bank holidays
in france
bank holidays
in france
Public holidays in France
Typical Holidays and Traditions
In this article, you will learn more about the most important general and specifically French holidays. Additionally, we’ve uncovered traditions that you won’t find in other parts of the world.
In France, there are eleven national holidays that apply to all regions of the country.
Those are:
New Year’s Day
Easter Monday
Labor Day
Victory Day – Victory in Europe Day (May 8)
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
Bastille Day (July 14)
Assumption of Mary (August 15)
All Saints’ Day (November 1)
Armistice Day – Remembrance Day (November 11)
Christmas Day
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content
Church holidays
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Labor Day
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National Day
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Military Holidays
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The turn of the year
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UNOFFICIAL HOLIDAYS
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CHURCH HOLIDAYS
EASTER AND CHRISTMAS
Easter (Pâques)
From Maundy Thursday to Easter Saturday, the church bells remain silent in France. According to legend, they travel to Rome and only return on Easter Sunday. Good Friday is a public holiday only in Alsace and some parts of Lorraine. Therefore, Easter (called “Pâques” in French) actually begins on Easter Sunday, where colorful eggs, lots of chocolate, and the Easter lamb are just as important as in Germany. Chocolate Easter bunnies are also commonly seen everywhere, although this is not in line with the tradition.
According to the legend, the sweets are brought by the church bells from Rome and “lost” during the flight home, so they can be collected everywhere. Therefore, in addition to bunnies, there are also bells with wings made of chocolate. Easter Monday is an official holiday, but many shops, especially in major cities, are still open.
Christmas (Noël)
Christmas Eve (“réveillon de Noël”) is not a holiday, so families gather for dinner in the evening. Many French people attend the evening Mass before that. Meals often include wild, poultry, or lobster. For dessert, many households have a “Bûche de Noël” on the table, a rolled sponge cake with buttercream, covered in chocolate, resembling a tree trunk. This tradition dates back to an old custom: in the countryside, a tree trunk was burned on Christmas Eve, and the ashes were spread in the fields, hoping for a good harvest the next year. In Provence, there is a special tradition of the “13 Desserts” (including pastries, dried fruits, candies, and cakes). They are placed on the table from Christmas Eve for three days and symbolize Jesus with his 12 disciples at the Last Supper.
The Christmas tree and Nativity scene are just as traditional as in other parts of the world. Presents are placed under the tree, but traditionally, they are opened only on the morning of December 25th, brought by Father Christmas (“Papa Noël”). However, among adults, they are sometimes distributed on the night of December 24th. The kiss under the mistletoe is also part of French customs. November 26th is only celebrated as a holiday there and in some parts of Lorraine.
Find out more about the Christmas traditions and to dos.
FÊTE DU TRAVAIL
LABOR DAY
Similar to Germany or UK, May 1st is a significant day for trade unions in France. Demonstrations, which are almost a national pastime in France, can often turn into riots on Labor Day.
A lesser-known (and much more pleasant) custom is the giving of lily of the valley flowers to friends and family. Allegedly, King Charles IX established this tradition on May 1st, 1561, by giving these flowers to his court ladies. Over time, it became a romantic tradition where admirers would secretly hang small bouquets above the doors of their beloved ones. Nowadays, they are also given as lucky charms to friends and family. It’s a lucrative business for all florists, although not without competition. On this day, anyone can sell lilies of the valley tax-free as long as they have picked them themselves. Many families go to the park together to gather lilies of the valley, and you often see children carrying large baskets filled with flowers, hoping for good pocket money.
FÊTE NATIONALE DU 14 JUILLET
BASTILLE DAY ON JULY 14TH
As a newcomer to Paris, you might not initially be aware of the date of France’s most important holiday. So, there you are, innocently sitting in a café or strolling along the Seine when suddenly fighter jets roar low over the city. But “just” July 14th. After all, organizing a formation of fighter jets is no simple matter, so they start practicing days in advance. On the National Day, the contrails are colored in red, white, and blue.
The celebration commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789. The Bastille was the former prison in Paris, and its storming marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Additionally, it recalls the Federation Festival on the Champ de Mars a year later, where peace and unity among all French citizens were celebrated, and King Louis XVI swore an oath to the nation.
At 10 a.m., the impressive military parade on the Champs-Élysées begins. First, the French President travels from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde and takes his place on the reviewing stand. Numerous French politicians and foreign dignitaries are also present. Then, more than 70 airplanes and helicopters showcase their skills, demonstrating what they have practiced in the preceding days. It is followed by nearly 4,000 soldiers from the French army, including tanks, canine units, horse and motorcycle formations, as well as military bands.
At around 9:15 p.m., there is the free “Concert de Paris” at the Eiffel Tower, performed by the National Orchestra, featuring both classical and contemporary music.
At 11 p.m., a grand fireworks display is ignited, accompanied by a laser show, the National Orchestra, and dancers. If you’re not in Paris, it’s worth watching the spectacle via livestream.
