Public Holidays in France

Fixed Public Holidays in France

1 January	New Year's Day
1 May	Labour Day
8 May	Fête de la Victoire 1945 (WWII Victory Day)
14 July	Bastille Day (Fête nationale)
15 August	Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption)
1 November	All Saints Day (La Toussaint)
11 November	Armistice Day (Jour d'armistice)
25 December	Christmas Day (Noël)
26 December	2nd Day of Christmas (in Alsace & Lorraine-only)

Note that holidays falling at the weekend are not moved

 

Moveable Public Holidays in France

Feast		2012	2013
Easter (Pâques)		8 April	31 March
Easter Monday		9 April	1 April
Ascension (l'Ascencion)		17 May	9 May
Whit Sunday (la Pentecôte)		27 May	19 May
Whit Monday		28 May	20 May

 

Note that when a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many French people may take the respective Monday or Friday off as well. This is not official and does not apply to institutions such as banks or government, but can cause difficulties doing business on occasions.