2025 Holidays - France
| Name | Weekday | Date | Type | Subdivisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Wednesday | Jan. 1, 2025 | National | All |
| Good Friday | Friday | April 18, 2025 | Regional | Alsace, Moselle |
| Easter Monday | Monday | April 21, 2025 | National | All |
| Labour Day | Thursday | May 1, 2025 | National | All |
| V-E Day | Thursday | May 8, 2025 | National | All |
| Ascension Day | Thursday | May 29, 2025 | National | All |
| Whit Monday | Monday | June 9, 2025 | National | All |
| Bastille Day | Monday | July 14, 2025 | National | All |
| Assumption Day | Friday | Aug. 15, 2025 | National | All |
| All Saints' Day | Saturday | Nov. 1, 2025 | National | All |
| Armistice Day | Tuesday | Nov. 11, 2025 | National | All |
| Christmas Day | Thursday | Dec. 25, 2025 | National | All |
| St. Stephen's Day | Friday | Dec. 26, 2025 | Regional | Alsace, Moselle |
* Estimated holiday dates
We continuously monitor and update holiday information, but there may be occasional inaccuracies.
France workweek and weekend
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workday | Workday | Workday | Workday | Workday | Weekend | Weekend |
France Public Holiday Observance Rules
1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend
- Unlike some countries, France does not provide a replacement holiday if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
- However, employers may choose to grant additional leave depending on company policies.
2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday
- No automatic compensatory leave is given.
- Some employers may allow employees to take time off on the previous Friday or following Monday.
3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday
- No replacement holiday is granted.
- However, for May 1st (Labour Day), which is a mandatory paid holiday, some exceptions may apply for employees required to work.
4. Bridge Holidays (Ponts)
- France has a well-known system of "ponts" (bridge holidays), where an extra day off is given if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.
- Employees may take the preceding Monday or following Friday off to create a long weekend, often negotiated with employers.
- Schools and public sector workers commonly observe these bridge holidays.
5. Special Cases for Public Holidays
- May 1st (Labour Day): The only legally required paid holiday. Only essential workers (police, medical staff) may be required to work, with double pay.
- Alsace-Moselle Region: In this region, Good Friday and December 26th (St. Stephen’s Day) are additional public holidays due to historical agreements.
- Bastille Day (July 14th): National holiday with parades and official ceremonies, but no extra time off if it falls on a weekend.
6. Additional Notes
- France does not officially move public holidays to weekdays, so they remain fixed on their calendar date.
- Many private-sector employees may have contracts specifying additional paid holidays based on industry agreements.
- The government announces public holidays well in advance, but local observances may vary.