French School Holidays 2025-26: Full Dates with Zones

Welcome to Calendar Times UK, your trusted guide for all things calendar-related. Navigating the French school holidays can seem complex with its unique zoning system, but we’re here to simplify it. This guide provides the official French school holiday dates 2025–2026 and beyond, sourced from the French Ministry of Education (Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale) at education.gouv.fr.

If you’re a parent in France or an expat family planning ahead, we cover everything from the first day of school to childcare during French school breaks.

France School Holidays, Schedule and Zones

Understanding the French school calendar is the first step to planning your family’s academic year. The system is divided into three regional zones (A, B, C) to manage holiday traffic and demand. Below, find the complete schedule for the next two school years.

French School Holidays 2025-2026

*The first day of school for the 2025-2026 year is Monday, 1 September 2025.*

French School Holidays 2026-2027

Please note that the official calendar for 2026-2027 is typically released by the Ministry in the spring of the preceding year. The dates below are projections based on previous years and are subject to confirmation.

Understanding the French School Zones (A, B, C)

France uses a zoning system to stagger the winter and spring holidays. This helps reduce overcrowding in popular ski resorts and tourist areas. Here’s a breakdown of which regions fall into each zone.

• Zone A: Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers

• Zone B: Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg

• Zone C: Créteil, Montpellier, Paris, Toulouse, Versailles

Read More: Scotland School Holidays

Detailed French School Holidays Calendar 2025-2026

For those who prefer a simple list view, here is the French school holidays calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.

French Public Holidays and The School Calendar

France has 11 national public holidays. When these fall on a weekday, schools are typically closed. It’s worth checking with your specific school, as policies can vary, especially for days that bridge a weekend. For the most accurate list, always refer to the official government portal at https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/.

A Guide for Expat Parents: Planning and Childcare

Moving to a new country comes with its own set of challenges. For expat parents, understanding childcare options during French school breaks is crucial.

• Financial Planning: Create a budget that accounts for travel, activities, and childcare. Costs can add up quickly during the long breaks!

• Childcare Solutions:

  • Holiday Centres (Centres de Vacances/Centre de Loisirs): State-supervised facilities offering activities and daycare.

  • Private Holiday Camps: Organisations like Jeunes Diplomates offer language and activity camps, perfect for international children.

  • Childminders & Au Pairs: Assistantes maternelles (professional childminders) and au pairs provide flexible, in-home care.

International schools in France generally follow the same holiday schedule, but it’s always best to confirm dates directly with your child’s school.

Also Read: Fife School Holidays

Key Resources and Official Information

For absolute certainty, always double-check with official sources. The dates on Calendar Times UK are carefully researched, but the final authority is the French Ministry of Education.

• Official School Calendar: education.gouv.fr

• General Public Services Information: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/

FAQs

Q1. Do all French school zones have the same holiday dates?

No. While the All Saints, Christmas, and Summer holidays are the same for all zones, the Winter and Spring holidays are staggered across Zones A, B, and C to manage tourism.

Q2. Are French school holidays the same every year?

The structure is consistent, but the exact dates shift slightly each year. The ministry typically publishes calendars two years in advance.

Q3. Do international schools in France follow these dates?

Most do, but there can be slight variations. We highly recommend checking directly with your child’s international school for their specific calendar.

Q4. What is the first day of school in France in 2025?

The first day of school in France in 2025 is Monday, 1 September 2025, for all zones.

We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK has made planning for the French school holidays in 2025, 2026, and 2027 much clearer. By understanding the zones and key dates, you can book travel, arrange childcare, and make the most of your family time. For the most definitive information, bookmark the official education.gouv.fr website.

Ready to plan your next break? Compare these dates with the UK School Holidays on our site to find the perfect time for a cross-Channel visit!