France (FR)
France is a unitary semi-presidential republic and the EU's most visited country, renowned for its world-class cuisine and wine, the iconic City of Light that is Paris, the French Riviera, iconic Alpine ski resorts, and a generous social state offering universal healthcare, extensive family benefits, and strong worker protections.
Capital: Paris
Region: Europe
Language: French
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 74)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
13 holidays in France. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Jour de l'An
April 2026
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Lundi de Pâques
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Vendredi Saint
Only in Alsace and Moselle under local Concordat law.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Fête du Travail
Strictly enforced — even most cafés and bakeries close. Lily-of-the-valley (muguet) is sold on the street tax-free.
Fri 8
Victory in Europe Day Public Holiday
Victoire 1945 / Fête de la Victoire
Commemorates the end of WWII in Europe.
Thu 14
Ascension Day Public Holiday
Jeudi de l'Ascension
Mon 25
Whit Monday Public Holiday
Lundi de Pentecôte
Journée de solidarité — some employers still require this as a worked day.
July 2026
Tue 14
Bastille Day Public Holiday
Fête nationale (14 juillet)
National Day. Military parade on the Champs-Élysées; fireworks nationwide.
August 2026
Sat 15
Assumption of Mary Public Holiday
Assomption
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Toussaint
Wed 11
Armistice Day Public Holiday
Armistice 1918
Commemorates the end of WWI.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Noël
Sat 26
Saint Stephen's Day Public Holiday
Saint-Étienne
Only in Alsace and Moselle (Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Moselle) under local Concordat law.
Note: Some holidays in France apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.