Key bank holidays in France
France observes several national holidays throughout the year, marking historical events and religious celebrations. Here are the key public holidays to keep in mind.
School holiday calendar in France
The French education system operates with five major vacation periods across the academic year. Each break serves a specific purpose in the national learning rhythm. Zone A, B, and C regions follow distinct schedules for winter and spring breaks to manage tourist flows effectively.
Students begin their year in September and enjoy their first pause during the All Saints break in October. The winter vacation spans February to March, while spring holidays occur between April and May, with exact dates varying by zone.
The summer break stretches from early July to late August, giving families eight weeks to plan enriching activities. Parents should note that certain regions might adjust their schedules slightly to accommodate local needs or special events. For example, mountain areas frequently coordinate their winter breaks with peak skiing seasons.
- Labor Day: 1st of May
- Victory Day: 8th of May
- Pentecost Days: 8th and 9th of June
- Bastille Day: 14th of July
- Assumption Day: August 15
- All Saints’ Day: 1st of November
- Armistice Day: 11th of November
- Christmas Day: 25th of December
- New Year's Day: 1st of January
Easter Days: 20 th and 21th of April
How bank holidays work in French business
Understanding French business closures during holidays requires advance planning. Major retail chains typically reduce their hours or close completely, while small neighborhood shops determine their schedules independently.
Transportation services maintain modified schedules, with reduced frequency on buses and trains. Banking transactions face delays as financial institutions suspend operations during these periods.
Many companies implement a flexible scheduling system allowing employees to work remotely or adjust their hours around holiday periods. For example, when a holiday falls on a Thursday, businesses might operate with skeleton crews on Friday.
Manufacturing sectors often schedule maintenance during extended holiday periods, particularly in August when worker availability decreases. International businesses should note that payment processing and shipping services may experience delays of 24-48 hours around these dates.
French public holiday shopping hours
During national holidays, retail hours vary significantly across France. Large supermarkets maintain limited morning hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, particularly in tourist areas and city centers. Neighborhood bakeries and small food shops frequently open until noon to serve local customers.
Paris presents unique shopping opportunities on holidays, with stores in popular tourist districts like Champs-Élysées operating regular hours. The Marais quarter's boutiques welcome visitors from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on most holidays except May 1st and December 25th.
Corner shops and mini-markets in residential areas now increasingly stay open until 8:00 PM on holidays, adapting to changing consumer needs. Railway station shops and airport retail outlets maintain standard operating hours throughout holiday periods, providing convenient shopping options for travelers.