Public holidays in France 2026 provide essential planning opportunities for residents, businesses, and travelers throughout the year. Understanding these official nationwide holidays helps you schedule work commitments, book travel arrangements, and make the most of potential long weekends. This comprehensive guide focuses exclusively on the 11 confirmed national public holidays recognized across all regions of France, ensuring you have accurate information for effective planning.
Official National Public Holidays in France 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day (Fête du Travail) |
| May 8 | Friday | Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945) |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Ascension) |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) |
| July 14 | Tuesday | Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary (Assomption) |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Armistice Day (Jour d’Armistice 1918) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Noël) |
Understanding France’s National Holiday System
The French holiday calendar operates under a distinctive framework that differs from many other European nations. France officially recognizes 11 public holidays nationwide, which are collectively known as “jours fériés.” However, the employment entitlements associated with these holidays vary considerably. Notably, May 1st stands as the only legally mandatory paid holiday, requiring all businesses to close except for essential services. For all other public holidays, employers have discretion in determining whether to grant paid time off, although most organizations honor these dates.
The concept of “faire le pont,” or making the bridge, represents a cherished French tradition. When a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, many businesses and employees take the adjacent Friday or Monday off to create an extended four-day weekend. This practice particularly affects the periods around Ascension Day in mid-May and Bastille Day in July. Consequently, travelers and business planners should anticipate reduced operations during these bridge periods.
Key Holidays and Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 present exceptional opportunities for extended breaks. The spring season proves especially favorable, with three consecutive Fridays designated as public holidays. May 1st (Labour Day) and May 8th (Victory in Europe Day) both fall on Fridays, offering natural three-day weekends. Meanwhile, Ascension Day on May 14th falls on a Thursday, creating an ideal situation for a four-day weekend when combined with the popular “bridge day” tradition.
Easter Monday on April 6th provides another Monday holiday, while Whit Monday on May 25th offers yet another extended weekend opportunity. These spring holidays allow ample time for domestic travel or short European getaways. On the other hand, some holidays present less favorable timing for extended breaks. August 15th (Assumption of Mary) falls on a Saturday, while November 1st (All Saints’ Day) lands on a Sunday, meaning these dates don’t create additional days off for most workers.
Planning Around French Public Holidays
Successful planning requires understanding how public holidays affect various sectors across France. Most retail establishments, banks, and government offices close on these designated days, particularly on May 1st when closures are legally mandated. However, tourist areas in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille often maintain operations to accommodate visitors. Restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions typically remain open, though they may operate on modified schedules.
Transportation services run on reduced timetables during public holidays, following patterns similar to Sunday schedules. Travelers should verify train and bus schedules in advance, as service frequency decreases significantly. Additionally, booking accommodations well ahead of time proves essential for popular long weekends, especially during the May holiday cluster when many French families travel domestically. For precise timing needs, tools like the 5, 10, and 15-minute timers can help coordinate schedules during these busy periods.
Special Considerations for May 2026
May 2026 deserves particular attention due to its concentration of public holidays. With three holidays occurring within a 25-day span, this month presents both opportunities and challenges. Businesses may experience extended closures as employees combine holidays with bridge days and annual leave. Therefore, anyone scheduling important meetings, deliveries, or services should account for potentially limited availability throughout May.
For international visitors, May represents an excellent time to experience French culture and traditions. Victory in Europe Day on May 8th features military ceremonies and commemorative events across the country, while Ascension Day and Whit Monday reflect France’s Catholic heritage with various religious observances. Planning travel around these dates allows visitors to witness authentic French celebrations while enjoying pleasant spring weather.
Bastille Day: France’s National Celebration
July 14th holds special significance as France’s national day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789. This holiday features the country’s largest celebrations, with the famous military parade marching down the Champs-Élysées in Paris. However, Bastille Day falls on a Tuesday in 2026, which may prompt many businesses to close on either Monday, July 13th, or Wednesday, July 15th as a bridge day.