On July 13th and 14th, the famous Firemen’s Balls (“bal des pompiers“) also take place, a tradition introduced by the Montmartre Fire Brigade in 1937.
AUX ARMES, CITOYENS...
THE MILITARY HOLIDAYS
Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day) – May 8th
On this day, all of France celebrates the official end of World War II. On May 7, 1945, the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany was signed in Reims, which General Charles de Gaulle then announced on May 8, the day it took effect, via the radio as the “victory of the United Nations and the victory of France.” Many French people attend the numerous religious services and military parades held on this day. Patriotic songs are often sung. At the Arc de Triomphe, the President lays a wreath and lights the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
L’Armistice / Armistice Day 1918 – November 11th
Compiègne, a small town about 80 km north of Paris. Here, on November 11, 1918, the armistice agreement was signed, marking the end of World War I.
In a railway carriage on a forest clearing, French Marshal Ferdinand Foch had set up his headquarters, and here he received German Secretary of State Matthias Erzberger, sent by German Chancellor Max von Baden. The armistice was extended several times until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.
On November 11, 1920, the remains of an unknown soldier were buried at the Arc de Triomphe. Since then, a military parade has taken place every year, wreaths are laid, and a death knell is rung. Since 2012, official commemoration includes all French individuals who have died in wars and conflicts, both soldiers and civilian victims. During World War I, new soldiers were called “bleuet” by their seasoned comrades because they wore blue uniforms. The cornflower has therefore become a symbol for war veterans, and on this holiday, the French President and many others wear a cornflower in their lapels.
NEW YEAR'S EVE AND NEW YEAR
YEAR-END CELEBRATIONS IN PARIS
French people tend to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home with their families rather than going out on the town. Many restaurants are closed during this time. So, if you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Paris, making a reservation is highly recommended. Don’t be surprised if shops don’t offer fireworks in the days leading up to the celebration, as private fireworks are prohibited. However, there is a light show with fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe, and it can get quite crowded there.
Tip: If you want to see the fireworks live, avoid going to the Champs-Élysées and instead approach the Arc de Triomphe from the back (Avenue de la Grande Armée). This way, you won’t see the light show, but you can arrive at the last minute, skip the security checks, and avoid the crowds. The silhouette of this iconic monument with fireworks is spectacular in itself.
FRENCH TRADITIONS
UNOFFICIAL HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year begins on the new moon between January 21 and February 21. In Paris, the Chinese community has turned it into a major event that Parisians enjoy celebrating. The focus is in the 13th arrondissement, where Paris’s “Chinatown” is located. Houses and shops are decorated, and there are numerous cultural events and a magnificent parade that attracts around 100,000 spectators.
Epiphany
It’s not an official holiday, but the Galette des Rois (Three Kings’ Cake) is a must! It’s made of puff pastry and traditionally filled with marzipan, but there are now other fillings available, such as chocolate. It’s eaten with family or friends by cutting it into as many pieces as there are people present. The youngest person decides the order in which the pieces are distributed. Whoever finds a small figurine in their piece is crowned king or queen and gets to determine how the rest of the day goes.
La Chandeleur
This unofficial Christian holiday on February 2 is called Candlemas. The French name comes from “chandelle” (candle). According to Catholic tradition, candles needed for the year were blessed on this day in churches and at home. Traditionally, on this day, people eat crêpes because their round shape resembles the sun, which is also a symbol of light and is now driving away the winter. Whoever manages to flip their crêpe by tossing it in the air with a frying pan (and catching it again) while holding a coin in their other hand is said to become rich. However, there’s a catch: you can’t eat that crêpe; you have to keep it on a shelf for the whole year (yuck… ;-)). We recommend eating the crêpes instead, AND we have a recipe for you:
Ingredients:
150g flour
200ml milk
a pinch of salt
2 eggs
50g softened butter
1 packet of vanilla sugar (omit if you prefer savory crêpes)
a dash of rum (if no children are eating)
neutral-tasting oil
filling and toppings of your choice (e.g., crème fraîche, pears, blueberries, and strawberry jam).
Instructions: Beat eggs, butter, salt (and optionally, vanilla sugar) until frothy. Add milk and mix. Stir in flour. For a French touch, add rum. Heat oil in a pan and thinly fry the crêpes. We love them with Raspberry jam, but feel free to unleash your sweet or savory imagination. Bon appétit!
April 1st
In France, April Fools’ Day is called “Poisson d’Avril” (April Fish). Children like to stick a paper fish on the backs of their family and friends. When the person notices it, they shout “Poisson d’Avril.”
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2021 – 2024
With the support of Anne Okolowitz
Exceptions for image rights:
Header pic: MustangJoe on Pixabay
Bûche de Noël: Emanuela Puscasu on Pixabay
Chinese New Year: David Mark on Pixabay
Galette des rois: jacqueline macou on Pixabay
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