French Bank Holidays 2026: A Complete Guide
If you’re planning a trip to France from the UK in 2026, understanding the French bank holidays (known as jours fériés) is crucial. These are national public holidays when many businesses, shops, and attractions close, and traffic can be heavy as locals head off on holiday. France has 11 official public holidays each year, most of which are fixed dates, with a few tied to Easter.
Unlike UK bank holidays, French holidays don’t always substitute to the next Monday if they fall on a weekend. However, they often create ‘ponts’ (bridges) – long weekends when people take an extra day off. With Easter in early April 2026, it’s a key period to note, especially for Eurostar or ferry travel from the UK.
This guide lists all 2026 dates, explains each holiday, and compares them to UK bank holidays for context. All dates are confirmed based on the French official calendar.
Full Calendar of French Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s a handy table of all French public holidays in 2026, including the day of the week:
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 6 April | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Friday |
| 8 May | Victory in Europe Day | Friday |
| 14 May | Ascension Day | Thursday |
| 25 May | Whit Monday | Monday |
| 14 July | Bastille Day | Tuesday |
| 15 August | Assumption of Mary | Saturday |
| 1 November | All Saints’ Day | Sunday |
| 11 November | Armistice Day | Wednesday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Friday |
Note: There is no Good Friday holiday in mainland France (though observed in Alsace-Moselle). Shops and restaurants may still close partially on Sundays and holidays.
Easter Period in April 2026
With the context of April 2026, Easter is a highlight. Easter Sunday falls on 5 April 2026, making Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, a national holiday across France. Expect school holidays (les vacances de Pâques) from around 4 April to 20 April, depending on the zone (A, B, or C).
- What happens? Many families travel, museums and sites may close, and Paris can feel quieter. However, tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower stay open.
- Travel tips from UK: Book Eurostar or Dover-Calais ferries early. UK Easter Monday matches France’s (in England, Wales, Northern Ireland), but Scotland doesn’t observe it as a statutory holiday.
UK comparison: UK has Good Friday on 3 April 2026 (all UK) and Easter Monday 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, NI). So Brits get a four-day weekend, aligning nicely with French closures.
May 2026: The Busiest Holiday Month
May 2026 is packed with four holidays, creating multiple long weekends:
Labour Day (1 May, Friday)
A major holiday honouring workers. Massive protests and marches in cities; shops closed nationwide. Take the ‘pont’ by working Thursday for a four-day weekend.
Victory Day (8 May, Friday)
Marks the end of WWII in Europe. Parades, especially in Paris. Another potential long weekend.
Ascension Day (14 May, Thursday)
Jesus’ ascension; a religious holiday. Often bridged with Friday off.
Whit Monday (25 May, Monday)
Pentecost Monday, 50 days after Easter. Family gatherings and the end of spring holidays.
UK comparison: Early May bank holiday 4 May 2026 (all UK, Monday) and Spring bank holiday 25 May 2026 (all UK, Monday). Whit Monday coincides exactly with the UK Spring holiday – perfect for UK-France trips!
Summer and Autumn Holidays
- Bastille Day (14 July, Tuesday): France’s National Day with fireworks, balls, and military parades. Expect crowds in Paris.
- Assumption (15 August, Saturday): Religious holiday; many head to the coast. Falls on weekend, so less disruption.
- All Saints’ Day (1 November, Sunday): Family visits to cemeteries.
- Armistice Day (11 November, Wednesday): WWI remembrance with ceremonies.
UK comparison: UK Summer bank holidays differ: Scotland 3 August 2026 (Monday), England/Wales/NI 31 August 2026 (Monday). No direct French match, but good for late summer travel.
Christmas and New Year 2026
- Christmas Day (25 December, Friday): Family time; everything closes.
- New Year’s Day (1 January 2026, Thursday): Fireworks and parties; another pont opportunity.
No Boxing Day in France.
UK comparison: Christmas 25 December 2026 (Friday), Boxing Day 26 December 2026 (Saturday) substitutes to Monday 28 December 2026. New Year’s Day 1 January 2026 (all UK), plus Scotland’s 2 January 2026 (Friday). St Andrew’s Day in Scotland 30 November 2026 (Monday).
Regional Variations in France
Most holidays are national, but:
- Alsace-Moselle (near Germany): Adds Good Friday (3 April 2026) and St Stephen’s Day (26 December).
- Corsica and Overseas: Minor differences.
Comparing French and UK Bank Holidays 2026
France emphasises religious and historical dates; UK focuses on Monday substitutes for long weekends. Key overlaps:
- Easter Monday: Both 6 April.
- Spring/Whit: Both 25 May.
- New Year/Christmas: Similar but UK has extras.
UK full list for reference:
- 1 Jan (Thu), Scotland 2 Jan (Fri)
- Good Friday 3 Apr (Fri)
- Easter Mon 6 Apr (Mon, Eng/Wales/NI)
- 4 May (Mon)
- 25 May (Mon)
- Scotland 3 Aug (Mon), Eng/Wales/NI 31 Aug (Mon)
- Scotland 30 Nov (Mon)
- 25 Dec (Fri), sub 28 Dec (Mon)
France has more mid-week/Thursday holidays, leading to traffic jams on A-roads and TGV sell-outs.
Travel Tips for Brits Visiting France in 2026
- Avoid peaks: Steer clear of 1 May, 8 May, 14 May, and 14 July for travel.
- Book ahead: Eurostar from London to Paris, or ferries from Portsmouth/Newhaven.
- Accommodation: Rural gites and campsites fill fast in May/August.
- Driving: Use ViaMichelin for traffic; tolls apply.
- Flights: Budget airlines like Ryanair/EasyJet from UK airports.
- COVID/regs: Check gov.uk for updates.
What Closes on French Bank Holidays?
- Banks, post offices, government buildings: Always.
- Supermarkets: Closed (except some tourist areas).
- Museums: Vary; Louvre often open.
- Restaurants: Many shut, but tourist spots open.
- Pharmacies: One open per town.
Planning Your 2026 Trip
Use this calendar to align with UK holidays for extended breaks. For April 2026, the shared Easter Monday means seamless long weekends. Download the official French calendar from service-public.fr for zones.
Whether for a city break in Lyon or beach time in Normandy, timing around jours fériés ensures a smoother holiday. Safe travels!
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