For years, France has maintained its place among the most popular destinations chosen by employees from abroad. French work culture can be treated as a good example of work-life balance. This means that you work hard there, but resting is just as important as work. Below we have listed the days off and holidays in France in 2023.
Officially, all over France there are celebrated 12 national holidays. However, there are additional holidays (as well as days off) celebrated depending on the region. For example, in Alsace and the Mosel department, Good Friday is celebrated (this year it falls on April 7th) and the second day of Christmas (December 26th).
Days off in France in 2023
- January 1st (Sunday) – New Year (Nouvel An albo Jour de l’an)
- April 10th (Monday) – Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
- May 1st (Monday) – Labour Day (Fête du travail)
- May 8th (Monday) – Victory Day (Fête de la victoire 1945)
- May 18th (Thursday) – Ascension of the Lord (Jeudi de l’Ascension)
- May 28th-29th (Sunday-Monday) – Pentecost (Lundi de Pentecôte)
- July 14th (Friday) – National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- August 15th (Sunday) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption)
- November 1st (Wednesday) – All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)
- November 11th (Saturday) – Independence Day (Armistice 1918)
- December 25th (Monday) – Christmas (Noël)
Holidays in France
National Day of France
Most of the holidays celebrated in France coincide with the holidays celebrated in Poland. Among the holidays celebrated exclusively by the French is – among others – Bastille Day – it is a typically French holiday. Moreover, it is the most important date in the history of France. This day is designated the beginning of the French Revolution and its symbolic event – the conquest of the Bastille.
Bastille Day in France is celebrated in a very boisterous way. Celebrations begin on the Champs Elysees in Paris, where the oldest and largest military parade takes place, while the fireworks display begins in the evening. This holiday falls on July 14th. For the French, it is an opportunity to barbecue and spend time with the family in the fresh air. Official celebrations are held in Paris. It is a non-working day, but restaurants in tourist districts are generally open.
Independence Day in France
Independence Day (November 11th) is also a very important holiday in the history of both French and most European nations. All celebrations are focused in Paris around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. In most cities on this day, we will see many French flags displayed on buildings.
All state institutions and a significant part of private companies are closed on that day.
Valentine’s day
Although February 14th is not a national holiday in France, Paris on this day becomes a tourist Mecca for couples from all over the world. The city authorities warn not to travel by car on this day, because the streets are heavily traffic jammed. Moreover, some neighborhoods are completely closed to traffic. According to the latest data, Paris is visited by an average of 18 million people a year.
Holidays and days off in France – When to go on vacation?
Every employee who is employed under an employment contract is entitled to a paid leave. At the end of the month, every employee has the right to receive financial compensation for national holidays.
If public holidays in France fall on Thursday, employers often allow employees to take a day off on Friday to extend the weekend.
When is the best time to plan a vacation in France?
- Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary: May 18th-21th (Thursday-Sunday)
- Pentecost: May 26th-29th (Friday-Monday)
- National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day: July 14th-17th (Friday-Monday)
- All Saints’ Day: November 1st-5th (Wednesday-Sunday)
- Christmas: December 22nd-26th (Friday-Tuesday)
