List of 13 public holidays in France for 2026, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday and more.
France's holiday culture is a vibrant mix of secular pride and religious tradition, often revolving around family gatherings and gourmet meals. The French take their leisure seriously, frequently creating 'ponts' (bridges) to extend public holidays into long, festive weekends.
Expect most shops, banks, and smaller museums to close on public holidays. Public transport follows a reduced Sunday schedule, and during major dates like Bastille Day or May 1st, services may be severely limited or halted. Always book train tickets well in advance during the school holiday zones known as Vacances Scolaires.
Avoid scheduling critical meetings in August, as the country effectively shuts down for summer vacations. Similarly, May is tricky due to multiple bank holidays occurring in close succession. When working around holidays, it is customary to send well-wishes but respect that response times will be significantly slower as work-life balance is strictly guarded.
For festive atmospheres, visit in December for the world-famous Christmas markets in Alsace. To avoid crowds and ensure all local services and shops are open, late spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) is ideal, effectively bypassing the August vacation lull.
Common phrases include 'Joyeux Noël' for Christmas, 'Bonne année' for the New Year, and 'Joyeuses Pâques' for Easter. On the national day, people simply say 'Bon 14 juillet'.