French Holidays & Celebrations You Need to Know About if You Are Traveling to France
Oh, the French, always on vacation… Or are they? Although it may seem like it at certain times of the year, they actually have ten official public holidays. Compared to the United States, which boasts eight, there is no drastic difference. However, they have at least 30 days of paid vacation time a year, and, compared to their American colleagues, they are not shy about taking advantage of them.
Some of these days off can smartly be used to link together official holidays (jours feriés), allowing the French to take extra vacations while only using a couple of paid leave days here and there. For example, if a holiday falls on a Thursday, workers will take the Friday and Monday off. It is particularly true in May when holidays are often close together, and les ponts are a national sport.
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It is great news for the French, but maybe not so much for the traveler caught unaware. Instead of a peaceful midweek getaway, you could find yourself battling with thousands of Frenchmen and women, competing for the same hotels, restaurants, and plane tickets and get caught in unexpected traffic jams. School children also have more vacation time than their American counterparts. The country is divided into three “zones,” each one starting and finishing some of the school breaks on a different day. Although it helps to avoid (some) overcrowding on the roads and main sights, be aware that it could affect your travel plans for a long time.
On the plus side, the French holidays often come with their own traditions and special foods which are a lot of fun to experience. Just book anything ahead of time if you are planning on visiting France during those dates and reconsider travel time accordingly if you will be on the road. Bison Futé is a great website that will give you an estimate of how much travel time you should expect, depending on when you will be leaving.
Here is everything you should know about French holidays.
January Holidays and Celebrations in France
New Year's Day – January 1
January starts quietly after the festivities of New Year's Eve. Everything is closed, including stores and museums, and most people spend the day visiting family or recuperating from a painful champagne hangover. Also, be prepared for some kissing. The French actually kiss under the mistletoe (gui) on New Year’s Eve instead of Christmas.
Epiphany – January 6
The holidays don’t end in France until January 6th for the feast of the Epiphany, which marks the day the Wise Men visited the infant Jesus bearing gifts. Unlike Spain, France does not celebrate with gifts – they are exchanged on Christmas Eve – but you are still in for a treat. French bakeries are taken over by the Galette des Rois, a puffed pastry cake stuffed with almond cream (frangipane). If you are in the South of France, you will also encounter the Couronne des Rois, which is more akin to brioche with candied fruits and shaped in a crown. In it is hidden a small ceramic figurine or sometimes a fava bean (la fève): whoever finds it is Queen or King for the day. Each family has its tradition to assign which piece of cake: for example, the youngest one often goes under the table and decides who gets what so that no one can cheat! It is not a day off, so don't expect any significant disruptions.
The Kids
School children are usually on vacation the first week of January, so plan ahead of time if you are traveling since plane tickets and hotels (especially in ski resorts) book up quickly.
February Holidays and Celebrations in France
Chandeleur – February 2
Chandeleur/Candlemas is celebrated on February 2nd and is a religious holiday celebrating the presentation of Jesus to the Temple. In France, it is marked by eating a lot of crêpes (yum!). It is not an official holiday, so business goes on as usual.
Valentine’s Day – February 14
France is the country of love, and more than one happy couple will find their way to Paris on February 14th. However, although Valentine's Day is somewhat celebrated, it has not gained the dramatic commercial aspect you may encounter in the United States. You can expect heart-shaped displays and pink and red decorations, but not to the same scale than you will find at home. Nevertheless, beware that restaurant reservations may require a little planning and that you will most likely be offered a prix fixe menu fancier – and pricier – than usual.
Mardi Gras (also known as Carnaval):
Fat Tuesday is a moveable feast and is usually celebrated at the end of February. It marks the last occasion to celebrate before the beginning of Lent, a time of fasting and atonement. As you could expect, the French do so with a bang. Children and adults dress up like Americans do for Halloween, and some towns organize parades, especially in the Southeast of the country (Nice is particularly renowned).
Ash Wednesday
The day after Mardi Gras is the first day of Lent and is known as Mercredi des Cendres. It is a religious holiday, not an official one, so there are no schedule disruptions for stores, banks, etc. However, devout Catholics attend Mass, and you may notice some people with a gray ash cross on their forehead.
The Kids
School children get a winter break at the end of February-beginning of March. Ski towns in the Alps and Pyrenees are often mob scene, so make sure to plan well in advance if you will be visiting these areas.
