France Public Holidays 2025
France has 11 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 8 May | Thu | Victory Day | public |
| 25 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 14 Jul | Mon | Bastille Day | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Armistice Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About France's Holidays
France has a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays. Some are state celebrations that mark history and politics. Others are public days off that businesses and banks observe across the country.
Religion shaped many holidays. Catholic traditions like Christmas and Easter remain widely celebrated, with church services, family meals, and local markets. These days are also public holidays for most workers.
There are republican commemorations that honor war memory and national unity with ceremonies and parades. Seasonal festivals celebrate food, wine, music, and regional customs. Many towns keep unique local feasts and markets.
Public holidays often mean shops and banks close or run reduced hours. Schools follow holiday calendars, so families travel or take part in events tied to local culture and traditions.
Holiday Traditions
In France holidays mix family warmth and local tradition. People often visit relatives, share long meals, and sing or tell stories. Many gatherings center on a special dish or cake that varies by region and season.
Public life changes on holidays. Towns hold parades, markets, concerts, and fireworks. Streets fill with music, flags, and outdoor dancing. Small villages add folk traditions and costumes, while cities stage big official events and light displays.
Food is central. Families cook slow stews, roasted meats, cheeses, breads, and rich desserts. Markets sell seasonal treats and flowers. Gift giving, church services, and moments to remember history or community bring everyone together in a friendly, festive mood.
Travel Tips
Visiting France (fr) in the holiday season is lively and crowded. Many shops, banks, and small businesses close on major public holidays and on some afternoons. Big cities stay open more than small towns and tourist areas.
Train and metro services often run on special timetables around holidays. Book high speed and night trains early. Airports can be busy and security lines long. Plan extra time for transfers and arrivals to avoid stress.
Popular attractions get very crowded, especially evenings and weekends. Reserve museum and tour tickets ahead. Have cash for small shops and check opening hours before you go. Pack warm layers and expect festive decorations and markets.