France takes its holidays very seriously. Each year, the French government picks several days as public holidays. On these days, people do not have to go to work or school. French people use these holidays to celebrate their culture, history, and traditions. There are 13 public holidays in France in 2025, from the New Year to Christmas.
Some holidays, like Bastille Day and Armistice Day, are significant for French people. Other holidays, like Easter Monday and Whit Monday, allow people to get together. This blog will explain the meaning and importance of each of France’s 2025 public holidays.
Public Holidays In France In 2025
There are a total of 13 public holidays in France in 2025, and one of them falls on a weekend. Below are the public holidays in France in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Victory in Europe Day | May 08, 2025 | Thursday |
| Ascension Day | May 29, 2025 | Thursday |
| Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Bastille Day | Jul 14, 2025 | Monday |
| Assumption of Mary | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Armistice Day | Nov 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Saint Stephen’s Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is a significant public holiday in France, marking the beginning of a new year. It is a time for French citizens to come together with family and friends to celebrate the past year and look forward to the new one. Many people in France use this day to make resolutions and set goals for the year ahead.
It is also a time for gift-giving, and children often receive presents from their parents and grandparents. The day is generally celebrated with special meals, parties, and fireworks displays in many cities across the country.
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Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian public holiday that honors the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In France, it is a public holiday on April 18, 2025. Many people use the day to reflect on their faith and attend religious services.
Some families may also gather for a special meal, often featuring fish or vegetarian dishes. Good Friday is a solemn day, and many businesses and schools are closed to allow people to observe the holiday.
Easter Monday
It is a public holiday in France that follows Easter Sunday. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In France, Easter Monday is often a time for families to gather and enjoy outdoor activities, such as picnics or walks in the countryside.
Many people also use the day to visit family or friends or to take a short trip or vacation. Some towns and cities may also hold special events or festivals to mark the occasion.
Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday in France. The day celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. The holiday has its origins in the eight-hour day movement, which aimed to give eight hours for work, eight hours for fun activities, and eight hours for rest.
Many people attend rallies or marches to support workers’ rights and better working conditions. Some businesses and organizations also hold special events or activities to mark the occasion.
Victory in Europe Day
Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, is a public holiday in France that commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. It marks the day in 1945 when Germany surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing an end to the war on the European continent. In France, the day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other events.
These honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought in the war. Many people also use the day to reflect on the importance of peace and the need to prevent such a conflict from happening again.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that observes Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. It is a public holiday in France on May 29, 2025. Many people use the day to attend religious services or to spend time with family and friends. Some businesses and schools may also be closed for the day, allowing people to observe the holiday.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday. It is a public holiday in France that follows the Christian holiday of Pentecost. The holiday falls on June 9, 2025, which is the day after Pentecost and 50 days after Easter Sunday.
Many French citizens take the day off work for it. They enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics or visits to the countryside. Some towns and cities may also hold special events or festivals to mark the occasion.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day, observed on July 14, 2025, celebrates the anniversary of the attack on the Bastille. The Bastille was a strong building and prison in Paris that represented the power of the king. It was first built in the 14th century and used as a jail by the King of France.
Many people who spoke out against the government were held there. The people who wanted to change the government thought the Bastille was a symbol of the king’s abuse of power.
Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary is a Catholic feast day that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul at the end of her life. It is a public holiday in France on August 15, 2025.
Many people use the day to attend religious services or to spend time with family and friends. Some businesses and schools may also be closed for the day, allowing people to observe the holiday.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in France that honors all the saints from Christian history, both known and unknown. Many French citizens take the day off work to visit the graves of their loved ones and remember those who have passed away. Some also attend religious services or visit churches to light candles and say prayers for the deceased.
Armistice Day
Armistice Day marks the day the war between the Allies and Germany ended. On November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the two sides signed a peace agreement in Compiègne, France.
This holiday will be celebrated on November 11, 2025. Different countries call it by other names, like Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada, but it all marks the end of the war.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a major public holiday in France, and many French citizens celebrate it enthusiastically. Many people in France also attend religious services or visit churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, and it is one of the most important holidays in the French calendar. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals and traditions.
Saint Stephen’s Day
Saint Stephen’s Day is a public holiday in France that follows Christmas Day. It is named after Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and it honors his legacy and the contribution of other Christian saints.
Many people in France use the day to spend time with family and friends or to attend religious services. Some businesses and schools may also be closed for the day, allowing people to observe the holiday.