Easter Monday in France
Easter Monday, or lundi de Pâques, is a public holiday listed in France’s Labour Code. It follows Easter Sunday and extends the calendar’s Easter observance into Monday, though the law does not make it a mandatory day off for every employee.[1][2]
A public holiday under French law
Article L3133-1 of the Labour Code includes Easter Monday among France’s legal public holidays. The holiday is recognized nationally; in Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin and Moselle, Easter Monday is also specifically listed as a non-working public holiday under the special rules for those departments.[1][3]
Recognition as a public holiday does not automatically close every workplace. Easter Monday is not the one day that the Labour Code requires to be non-working for all employees: that rule applies to 1 May, with limited exceptions. For other public holidays, whether employees work and the related pay arrangements depend on applicable agreements and workplace rules.[2]
Its Easter meaning
For Christians, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. The Holy See describes Easter Monday as part of the Octave of Easter, an extended liturgical celebration of the Resurrection; this gives the day its religious context, while French law gives it a separate place in the public-holiday calendar.[4]
How people observe it
Easter customs in France include egg hunts and seasonal chocolate. France’s national tourism site presents Easter chocolates and egg hunts as familiar parts of the spring celebration, with chocolatiers offering eggs and animal-shaped treats. These customs vary by household and locality; they are not a legal or universal observance.[5]
In many places, the long weekend can be used for family visits or leisure, but there is no single nationwide Easter Monday event or required custom. The day’s shared national feature is its place in the holiday calendar.[1]
Work, shops and local opening rules
Expect opening arrangements to vary. The law does not require all private workplaces to close on Easter Monday, and in the three Alsace-Moselle departments commercial opening on public holidays is generally prohibited, subject to listed exceptions and other derogations. Check with a workplace, shop or visitor attraction directly before making plans.[2][3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Monday a day off for everyone in France?
What does Easter Monday commemorate?
It belongs to the Christian Easter celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. In Catholic liturgy, it falls within the Octave of Easter, which continues the celebration beyond Easter Sunday.[4]
Are shops open on Easter Monday?
Opening varies by place and business. In Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin and Moselle, shops generally may not open on public holidays, although exceptions apply; check local opening information before travelling.[3]
Is Easter Monday observed differently in Alsace-Moselle?
The three departments have special rules: Easter Monday is expressly listed as a non-working public holiday there, and commercial opening on public holidays is generally restricted, with exceptions.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in France:
- Sous-section 1 : Ordre public. (Articles L3133-1 à L3133-3) - Légifrance- Légifrance
- Jours fériés et ponts dans le secteur privé- Service Public / Direction de l'information légale et administrative (French Prime Minister)
- Travail le dimanche d'un salarié du secteur privé- Service Public / Direction de l'information légale et administrative (French Prime Minister)
- Regina Caeli, 1st April 2024, Easter Monday- The Holy See
- Pâques : notre sélection de gourmandises chocolatées- France.fr / Atout France