Introduction to Holidays in Paris 2026
Planning a trip to Paris in 2026? If you’re travelling from the UK, understanding both French public holidays—known as ‘jours fériés’—and UK bank holidays is essential. While ‘bank holidays’ is a British term referring to paid days off when banks close, France uses ‘jours fériés’ for national public holidays. These dates often mean closures of shops, museums, and public transport adjustments in Paris.
This guide focuses on Paris 2026 holidays, with a special emphasis on April due to Easter timing. We’ve aligned UK bank holiday facts for comparison, helping you avoid peak crowds or plan around long weekends. Whether you’re eyeing a romantic getaway or family holiday, knowing these dates ensures smooth travels.
Paris Public Holidays (Jours Fériés) in 2026
Paris follows France’s national public holidays. Most are fixed dates, but Easter-related ones shift yearly. Here’s the complete list for 2026, including days of the week for planning:
- 1 January (Thursday): New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An). Celebrations linger from New Year’s Eve; expect quieter streets but closed services.
- 6 April (Monday): Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques). A major holiday post-Easter Sunday (5 April). Paris sees family gatherings; tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower may have shorter hours.
- 1 May (Friday): Labour Day (Fête du Travail). Massive marches in Paris; many businesses shut, creating a long weekend.
- 8 May (Friday): Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945). Commemorates WWII end; ceremonies at Champs-Élysées, potential traffic disruptions.
- 14 May (Thursday): Ascension Day (Ascension). Bridge holiday vibes; bridges to weekends popular for getaways.
- 25 May (Monday): Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte). Pentecost follow-up; similar to Easter Monday with closures.
- 14 July (Monday): Bastille Day (Fête Nationale). France’s national day with fireworks over Eiffel Tower and military parades—book ahead!
- 15 August (Saturday): Assumption of Mary (Assomption). Religious holiday; beaches busier as Parisians escape.
- 1 November (Thursday): All Saints’ Day (Toussaint). Family cemetery visits; subdued atmosphere.
- 11 November (Wednesday): Armistice Day (Armistice 1918). Wreath-laying at Arc de Triomphe.
- 25 December (Friday): Christmas Day (Noël). Festive markets wind down; everything closes.
Note: Unlike UK bank holidays, French ones don’t always substitute if on weekends, but some regions add local observances. In Paris, metros run but with reduced services on these days.
UK Bank Holidays 2026: Key for Paris Travellers
As a UK resident, your own bank holidays might align with or complement French ones, creating super-long weekends for Eurostar trips. Official 2026 dates (sourced from gov.uk standards):
- 1 January (Thursday): New Year’s Day—all UK.
- 2 January (Friday): Scotland only.
- 3 April (Friday): Good Friday—all UK.
- 6 April (Monday): Easter Monday—England, Wales, Northern Ireland (not statutory in Scotland).
- 4 May (Monday): Early May—all UK.
- 25 May (Monday): Spring—all UK.
- 3 August (Monday): Summer—Scotland.
- 31 August (Monday): Summer—England, Wales, Northern Ireland.
- 30 November (Monday): St Andrew’s Day—Scotland.
- 25 December (Friday): Christmas Day.
- 26 December (Saturday): Boxing Day—substitute Monday 28 December where applicable.
Easter 2026 overlaps perfectly: UK Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) match France’s Easter Monday, making 3-6 April a four-day weekend for most Brits. Ideal for a Paris jaunt!
Focus on April 2026: Easter Travel to Paris
With context around April 2026, this period is prime for UK-Paris travel. Easter Monday (6 April) is a bank holiday across most of the UK and a jour férié in France. Expect:
- Crowds: Paris blooms with spring; Louvre and Notre-Dame busier.
- Closures: Banks, post offices, and some supermarkets shut. Bakeries often open.
- Transport: Eurostar ramps up services—book early. Flights via EasyJet or British Airways from London airports fill fast.
- Events: Easter markets, chocolate hunts in parks like Luxembourg Gardens.
Tips: Travel 4-6 April for the long weekend. Stay central (e.g., Le Marais) to walk if metros slow. Weather: Mild 10-15°C, pack layers.
Pros and Cons of Easter Paris Trip
Pros:
- Festive vibe without summer heat.
- UK bank holiday synergy.
- Cherry blossoms in bloom.
Cons:
- Higher hotel rates (20-30% up).
- Popular sites queue longer.
Planning Your Paris Trip Around 2026 Holidays
Best Times to Visit
Avoid overlapping holidays for quieter trips:
- Post-Easter (mid-April): Lovely weather, fewer crowds.
- Late May: After Whit Monday, before summer rush. Steer clear of 14 July Bastille Day—spectacular but chaotic.
Travel Tips for Brits
- Eurostar: Direct London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (2h15m). Bank holiday surcharges apply; book 3-6 months ahead.
- Flights: Budget carriers from Gatwick, Stansted. Check Ryanair for deals.
- Accommodation: Use Booking.com; filter for ‘free cancellation’. Expect £150-300/night in central Paris during holidays.
- Visas/Paperwork: UK passport holders get 90 days visa-free in Schengen. Check post-Brexit rules.
- Money: Cards widely accepted; notify bank of travel to avoid blocks on holidays.
- COVID/Health: Monitor French gov updates; no restrictions expected by 2026.
What Closes in Paris on Jours Fériés?
- Museums: Many open (e.g., Eiffel Tower), but ticketed ones like Musée d’Orsay may close Mondays anyway.
- Shops: Chains like Monoprix shut; markets and tourist traps open.
- Restaurants: Brasseries stay busy.
Comparing UK and French Holidays
| Date | UK Bank Holiday | Paris Jour Férié |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Yes | Yes |
| Apr 3-6 | Good Friday & Easter Mon | Easter Mon |
| 1 May | No | Yes |
| 25 May | Yes | Yes (Whit Mon) |
| 25 Dec | Yes | Yes |
This table highlights overlaps—perfect for extended breaks.
Budgeting and Booking Advice
Holidays spike prices: Eurostar £100-250 return, hotels £200+/night. Save by travelling mid-week or off-peak. Use Trainline for splits, Skyscanner for flights.
Pack for Paris chic: Comfortable shoes for cobblestones, reusable water bottle (fountains everywhere).
Final Thoughts
Bank holidays Paris 2026 blend UK leisure with French flair. April’s Easter alignment offers unbeatable timing for Brits. Verify dates on official sites like service-public.fr (France) and gov.uk (UK) closer to time, as substitutions occur. Bon voyage—Paris awaits!
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