Public holidays and seasonal traditions in France

France observes 11 official public holidays, with two additional holidays specific to the Alsace and Moselle regions. While May 1 is the only compulsory day off for all employees, the observance of other holidays depends on individual company policies. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is not moved to a weekday.

Key national holidays include New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Victory in Europe Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Bastille Day, Assumption, All Saints’ Day, Armistice Day, and Christmas. Seasonal traditions also play a significant role, such as the Festival of Lights in Lyon held in early December and the consumption of Galette des Rois on January 6.

Winter festivities often include Christmas markets across the country from late November through early January, followed by carnival season in February and March.