French Bank Holidays: Full Dates & List

Planning your French holidays or a business trip requires knowing the French bank holidays. Calendar Times UK provides the full list of jours fériés and an estimated calendar for French bank holidays. From Bastille Day celebrations in France to understanding what “faire le pont” means in France, we cover everything you need to know for smooth travel plans.

National Public Holidays in France: Official List

France has eleven official national holiday days. The regions of Alsace and Moselle also observe Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) and Saint Stephen’s Day (Saint Étienne). Remember, this is the official list of jours fériés; whether employees get these paid holidays in France is often at the employer’s discretion.

2026 French Bank Holidays

*Only observed in the Alsace and Moselle regions. These 2026 dates are estimates. Always confirm with an official source, such as service-public.fr, closer to the time.

Read More: Cyprus Bank Holidays

2027 French Bank Holidays (Estimated)

2028 French Bank Holidays (Estimated)

In-Depth Look at Each French Holiday

Each French holiday is steeped in history and unique celebration traditions.

• Jour de l’An (New Year’s Day): A quiet day for recovery after New Year’s Eve festivities.

• Fête du Travail (Labour Day): A major holiday where most shops close. It’s traditional to offer a sprig of lily-of-the-valley for good luck.

• Fête Nationale (Bastille Day): The quintessential French celebration! Expect magnificent fireworks and military parades across the country.

• Jour d’Armistice (Armistice Day): A solemn day of remembrance. A moment of silence is observed at 11 am at war memorials nationwide.

• Toussaint (All Saints’ Day): A day to honor the departed. Cemeteries are filled with chrysanthemum flowers placed on graves.

Planning Around Bank Holidays in France: A Guide for Travelers

So, are shops open on French bank holidays? The answer is: it depends. In major cities, you’ll find some cafes and tourist attractions open, but don’t count on it. Always check opening hours in advance.

Top Tips for Travelers:

• Book Early: Accommodation and trains fill up fast around long weekends.

• Embrace the Culture: Don’t miss iconic events like the Bastille Day fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.

• Be Flexible: Many smaller towns and villages will be very quiet. Use the day to enjoy parks and public spaces.

Found this guide helpful? Explore our other guides to Italian Bank Holidays and Austrian Bank Holidays to plan your next European adventure!

FAQs

Q1. How many public holidays are there in France?

There are 11 national public holidays in France. The regions of Alsace and Moselle have two additional holidays, making 13.

Q2. Do you get paid for French bank holidays?

Only May 1st (Labor Day) is a mandatory paid holiday. Payment for other holidays depends on your employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.

Q3. What is ‘faire le pont’?

“Faire le pont” (making the bridge) is the common practice of taking a day off between a public holiday and the weekend to create a longer break.

Q4. Are supermarkets open on French bank holidays?

Most supermarkets and grocery stores are closed on major holidays like New Year’s Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. It’s best to shop ahead.

Also Read: UK Bank Holidays

Whether you’re planning a trip to France around the bank holidays in France or are a resident looking to maximise your time off, this guide has you covered. Remember to use this French calendar to spot those perfect bridge day opportunities.