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March Holidays and Celebrations in France
Macaron Day
Macaron Day is a bit of a made-up holiday since it was created by renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé about 15 years ago. On that day, macaron sales in some of the most famous macaron bakeries support a chosen charity, and many bakeries across the country offer exclusive deals on macarons.
April Holidays and Celebrations in France
April Fool’s Day – April 1
April 1st is a time of mischief across the globe. In France, expect your share of practical jokes, including in the media. If you are gullible enough to get caught, expect a cheerful “Poisson d’avril!” (April’s fish!). Children tape paper fishes to the back of their classmates and naïve adults.
Good Friday
In the northeast of France (Alsace and Moselle particularly), Good Friday – Friday before Easter, known in France as Vendredi Saint – is a holiday. It is not observed as a day off in the rest of the country.
Easter
As in many countries with a Christian tradition, Easter (Pȃques) is a major holiday in France. Although they also celebrate with chocolate eggs hidden in the gardens, there is a couple of differences in traditions. There is no mention of Easter bunnies: instead, the eggs are left behind by the church bells on their way to Rome. Bakeries and chocolateries have major Easter-themed displays, and families often get together to celebrate.
The Kids
School children are on vacation for Spring Break between the beginning of April and early May, so make hotel and transportation reservations ahead of time.
May Holidays and Celebrations in France
Labor Day – May 1
May 1st (le premier Mai) is a national holiday. It marks the unofficial arrival of Spring, and the entire country takes the day off. The French also celebrate by exchanging Lily-of-the-Valley posies.
Victory in Europe Day – May 8
May 8th marks the end of World War II in Europe and is known simply as the huit-mai. It is observed as a national holiday and stores, official buildings, restaurants, etc. are usually closed except in some touristy areas. The celebrations are solemn. Officials bring wreaths to the War monuments, from the smallest village to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and military parades, including the Veterans, are sometimes organized.
Ascension Day
Ascension is a religious holiday, but it is observed as a national holiday in France. It is a movable feast (forty days after Easter). French schoolchildren (as well as many adults) often get a day off for the Pont de l’Ascension.
June Holidays and Celebrations in France
Pentecȏte
Pentecost or Whit Sunday is a moveable feast fifty days after Easter, usually at the end of May or beginning of June. Again, although it is a religious holiday, it is also a national holiday in France, and official buildings, schools, etc. are closed on the following Monday (Lundi de la Pentecȏte).
July Holidays and Celebrations in France
July marks the beginning of summer vacation for the children, but also for the parents (remember those 30 days of paid vacation time?). The French often take two or three weeks off in July or August, with the beginning and the end of the month being notoriously tricky for traveling. Plan accordingly, and if you can, stay clear of the main highways between Paris and the South of France. It gets pretty hairy! As can be expected, prices for activities, transportation, and accommodations also go up dramatically. On the positive side, July and August also offer an abundance of activities, including festivals, concerts, and various celebrations across the country. It can sometimes be challenging to find a place to stay for some of the most famous festivals, so if you are contemplating visiting France in the summer, make sure to check what is happening in the area as soon as you can. It could dramatically influence your travel plans.
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Bastille Day – July 14
On July 14th, France celebrates the storming of the Bastille, which was the symbol of the authoritarian monarchy until the French Revolution. La Fête Nationale is celebrated with pomp and decorum. Besides the major military parade along the Champs-Elysées, most towns and villages organize firework displays and public balls. They are often held by the firemen (Bal des Pompiers) in the casernes and can be a lot of fun. Everything is closed except in some of the most touristy areas.
August Holidays and Celebrations in France
Feast of Assumption – August 15
Once again, the Assumption on August 15th is primarily a religious holiday but is observed as a public holiday in France. Sacred sites dedicated to Mary – Lourdes, in particular – are the theater of major pilgrimages.
September Holidays and Celebrations in France
It's la rentrée when everybody heads back from vacation, tanned and excited (or not) for a new year the first week of September. It is also a great time to visit France since the weather is still beautiful and prices for travel and accommodation are often a lot more affordable.
October Holidays and Celebrations in France
Fête des Vendanges
At the end of September and beginning of October, many villages in rural areas organize Harvest fests celebrating the end of the harvest. France is still very much an agricultural country, and small villages have a tightknit, although often an aging community. It is not always fancy, but you can expect a carnival ride or two, community dinners and live music.
In the wine regions (Bordeaux, Burgundy, etc.), the end of the grape picking season is also the occasion of many significant celebrations on the vineyards and surrounding villages. Even Paris has its own Fête des Vendanges in Montmartre!
