Public Holidays in France 2026
11 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Metropolitan France has 11 standard nationwide public holidays. Labour Day on 1 May has particularly strong legal protection, while holiday rules in Alsace-Moselle and overseas territories can add regional dates.
France Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 8 | Friday | Victory in Europe Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| Jul 14 | Tuesday | Bastille Day |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| Nov 1 | Sunday | All Saints' Day |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Armistice Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
This is the standard nationwide metropolitan calendar. Regional and overseas holidays are not included in the national table.
National Holidays and Regional Exceptions 2026
Bastille Day on 14 July is the national day. Alsace-Moselle has additional public holidays under local law, and overseas departments or territories can have their own commemorative holidays.
Holiday Rules in France
A public holiday does not automatically guarantee a day off for every employee, except that 1 May has special statutory treatment. Collective agreements and sector rules matter.
France Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Bastille Day is 14 July.
- Metropolitan France has 11 standard nationwide public holidays.
- Alsace-Moselle has additional local-law holidays.
- 1 May has special legal protection for employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nationwide public holidays are listed for France?
This page lists the 11 standard nationwide holidays in metropolitan France.
When is Bastille Day?
It is observed on 14 July.
Are there extra holidays in Alsace-Moselle?
Yes. Local law provides additional holidays there.
Does every public holiday automatically mean a paid day off?
No. Employment treatment depends on the holiday, sector and agreement, with special protection for 1 May.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official French public-service guidance listing 2026 legal holidays and regional exceptions.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is used as the primary reference where available. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent calendar cross-check. Later official declarations take precedence.