France Holidays & Celebrations: Your Complete 2025 Guide
France is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and—above all—its vibrant calendar of public holidays and beloved fêtes. From solemn national commemorations to playful cultural observances, the French holiday season offers something for every traveler and local alike. In this guide, you'll discover:
- Eleven official public holidays enshrined in French labour law
- Three movable Easter-based feasts that vary each year
- The most widely celebrated cultural fêtes—from crêpe-filled Candlemas to street music on June 21
Official Public Holidays in France
France recognizes eleven bank holidays each year. Whether you're planning a business trip, a romantic getaway, or simply want to immerse yourself in local tradition, these dates are essential:
Fixed-Date Holidays
- January 1 - New Year's Day (Jour de l'An)
- May 1 - Labour Day (Fête du Travail)
- May 8 - Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945)
- July 14 - Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- August 15 - Assumption Day (Assomption)
- November 1 - All Saints' Day (Toussaint)
- November 11 - Armistice Day (Armistice 1918)
- December 25 - Christmas Day (Noël)
Movable Easter-Related Holidays
- Easter Monday - the Monday after Easter Sunday
- Ascension Day - 39 days after Easter
- Whit Monday - 50 days after Easter (Pentecost Monday)
Each of these three feasts is tied to the date of Easter Sunday, which itself is calculated by the Anonymous Gregorian algorithm. In France, they combine religious observance with family gatherings and regional traditions.
Popular Cultural Fêtes in France
Beyond public holidays, France thrives on a host of unofficial but widely celebrated cultural fêtes:
Winter & Early-Year Fêtes
- Epiphany (January 6) - Galette des Rois with a hidden fève
- Candlemas (February 2) - Chandeleur, when everyone makes crêpes
- Valentine's Day (February 14) - Romantic dinners and bouquets of red roses
- April Fools' Day (April 1) - Poisson d'avril: playful paper-fish pranks
Carnival & Spring Celebrations
- Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday, 47 days before Easter, epitomizes Carnival revelry with masks and parades
- Fête des Mères - Mother's Day on the last Sunday of May (or first Sunday of June if Pentecost)
- Fête des Pères - Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, honoring father figures
Summer & Music
- Fête de la Musique (June 21) - World Music Day floods streets with free concerts
- National Day fireworks (July 14) - Bastille Day parades and spectacular pyrotechnics
Why Plan Around French Holidays?
Whether you're a traveler booking flights to Paris or a local planning a “pont” long weekend, understanding France's holiday calendar is crucial.:
- Business closures: Government offices, many shops, and banks close on public holidays.
- Transportation: Trains and flights often sell out—reserve early for Easter and summer dates.
- Festivals & events: Join community celebrations for an authentic experience—crêpes in February, live music in June, fireworks in July.
Tips for Experiencing French Holidays Like a Local
- Book ahead for major feasts and festivals—hotels and restaurants fill up fast.
- Explore regional variations: Alsace and Lorraine observe additional holidays like Saint-Étienne (Dec 26).
- Embrace tradition: Learn to flip a crêpe on Candlemas, sample Galette des Rois in January, and join the crowds at Paris's Champs-Élysées parade.
- Plan “faire le pont”: When a holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday, take the Monday or Friday off for a four-day break.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are bank holidays in France?
Bank holidays are the eleven officially recognized public holidays, during which banks, schools, and most businesses close.
How do movable holidays work?
Movable Easter-related holidays depend on the date of Easter Sunday, which changes each year based on the lunar calendar.
Can I visit museums on public holidays?
Many state-run museums in Paris remain open on select holidays, but it's best to check schedules in advance.
Conclusion
From Easter Monday processions to Bastille Day fireworks and the joyous Fête de la Musique, France's holiday calendar is a tapestry of history, faith, and festive spirit. Use this guide to plan your 2025 travel, savor every crêpe, and immerse yourself in the heart of French culture.