Cities throughout France organize fireworks displays, concerts, and public festivities on July 14th. The Eiffel Tower fireworks in Paris attract enormous crowds, while smaller towns host community celebrations featuring food, music, and dancing. Visitors during this period should expect crowded tourist sites and book accommodations months in advance. For coordinating your schedule across different time zones, checking the current local time helps ensure you don’t miss key events.
Year-End Holiday Season
The final months of 2026 feature three significant public holidays. Armistice Day on November 11th falls on a Wednesday, commemorating the end of World War I with ceremonies at war memorials nationwide. Christmas Day on December 25th arrives on a Friday, naturally creating a three-day weekend and marking the peak of the holiday season. This timing proves ideal for family gatherings and year-end celebrations.
Unlike many European countries, France does not observe Boxing Day (December 26th) as a national holiday, except in the Alsace-Moselle region. The Christmas period typically sees reduced business operations extending through early January as many French people take annual leave. Travelers should note that while major tourist attractions remain open, many smaller shops and restaurants close for the holidays.
Practical Tips for Holiday Planning
Advance preparation makes navigating French public holidays considerably easier. First, confirm your travel dates against the holiday calendar, particularly if visiting during May or around Bastille Day when availability becomes limited. Second, verify opening hours for specific attractions, restaurants, and services, as policies vary widely. Tourist information centers provide reliable, up-to-date information about local operations during holidays.
For business travelers, scheduling meetings outside the May holiday cluster prevents scheduling conflicts and ensures full participation. Additionally, processing time for administrative tasks may extend during holiday periods, so submit applications or requests with extra lead time. When planning complex itineraries or multi-city trips, consulting comprehensive planning guides helps optimize your schedule around these national observances.
Conclusion
France’s 11 national public holidays in 2026 offer numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, and travel. By understanding these dates and their implications, you can effectively plan work schedules, optimize vacation time, and experience French culture during its most vibrant celebrations. Remember that while this guide covers nationwide holidays, some regions observe additional local holidays. For the most current information about public holidays and time-sensitive planning, refer back to our main Public Holidays resource throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in France in 2026?
France recognizes 11 national public holidays in 2026. These include New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter Monday (April 6), Labour Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (May 14), Whit Monday (May 25), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas Day (December 25). These dates are observed throughout France, though employment entitlements vary by employer and collective agreements.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays provide excellent long weekend opportunities in 2026. Easter Monday (April 6), Labour Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Whit Monday (May 25), and Christmas Day (December 25) all create natural three-day weekends. Ascension Day falls on Thursday, May 14, making it ideal for a four-day weekend with a Friday bridge day. Bastille Day on Tuesday, July 14, may also produce extended weekends if businesses observe bridge days on Monday or Wednesday.
Are any holidays subject to change?
The dates of fixed holidays like New Year’s Day, May 1st, July 14th, August 15th, November 1st, November 11th, and December 25th never change. However, moveable holidays such as Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday depend on the Easter calculation and vary annually. For 2026, these dates have been confirmed based on the liturgical calendar. While the dates themselves are firm, individual employer policies regarding paid time off may vary, except for May 1st, which is legally mandatory.
Do businesses close on all public holidays in France?
Business closures vary significantly across different public holidays. May 1st (Labour Day) is the only day when businesses are legally required to close, with rare exceptions for essential services. For other holidays, closure policies depend on employer discretion, industry sector, and location. Tourist areas in major cities often keep shops, restaurants, and attractions open during holidays to serve visitors. Banks and government offices typically close on all national holidays, while public transportation operates on reduced Sunday schedules.
What is the “faire le pont” or bridge day tradition?
The “faire le pont” (making the bridge) tradition involves taking additional days off to connect a public holiday with a weekend, creating extended breaks. When a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, many French workers take the adjacent Friday or Monday off, resulting in four-day weekends. This practice is widespread, particularly around Ascension Day in May. Businesses often formally close during these bridge periods, so travelers and those scheduling business activities should plan accordingly.