The Kids
School children are on break between mid-October and early November, so plan vacations in France accordingly.
November Holidays and Celebrations in France
All Saints' Day – November 1
Halloween isn't widely celebrated in France except as an exotic import. However, All Saint's Day (la Toussaint) is observed on November 1st. Families gather in cemeteries to remember their loved ones and traditionally bring a potted mum (hence the association in France between mums and funerals).
Armistice Day – November 11
November 11th marks the end of World War I and is observed as a national holiday. Throughout the country, officials, veterans, and sometimes school children put a wreath on the Monuments aux Morts which commemorate those who died during both World Wars. The tone is darker than American celebrations.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is marked in France on the third Thursday in November. It is the perfect occasion to try the famous “vin primeur.” Most bars and restaurants have some sort of event to pay tribute to what may not be the best French wine but is undoubtedly a bon-enfant marketing triumph.
December Holidays and Celebrations in France
Fête des Lumières
Paris for the holidays is beautiful, but you can kickstart the season with a trip to Lyon during the Fête des Lumières around December 8th. Artists from all over the world set up stunning visual art installations, and it is well worth the short TGV ride from Paris.
Christmas Eve – December 24
The “real” Christmas in France takes place on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. The night of December 24th is the Réveillon when families get together and celebrate with a feast of champagne, oysters, and Buche de Noël (Yule Log). Many people attend the Midnight Mass even if they are not usually church-goers, and children typically open their presents on the 24th at night rather than wait until Christmas Day.
Christmas – December 25
Christmas Day is usually very quiet in France. Most people are recuperating from their late night on Christmas Eve, and it is typically a day reserved for family and close friends. Don't expect to find anything open except in the most touristy areas (and even then, better to check ahead of time).
Here is an entire article on French Christmas Traditions if you want to know more!
New Year’s Eve – December 31
Also known as La Saint-Sylvestre, le Nouvel An is celebrated in France much like everywhere else: expect party galore, plenty of alcohol (especially champagne, this is France after all) and astronomical prices in bars and restaurants.
C'est fini! A full year of French holidays and celebrations that you may want to take into account when planning your next trip to France. I share this from experience, I can't tell you how many times Mr. Misadventures and I have forgotten about a holiday only to find us in the middle of the crowds that we were trying our best to avoid!
How about you? Have you been traveled to France during a French holiday? In purpose or by “accident?” Got any stories to tell? Do share!
AUTHOR BIO
Andi Fisher
I am married to a French man, lived in France for 3 years, and have been to Paris more than 50 times. I am always a tourist so the information, tip, and tricks I share are created to help you!
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Tips
- Flights
- Look for fares using sites like Skyscanner or Expedia.com.
- For France (Paris) coming from the West Coast, I typically fly Air France or United. From the East Coast, I typically fly Air France or Delta.
- If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. Not only will you have a spot to relax before your flight and charge your devices, but you can eat and drink for free (without paying crazy airport prices!)
- Accommodation
- I use Expedia.com, Booking.com, and Hotels.com to find lodging. Always check the reviews on TripAdvisor before booking!
- If you want to stay in a rental, look at VRBO and Plum Guide.
- Transportation
- For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars.com. When traveling in Europe, I use AutoEurope to make reservations. They find the best rates and allow you to compare different car rental agencies. I typically book with Sixt.
- For transportation from the CDG airport to anywhere within Paris, consider pre-booking with Get Transfer. It is one way to be stress-free and you can request an English-speaking driver.
- Tours + Atractions
- I book tours with companies like Viator and GetYourGuide. Both have a wide variety of activities for every travel style. Other companies to look at include Tours by Locals and Withlocals.
- If you’re visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City.
- Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational-based activities.
- If you are looking to buy tickets to attractions, check out Tiquet.
- Don't Forget Travel Photos
- One of my favorite things to do is to get photos taken of me while on vacation. Flytographer is a great option with photographers all over the world.
- Peace of Mind
- It’s important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threats, or cancellations. I always travel with insurance and would recommend SafetyWing, SquareMouth or Travelex Insurance are good options.
- Should you have any trouble with flight delays to the extent you feel you deserve compensation, I encourage you to check out and use AirHelp. I used them and for 1 claim I got compensated (transparency: a 2nd claim did not, but I was still glad I tried!).
- Planning
- Check out Le Shop for my digital travel planners and Paris planner!
