Introduction to France 2026 Bank Holidays
Planning a trip to France in 2026? Or running a business with French connections? Understanding France’s bank holidays – known locally as jours fériés – is essential. These are public holidays when banks, government offices, and many shops close, though tourist areas often stay open. Unlike UK bank holidays, there’s no automatic substitute day if they fall on weekends, except in rare cases.
This guide focuses on national holidays for 2026, with notes on regional variations. We’ve aligned key dates like Easter Monday (6 April 2026) and compared them to UK bank holidays for British travellers. With Easter approaching in April 2026, now’s the time to check ferry schedules or Eurostar bookings, as travel peaks around these dates.
France has 11 national public holidays annually, plus local ones in regions like Alsace-Lorraine. Expect bridge days (ponts) where workers extend weekends, boosting tourism but clogging roads.
Full List of National France 2026 Bank Holidays
Here’s the complete calendar of France’s national jours fériés for 2026, with days of the week for easy planning:
1 January 2026: New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – Thursday
A major celebration with fireworks and family gatherings. Paris sees huge crowds at Champs-Élysées. Shops closed nationwide.
6 April 2026: Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – Monday
Following Easter Sunday (5 April), this is a four-day weekend for many. Ideal for UK travellers via Dover-Calais ferries, but book early as families flock to the coast.
1 May 2026: Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – Friday
Iconic lily-of-the-valley sales and protests in Paris. A pont opportunity, creating a long weekend. Borders busy with Brits heading south.
8 May 2026: Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945) – Friday
Marks WWII end. Ceremonies at war memorials. Another Friday holiday, perfect for short breaks.
14 May 2026: Ascension Day (Ascension) – Thursday
A religious holiday 40 days after Easter. Often a pont to Monday, emptying cities for countryside escapes.
25 May 2026: Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) – Monday
50 days post-Easter. Similar to Ascension, expect rural tourism surge.
14 July 2026: Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) – Tuesday
France’s Independence Day with parades, fireworks, and balls. Paris’s Champs-Élysées event is world-famous; arrive early.
15 August 2026: Assumption of Mary (Assomption) – Saturday
Religious holiday; since it’s Saturday, minimal disruption but beaches packed.
1 November 2026: All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) – Sunday
Family visits to cemeteries. Sunday timing means limited closures.
11 November 2026: Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) – Wednesday
WWI remembrance with ceremonies. Midweek pause.
25 December 2026: Christmas Day (Noël) – Friday
Family-focused with markets and lights. Extended breaks common.
Regional Bank Holidays in France 2026
France’s 13 regions add local jours fériés. Key ones for UK visitors:
Alsace-Lorraine (e.g., Strasbourg, Metz)
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026 (Friday) – Extra Easter holiday.
- Christmas Day observed 25 Dec, plus St Stephen’s Day: 26 December 2026 (Saturday). Strasbourg’s Christmas market rivals UK’s, but plan around these.
Overseas Territories
- Martinique/Guadeloupe: Abolition of Slavery (27 May), Schoelcher Day (21 July).
- Corsica: Assumption (15 Aug) plus local feasts.
Other Notables
- Brittany: No extra nationals, but local saints’ days.
- Provence: Similar to national list. Check service-public.fr for your destination.
Comparison: France vs UK 2026 Bank Holidays
For UK expats or frequent travellers, here’s how France stacks up against UK 2026 bank holidays (per gov.uk):
| Date | France Holiday | UK Holiday (England/Wales/NI unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day (Thu) |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday (Alsace only) | Good Friday (Fri) |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday | Easter Monday (Mon) |
| 4 May | - | Early May (Mon) |
| 8 May | Victory Day (Fri) | - |
| 14 May | Ascension (Thu) | - |
| 25 May | Whit Monday (Mon) | Spring (Mon) |
| 3 Aug | - | Summer (Scotland only, Mon) |
| 31 Aug | - | Summer (E/W/NI, Mon) |
| 30 Nov | - | St Andrew’s (Scotland, Mon) |
| 25 Dec | Christmas (Fri) | Christmas (Fri) |
| 26 Dec | St Stephen’s (Alsace, Sat) | Boxing Day (Sat; substitute 28 Dec Mon) |
France has more mid-year holidays (May cluster), suiting Eurostar jaunts. UK summer splits by nation; Scotland’s August aligns loosely with France’s quiet August.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026
Around Easter (April 2026)
With Easter Monday matching both nations (6 April), expect Channel crossings to surge. P&O Ferries or DFDS from Hull/Dover; Eurotunnel Le Shuttle for cars. French motorways tolls rise in peaks – use ViaToll app.
Summer & Bastille
15 August Saturday means ferries busier pre/post. Ryanair/EasyJet from UK airports to Nice or Bordeaux.
Booking Advice
- Use rome2rio.com for multi-modal plans.
- Check sncf-connect.com for TGV; strikes possible.
- EU roaming ends? No, but data for Waze navigation.
Driving in France
Vignette not needed (unlike Switzerland). Crit’Air sticker for low-emission zones in Paris/Lyon.
Business & Expat Implications
For UK firms trading with France:
- May 2026’s three holidays (1,8,14 May) halt logistics.
- No trading on jours fériés; plan imports around them.
- Expats: Schools close Easter/Christmas; align with UK kids’ holidays.
Remote workers: Coworking in Paris open, but verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French bank holidays affect tourist sites?
Major attractions like Eiffel Tower or Louvre often open reduced hours.
Are there substitute days?
No, unlike UK Boxing Day substitute (28 Dec 2026).
Best time for cheap flights?
Avoid 1 May, 14 July; target post-Whit Monday.
COVID or changes?
Monitor legifrance.gouv.fr for updates.
This 2026 guide equips you for seamless Franco-British planning. Safe travels!
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