Public holidays

France · 2026

11 holidays including 11 national and 0 regional observances.

Total

All listed

National

Country-wide

Regional

Local areas

Public

Official

Guide to public holidays in France

Overview, context, and quick answers for 2026.

Holiday overview

France observes 11 public holidays throughout 2026, including 11 national and 0 regional. 11 are official public holidays with government recognition.

Use the monthly calendar below for exact dates. Planning in France means tracking both fixed-date holidays and variable dates set by calendar or decree.

Key context

— Location: France (FR), Europe
— Distribution: 100% national, 0% regional
— Official public: 100% of listed holidays
— Year: 2026 (Gregorian)

Why this calendar matters

Public holidays affect government hours, banking, and many businesses. Use this list to avoid conflicts and plan travel or operations in France.

FAQ in this guide

How many public holidays does France have in 2026?

France has 11 public holidays in 2026, including 11 national and 0 regional. 11 are official government-recognized public holidays.

What are the most important holidays in France?

Major holidays include national days, religious observances, and cultural events—often with closures for government offices, banks, and many businesses.

Do holidays in France affect business?

Yes. Many offices and banks close or reduce hours on public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

Are there regional differences?

Yes. France has both nationwide holidays and regional observances in specific areas or communities.

Holiday dates by year

Easter, Christmas, and more

Open

Traditions

Customs and celebrations

Open

Foods

Traditional dishes

Open

Geographic & cultural context

Location

Country: France (FR)
Continent: Europe
Coordinates: 46.2276, 2.2137
Time zone: CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

Holiday mix

National, regional, religious, and cultural
Gregorian calendar
Official days often close government offices

2026

Calendar year

100%

Free access

Updated

Maintained

Calendar

Holidays by month

All observances for 2026, grouped by month.

January 2025

1 holiday

Jour de l'an

National

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

New Year's Day marks the start of a new year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a day for celebration and reflection on the past year.

April 2025

1 holiday

Lundi de Pâques

National

Monday, April 21, 2025

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar. It is a public holiday in many countries and is often celebrated with family gatherings and outdoor activities.

May 2025

3 holidays

Fête du Travail

National

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Labour Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. It is a day to honor workers and their contributions to society.

Victoire 1945

National

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Victory in Europe Day commemorates the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 8, 1945. It marks the end of the war in Europe and is a day of remembrance and celebration.

Ascension

National

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief of Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday.

June 2025

1 holiday

Lundi de Pentecôte

National

Monday, June 9, 2025

Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

July 2025

1 holiday

Fête nationale

National

Monday, July 14, 2025

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a major event in the French Revolution. It is a celebration of French national identity and unity.

August 2025

1 holiday

Assomption

National

Friday, August 15, 2025

Assumption Day celebrates the Christian belief in the Virgin Mary's bodily ascent into Heaven. It is a significant religious holiday for Catholics.

November 2025

2 holidays

Toussaint

National

Saturday, November 1, 2025

All Saints' Day is a Christian festival honoring all known and unknown saints. It is a day to remember and celebrate those who have attained heaven.

Armistice 1918

National

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. It is a day to remember and honor those who died in the war.

December 2025

1 holiday

Noël

National

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a major Christian holiday celebrated with family gatherings, gift-giving, and religious services.