I feel like I learned so much reading this post. I had no idea the majority of France’s holidays before this. I particularly liked reading about Macaron Day (even if it’s not a nationally recognized holiday)!
This was so interesting! I loved it! As a human geography teacher, I LOVE learning about holidays around the world. I loved reading about the Epiphany traditions. I would love to implement those at home in the USA. I plan to attempt my first yule log this Christmas too. 🙂
Epiphany looks like it would be great! And thanks for the tip about the end of February – that’s my birthday but now I would maybe pick another time to go.
This is a very thorough guide, Andi! You are so right that it’s useful to look into a country’s holidays before planning a visit. That didn’t occur to me before I went to Nepal this year, and I ended up arriving on their New Year’s Eve! France sounds like they have a good policy for PTO – I also think the ‘zones’ of school holidays is a good idea. The crowds of school holidays is kind of unavoidable, and although that does extend the ‘season,’ at least it reduces the overall crowds.
Oh how I would love to spend the holidays in France! Thanks for this comprehensive guide to special celebrations!
There are so many wonderful holidays to visit while visiting France. A great way to enjoy it all!
I had no idea France had so many holidays, now I really wish I lived there, lol! Creating this post is so smart, it would be very helpful to know about the holidays when traveling there.
So interesting. I would not have given much thought to celebrations/holidays in France other than Bastille Day and Valentine’s Day. I liked learning of different holidays there. I think I’d choose to go there just to take part in a couple of these!
Gahhhh and now I wish I were visiting France soon!!!! (And how fun is it that the real celebrating is on Christmas Eve?! I like that better! Haha!)
I loved this post! I love learning about history and different cultures, so this was so interesting! You are so right that it’s useful to look into a country’s holidays before planning a visit. If only we could incorporate Macaron Day here in the U.S!
Oh man, I so want to go to France. I love it there. Especially the food. I hope I can make it soon!
Kinda want to be around for macaron day haha, they are amazing
I’ve only been to France once – Paris, in March, to present at a conference – but am glad to see that an upcoming summer trip there (a group tour) falls conveniently between Bastille Day (which I knew about) and August 15 (which I did not)!
I loved learning about all of France’s traditions. So interesting!
Such a useful post. Visited France so many times but didn’t know some of these holidays & celebrations. Merry Christmas x
This post helps SO MUCH with planning. I have forgotten to look at the country’s holidays and have found myself stuck and looking to something like McDonalds for lunch when places are closed 😛 This post will definitely be put to good use!
Another very helpful guide And. I love all your Paris posts!
This is so helpful!! One time I accidentally showed up in Paris on Bastille Day, and that was a major surprise!
Thanks for this! Really helpful info
So many celebrations! Have fun! Great article…!
Reading your blog post and looking for flights to Paris to celebrate Macaron Day! I’m in for the treat hahah
What a great and informative post about the holidays in France. I visited Paris for study abroad a little after Christmas and my favorite tradition was the King Cake. It’s cute and it was super delicious!
This is so useful, I need to save it for later!
Wow great post! I would love to visit in March for Macaroon Day. My future plans do have me wanting to explore France again. Will pin so I can refer what holiday is going on during my visit. Thanks for the informative information!
Great post idea! I was in Italy during Easter break and didn’t think about what would be closed/open that week. I think macaron day should be made into an official, worldwide celebration!
Thanks for the round-up of French holidays. We never spend much time researching local holidays before we visit places so we often just miss out on events. I’ll save this for our next visit to France to see if we can tie one of the holiday celebrations into our trip!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
So much great information-I had no idea about many of the holidays celebrated in France. Its great to know when the kids are vacation as well as times to avoid. Thanks for sharing.
I wish I had this when I lived in France! Would have helped so much! Wonderful guide.
Macaron Day sounds like my kind of holiday! I’d take that over Valentine’s Day anytime. Super helpful for planning to know when things are closed and kids are out of school.
I’m definitely going to have to plan a holiday around these celebrations!! Never been to France during one of its holidays (just the New Year). Great information xx
I had no idea there were so many holidays celebrated in France. I am all for Macaron Day even if it is sort of made up!
Macaron day sounds like a fun holiday! This is such a great guide. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely post!!! The holidays look so lovely in France! So many days to celebrate! Thanks for sharing all the information!
What a great idea to put all this information together – and it’s very thorough! I’ve never really looked into holidays of the place I’m visiting and I ended up in Costa Rica when a lot of things were closed when I first arrived. Oops! Probably should do more research like this!