Plan around the calendar

French holidays, school dates & best times to visit

France runs on a fixed calendar of national holidays and three school holiday zones. Knowing the dates helps you avoid motorway queues, secure better rates, and catch festivals at their best.

National public holidays in France

Most shops, banks and public services close on these days. Museums and restaurants often stay open, but supermarkets and many attractions may have reduced hours.

New Year's Day1 JanuaryJour de l'An
Easter MondayMarch/AprilLundi de Pâques
Labour Day1 MayFête du Travail
VE Day8 MayFête de la Victoire
Ascension ThursdayMayAscension — often a long weekend
Whit MondayMay/JuneLundi de Pentecôte
Bastille Day14 JulyFête nationale — fireworks and parades
Assumption15 AugustAssomption — peak summer travel
All Saints' Day1 NovemberToussaint
Armistice Day11 NovemberArmistice 1918
Christmas Day25 DecemberNoël

French school holiday zones

School holidays are staggered by zone to spread pressure on ski resorts and roads. The country is split into three zones: A, B and C.

Zone A

Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers

Usually the first zone to start mid-term and winter breaks; Easter break last.

Zone B

Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg

Mid-position for most school holidays.

Zone C

Paris, Créteil, Versailles, Montpellier, Toulouse

Usually the last zone to start winter and Easter breaks; the busiest in Paris and the south-west.

Best and busiest times to visit France

France is rewarding year-round, but the calendar changes prices, crowds and what is open. Here is how to choose your window.

Spring — April to June

Mild weather, fewer crowds, open gardens and lower rates. Lavender and sunflower fields start in late June. Ideal for city breaks and countryside touring.

Summer — July to August

Warmest weather, long evenings, festivals and full beach life. Prices peak and roads are busy, especially 1–15 August and around Bastille Day. Book early.

Autumn — September to November

Harvest season, wine tastings, comfortable temperatures and quieter museums. The Toussaint holiday brings a short spike in family travel.

Winter — December to March

Christmas markets, Alps skiing and Pyrenees snow. City breaks are atmospheric; coastal areas are much quieter but still mild in the south.

Major events and festivals

France packs its calendar with events. These are the ones worth planning around, in either direction.

Tour de France

July — the world's biggest cycling race crosses the country and often closes mountain roads for a day.

Cannes Film Festival

May — the Riviera is busy and glamorous; accommodation books out months ahead.

Bastille Day

14 July — fireworks, parades and parties in every town. Book dinner and hotels well ahead.

Christmas markets

Late November to December — Strasbourg, Colmar, Lille and Lyon are among the best.

Monaco Grand Prix

Late May — the Côte d'Azur is packed; road access around Monaco is restricted.

Smart travel tips

How to avoid the holiday crowds

Book accommodation at least 2–3 months ahead for July, August and Easter.
Avoid the first and last weekends of school holidays for long drives; motorways are worst on Saturdays.
Many small shops and bakeries close in August, especially in Paris and small towns.
Public holiday Mondays create long weekends; book restaurants and attractions early.
Off-season travel in May, June and September offers the best balance of weather and value.

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