When it comes to public holidays in France, unlike the UK, most businesses, shops and offices will close although you’ll find supermarkets and bakers may open in the morning. Some restaurants may open for lunch and/or dinner, but it’s best to make a reservation in advance to be sure.
If a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, it’s usual for businesses to also close on the Friday or Monday to create a long weekend known as “faire le pont” (make a bridge).
Public Holidays in France 2020
Some days are changeable, others are fixed but these are the official public holiday for France in 2020.
1 January: New Year's Day
10 April: Good Friday. This is only observed in eastern Alsace.
13 April: Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
8 May: Victory Day
21 May: Ascension Day
31 May: Whit Sunday
1 June: Whit Monday
14 July: Bastille Day
15 August: Assumption Day
1 November: All Saints' Day
11 November: Armistice Day
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: St Stephen's Day. This is only observed in eastern Alsace.