France Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all national public holidays (jours feries) across Frances 18 regions, including special Alsace-Moselle observances.
2026 France National HolidaysJours Feries
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 |
New Year’s Day
Jour de l’An
|
January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 2 |
Easter Monday
Lundi de Paques
|
April 6, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 3 |
Labour Day
Fete du Travail
|
May 1, 2026 | Friday | Mandatory Day Off |
| 4 |
Victory in Europe Day
Fete de la Victoire 1945
|
May 8, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 5 |
Ascension Day
Ascension
|
May 14, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 6 |
Whit Monday
Lundi de Pentecote
|
May 25, 2026 | Monday | – |
| Q3 – July to September | ||||
| 7 |
Bastille Day
Fete Nationale
|
July 14, 2026 | Tuesday | National Day |
| 8 |
Assumption of Mary
Assomption
|
August 15, 2026 | Saturday | – |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 9 |
All Saints’ Day
Toussaint
|
November 1, 2026 | Sunday | – |
| 10 |
Armistice Day
Jour d’Armistice 1918
|
November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | – |
| 11 |
Christmas Day
Noel
|
December 25, 2026 | Friday | – |
New Year’s Day
Jour de l’An
The first day of the year is celebrated with champagne, fireworks, and festive meals. French families gather to exchange New Year’s wishes (voeux) and enjoy special meals featuring oysters, foie gras, and champagne.
National HolidayGood Friday
Vendredi Saint
Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a regional holiday observed only in Alsace and Moselle departments (Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Moselle) due to their historical connection with Germany.
Alsace-Moselle OnlyEaster Monday
Lundi de Paques
Extends the Easter celebration with family gatherings and traditional Easter egg hunts. French families enjoy chocolate bells (cloches de Paques) that symbolically return from Rome bringing eggs and treats for children.
National HolidayLabour Day
Fete du Travail
Celebrates workers’ rights and the labour movement. The only obligatory day off in France, when lily of the valley (muguet) is traditionally given as a symbol of good luck. Trade unions organize marches and demonstrations.
Mandatory HolidayVictory in Europe Day
Fete de la Victoire 1945
Commemorates the Allied victory in Europe during World War II and the end of Nazi occupation. Military parades and ceremonies are held across France, with the President laying a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe.
RemembranceAscension Day
Ascension
Celebrates Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven 40 days after Easter. Many French people take the Friday as a bridge day (faire le pont) to create a four-day weekend for short vacations.
National HolidayWhit Monday
Lundi de Pentecote
The day after Pentecost, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit. Marks the unofficial start of summer and is popular for short trips and outdoor activities. Falls 50 days after Easter.
National HolidayBastille Day
Fete Nationale
France’s National Day commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, and the Fete de la Federation in 1790. The oldest and largest military parade in Europe marches down the Champs-Elysees, followed by spectacular fireworks displays across the country.
National DayAssumption of Mary
Assomption
Catholic feast celebrating the Virgin Mary’s ascension to heaven. Processions and religious ceremonies are held in many towns and villages, particularly in Catholic regions of France.
National HolidayAll Saints’ Day
Toussaint
A day to honour all saints and remember deceased loved ones. French families visit cemeteries to place chrysanthemums on graves. This marks the start of the school autumn break (vacances de la Toussaint).
National HolidayArmistice Day
Jour d’Armistice 1918
Commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany ending World War I on November 11, 1918. Ceremonies are held at war memorials across France, with a moment of silence at 11 AM.
RemembranceChristmas Day
Noel
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings and festive meals. Traditional reveillon dinner features oysters, foie gras, turkey or capon, and buche de Noel (Yule log cake). Children receive gifts from Pere Noel.
National HolidaySt. Stephen’s Day
Saint-Etienne
Second day of Christmas celebrated only in Alsace-Moselle. A continuation of Christmas festivities with family gatherings and traditional meals, reflecting the region’s Germanic cultural heritage.
Alsace-Moselle OnlyAlsace-Moselle Special Holidays
The departments of Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, and Moselle observe two additional holidays due to their historical status under German rule between 1871-1918.
- Good Friday (April 3): Christian observance
- St. Stephen’s Day (December 26): Boxing Day equivalent
- These holidays are legally protected as part of local law (droit local)
- Total of 13 public holidays in these regions vs. 11 nationally
Labour Day Regulations
May 1st is the only day in France where businesses are legally required to give employees time off with double pay if they work.
- All commercial establishments must close (with rare exceptions)
- Essential services (hospitals, transport, police) continue operating
- Workers who must work receive double pay plus day in lieu
- Lily of the valley (muguet) sellers are exempt from permits
Bridge Days (Faire le Pont)
The French practice of “making the bridge” by taking days off between holidays and weekends to create extended breaks.
- May 15 (Friday): Bridge after Ascension Day (Thursday)
- July 13 or 15: Bridge around Bastille Day (Tuesday)
- Many businesses close during these periods
- Schools have scheduled breaks around major holidays
Sunday and Holiday Rules
France has strict regulations governing business operations on Sundays and public holidays.
- Most retail stores remain closed on Sundays and holidays
- Tourist zones have exemptions for Sunday trading
- Restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues generally open
- Public transport operates on reduced Sunday schedules
