
France is one of the most popular destinations for migrant workers. The country attracts to work people from various parts of the world, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Therefore, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the list of public holidays and days off in France in 2025.
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In France, there will be 11 public holidays in 2025, of which 10 fall on weekdays and 1 on the weekend. There are also additional (local) holidays celebrated depending on the region. For example, in Alsace and the Moselle department, Good Friday (which falls on April 18 this year) and the second day of Christmas (December 26) are observed.
Public holidays in France in 2025:
- January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day (Nouvel An or Jour de l’an)
- April 21 (Monday) – Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
- May 1 (Thursday) – Labour Day (Fête du travail)
- May 8 (Thursday) – Victory Day (Fête de la victoire 1945)
- May 29 (Thursday) – Ascension Day (Jeudi de l’Ascension)
- June 9 (Monday) – Pentecost (Pentecôte)
- July 14 (Monday) – French National Day, also known as Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- August 15 (Friday) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption)
- November 1 (Saturday) – All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)
- November 11 (Tuesday) – Armistice Day (Armistice 1918)
- December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas (Noël)
Local holidays in France in 2025:
- March 5, 2025 (Wednesday) – Gospel Day (French Polynesia)
- March 27, 2025 (Thursday) – Mid-Lent (Guadeloupe)
- March 29, 2025 (Saturday) – Good Friday (Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Moselle)
- April 18, 2025 (Friday) – Good Friday (Guadeloupe, Alsace, and Moselle)
- April 28, 2025 (Monday) – St. Pierre Chanel Day (Wallis and Futuna)
- May 22, 2025 (Thursday) – Abolition Day (Martinique)
- May 27, 2025 (Tuesday) – Abolition Day (Guadeloupe)
- May 28, 2025 (Wednesday) – Abolition Day (Saint Martin)
- June 10, 2025 (Tuesday) – Abolition Day (Guyane)
- June 29, 2025 (Sunday) – Autonomy Day (French Polynesia)
- July 29, 2025 (Tuesday) – Territory Day (Wallis and Futuna)
- September 24, 2025 (Wednesday) – Citizenship Day (New Caledonia)
- October 9, 2025 (Thursday) – Abolition Day (Saint Barthélemy)
- December 20, 2025 (Saturday) – Reunion Island Freedom Day (Abolition Day) (Reunion)
- December 26, 2025 (Friday) – Saint-Etienne (St. Stephen’s Day) (Alsace and Moselle)
Also, check when public holidays and days off occur in Belgium in 2025.
Holidays in France – French National Day, also known as Bastille Day
The French National Day, celebrated on July 14, commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, symbolizing the beginning of the French Revolution. It is one of the most important days in the country. The celebrations start on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, where the oldest and largest military parade takes place. In the evening, fireworks displays begin. For the French, it is an occasion for barbecuing and spending time with family outdoors. Although it is a public holiday, restaurants in tourist districts are generally open.
Independence Day in France
Independence Day is a very important holiday in history for both the French and most European nations. The celebrations of this holiday are centered in Paris around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. In many cities on this day, you will see flags displayed on buildings.
All government institutions and a significant portion of private companies are closed on this day.
Holidays and Days Off in France and Vacation
Public holidays in France are determined by the Labor Code, which designates national holidays and days off from work. Every employee with an employment contract is entitled to paid vacation. At the end of the month, every worker has the right to receive financial compensation for national holidays.
When is the best time to plan a vacation in France?
The best time for a vacation in France is always during the summer, particularly in July and August, when the country enjoys beautiful weather. The school holidays last from early July to early September, which is why many people plan their vacations during these months. This year, most holidays fall on Mondays or Thursdays, so when planning your time off, you will need to use your paid vacation days. Here are a few suggestions on how to use one day of vacation to get four days off:
- Labour Day: May 1 – 4 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Victory Day: May 8 – 11 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Ascension Day: May 29 – June 1 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Independence Day: November 8 – 11 (Saturday to Tuesday)
- Christmas: December 25 – 28 (Thursday to Sunday)