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      2008 2009
Easter (Pâques) 23 March 12 April
Easter Monday 24 March 13 April
Ascension (l'Ascencion) 1 May 21 May
Whit Sunday (la Pentecôte) 11 May 31 May
Whit Monday 12 May 1 June

 

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.