All Saints’ Day in France
In France, All Saints’ Day, or La Toussaint, is a public holiday observed on 1 November. The date honors all saints in the Catholic tradition, while many families also use the holiday to visit and remember loved ones in cemeteries.[1][3][4]
A holiday for all saints
French labour law lists La Toussaint among the country’s legal public holidays and fixes it on 1 November. The holiday has no general substitute day when it falls on a Sunday: a non-working public holiday can coincide with an employee’s usual day off without creating an extra day of leave. The rules may be more favourable under a collective agreement.[1][2]
In the Catholic Church, All Saints’ Day honours all saints, both known and unknown. The Catholic Church in France describes early commemorations of martyrs and says the date was fixed as 1 November in 835. The worldwide observance has the same broad Christian focus, though dates and traditions can differ among Christian churches.[3]
Remembering loved ones
All Saints’ Day and the Catholic commemoration of the dead are separate: the latter falls on 2 November. In France, however, the public holiday makes it easier for families to visit cemeteries on 1 November, reflect at relatives’ graves and leave flowers. The City of Paris describes cemetery visits and grave decoration as part of the period’s customary observance.[4]
Chrysanthemums are closely associated with the season and are planted in Parisian cemeteries for the occasion. The flower’s association with remembrance is not the religious meaning of All Saints’ Day itself; it is part of the cemetery custom that has grown around the holiday and the nearby commemoration of the dead.[4]
Work and opening hours
A public holiday does not guarantee a day off for every worker. In the private sector, only 1 May is generally required by law to be a non-working day; other holidays, including La Toussaint, are non-working when provided for by a collective agreement or set by the employer. Public services may also continue operating where service needs require it.[2]
That means office, shop and transport schedules can vary. Check directly with the place or service you plan to use, especially if you need to travel or visit a public office. Cemetery visits can be particularly popular around the date; in Paris, the city provides additional visitor arrangements around the holiday.[2][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is All Saints’ Day in France?
It is observed every year on 1 November. The date is listed in the French Labour Code as a legal public holiday.[1]
Is La Toussaint a day off for everyone?
No. In the private sector, whether employees work depends on applicable agreements or the employer; some public services also operate on holidays.[2]
Does a Sunday holiday move to Monday?
There is no general extra day of leave when a public holiday falls on an employee’s usual day off. A collective agreement may provide more favourable terms.[2]
Are shops and public transport open?
Opening and service schedules vary. Check with individual shops and transport operators before travelling; the public holiday does not mean every service closes.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for All Saints' Day in France:
- Article L3133-1 - Code du travail - Légifrance- Légifrance
- Jours fériés et ponts dans le secteur privé- Service Public, Direction de l'information légale et administrative
- D’où vient la fête de la Toussaint que nous célébrons le 1er novembre ?- Église catholique en France
- À la Toussaint, plus de 200 000 visiteurs dans les cimetières parisiens- Ville de Paris