Planning your year in France involves not just work and routine but also embracing the joy of leisure. Understanding the rhythm of French bank holidays and school holidays for 2025 can help you make the most of your time, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. Let’s delve into the key dates that shape the French calendar.
Table of contents
French Bank holidays 2025
In France, bank holidays, or jours fériés, are cherished occasions for relaxation, cultural activities, and family time. In 2025, be ready to enjoy the following jours fériés:
New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Celebrate the arrival of the new year with festive traditions and perhaps a cozy family meal.
Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – Monday, April 21, 2025
Extend your Easter celebrations with a day of leisure, perfect for exploring local customs and springtime delights.
May Day (Fête du Travail) – Thursday, May 1, 2025
Join in the festivities honouring workers across France, often marked with parades and gatherings.
Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945) – Thursday, May 8, 2025
A day to reflect on history as France commemorates the end of World War II.
Ascension Day (L’Ascension) – Thursday, May 29, 2025
Take advantage of this mid-week holiday for a serene escape or a relaxing long weekend.
Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) – Monday, June 9, 2025
Enjoy this springtime public holiday, a perfect opportunity for a leisurely day out.
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) – Monday, July 14, 2025
Celebrate France’s national day with fireworks, parades, and lively festivities throughout the country.
Assumption of Mary (L’Assomption) – Friday, August 15, 2025
This summer holiday offers a moment of reflection or an extended weekend getaway.
All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) – Saturday, November 1, 2025
A day dedicated to honouring loved ones who have passed, observed with quiet remembrance.
Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) – Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Commemorate the end of World War I with solemn ceremonies and national reflection.
Christmas Day (Noël) – Thursday, December 25, 2025
Conclude the year with festive cheer, family gatherings, and delicious holiday feasts.
French School holidays 2025
France divides its school holidays into three zones, Zone A, Zone B, Zone C, to manage congestion and facilitate smoother travel. Here are the school holiday periods for each zone in 2025:
Winter Holidays:
- Zone A: February 22 to March 10, 2025
- Zone B: February 8 to February 24, 2025
- Zone C: February 15 to March 3, 2025
Spring Holidays:
- Zone A: April 19 to May 5, 2025
- Zone B: April 5 to April 22, 2025
- Zone C: April 12 to April 28, 2025
Summer Holidays:
- All Zones: July 5 to September 1, 2025
Exploring the three French holiday zones
The concept of three holiday zones allows France to stagger school holidays, preventing overcrowding in popular tourist destinations. Here’s a brief overview:
Zone A: Includes Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers
Zone B: Includes Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Normandie, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Strasbourg
Zone C: Includes Créteil, Montpellier, Paris, Toulouse, Versailles
Understanding these zones can help you plan holidays, avoiding peak travel times and enjoying a more relaxed experience at various destinations.
Final notes
Whether you’re looking to blend into the local festivities or plan your travels around less crowded periods, understanding French bank holidays and school holidays is the key to unlocking a harmonious and enjoyable experience in 2025. Mark your calendars, embrace the French rhythm, and savour the moments of leisure that punctuate the year.
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