries. It is a day dedicated to honoring workers’ rights and the labor movement.
Traditions:
- Trade Union Demonstrations: On Labour Day, trade unions and worker organizations organize marches and demonstrations to advocate for workers’ rights, better working conditions, and social justice. These marches often take place in major cities like Paris and Marseille.
- Lily of the Valley: A unique French tradition on Labour Day is the gifting of lily of the valley flowers (muguet) as a symbol of good luck and happiness. People often buy or pick these flowers to give to friends and family.
- Family Gatherings: As it is a public holiday, many families take the day off to spend time together, enjoying picnics or outings in parks.
Religious Public Holidays
France has a long history with Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, and many of the country’s public holidays are based on the Christian calendar. Despite France’s secular nature, these holidays are widely observed and celebrated across the country.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, or Lundi de Pâques, is a public holiday in France and follows Easter Sunday, one of the most important Christian holidays. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a time for both religious reflection and celebration.
Traditions:
- Church Services: Many French Christians attend special church services on Easter Sunday, while Easter Monday is typically a day for rest and family gatherings.
- Easter Egg Hunts: Easter Monday is often marked by egg hunts for children, where chocolate eggs are hidden in gardens or parks. This tradition is particularly popular in rural areas and small towns.
- Family Meals: Families come together to enjoy a festive meal, often featuring lamb, which is traditionally associated with Easter in France.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day, or L’Ascension, is observed on the 40th day after Easter and commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. This religious holiday is widely celebrated in France.
Celebrations:
- Mass Services: Christians in France typically attend mass to celebrate this significant event in the Christian calendar.
- Extended Weekend: As Ascension Day often falls on a Thursday, many people take the following Friday off to create a “bridge holiday” (faire le pont), extending the weekend for leisure activities or short trips.
- Family Time: It is common for families to use this long weekend to visit relatives or enjoy time together at home or in the countryside.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, or Lundi de Pentecôte, is celebrated on the day after Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Easter. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, marking the birth of the Christian Church.
Observances:
- Mass and Processions: Religious services are held in churches across France to mark Pentecost and Whit Monday. In some regions, processions may also take place.
- Rest and Recreation: For many French citizens, Whit Monday is a day of rest and recreation, with families often using the long weekend for outings or relaxation.
Assumption Day (15th August)
Assumption Day, or L’Assomption, is a public holiday celebrated on the 15th of August. It marks the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven and is a significant event for Roman Catholics in France.
Celebrations:
- Religious Processions: In many towns and villages, especially in regions with strong Catholic traditions, processions are organized to honor the Virgin Mary. These processions are often accompanied by prayers, hymns, and celebrations.
- Pilgrimages: Some devout Catholics make pilgrimages to sacred sites on Assumption Day, such as the famous Lourdes, a major Marian pilgrimage site in southwestern France.
- Public Events: Many cities and towns host local fairs, markets, and communal meals to celebrate Assumption Day, often bringing the community together.
All Saints’ Day (1st November)
All Saints’ Day, or La Toussaint, is observed on the 1st of November and is a Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all saints, known and unknown. It is also a time to remember deceased loved ones.
Observances:
- Visiting Cemeteries: One of the most significant traditions on All Saints’ Day is visiting the graves of loved ones to pay respects. Families clean and decorate graves with flowers, particularly chrysanthemums, which are considered the traditional flower for La Toussaint.
- Church Services: Many people attend mass on this day to honor the saints and remember the departed.
- Quiet Reflection: All Saints’ Day is generally a quiet and solemn occasion, providing time for reflection on family and faith.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Christmas Day, or Noël, is one of the most widely celebrated Christian holidays in France, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for religious observance, festive gatherings, and gift-giving.
Traditions:
- Midnight Mass: Many French families attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, which is an integral part of the religious celebration of Noël.
- Family Meals: Christmas Day is traditionally spent with family, enjoying a lavish meal known as Le Réveillon de Noël. Typical dishes include roast turkey, foie gras, bûche de Noël (a Yule log cake), and other French delicacies.
- Gift Giving: Gifts are exchanged on Christmas morning, especially for children, who often receive toys and sweets.
- Decorations: French homes are decorated with Christmas trees, nativity scenes (crèches), and festive lights, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere.
Commemorative Days
In addition to national and religious holidays, France observes a number of commemorative days that honor various aspects of the country’s culture, history, and international relationships.
New Year’s Day (1st January)
New Year’s Day, or Jour de l’An, is celebrated on the 1st of January, marking the beginning of the new year. It is a festive occasion marked by parties, family gatherings, and well-wishing.
Traditions:
- Fireworks and Celebrations: On New Year’s Eve, fireworks displays, parties, and gatherings are held across France, particularly in major cities like Paris, where people gather to celebrate at landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower.
- Family and Friends: On New Year’s Day, families and friends exchange greetings cards and wish each other good health and prosperity for the coming year. It is common to say “Bonne Année” (Happy New Year) and “Meilleurs Vœux” (Best Wishes).
- Festive Meals: Many people enjoy a special New Year’s meal, often featuring oysters, seafood, and champagne.
Ascension of Charles de Gaulle (9th November)
This holiday, celebrated on the 9th of November, honors the life and legacy of Charles de Gaulle, the French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II and later became the first President of the Fifth Republic. Although not a public holiday, it is an important day for commemorating French leadership and patriotism.
Observances:
- Tributes and Ceremonies: Ceremonies are held at various De Gaulle memorials, and the President may deliver a speech commemorating De Gaulle’s contributions to the nation.
Observance of Public Holidays in France
Public holidays in France are times for celebration, reflection, and rest. While some holidays, like Bastille Day and Christmas, are marked by large public celebrations, others, such as All Saints’ Day and Armistice Day, are quieter, more solemn observances. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on public holidays, though some essential services continue to operate.
Working on Public Holidays
In France, employees are typically given time off on public holidays, but there are exceptions for certain sectors, such as healthcare, emergency services, and hospitality. Employees who work on public holidays are usually entitled to additional pay or compensatory time off.
