How Many Bank Holidays Did France Have in 2018? A Complete Guide

Hey everyone, it’s your Holiday Little Assistant back with another deep dive! So recently, one of our followers hit me up asking, “How many bank holidays were there in France back in 2018?” I know, I know—it might seem like old news, but hey, some of us are planning retro trips or just curious about how the French vibe with their time off. Let’s break it down together in a chill, easy-to-understand way.
Alright, so first things first: France is pretty generous when it comes to public holidays, thanks to its rich history and culture. In 2018, France had a total of 11 bank holidays. Yep, you heard that right—eleven days where folks could kick back, enjoy time with family, or maybe just binge-watch some shows. These holidays are a mix of Christian traditions, historical events, and just good ol’ national pride. If you were in France that year, you probably enjoyed a decent number of long weekends or maybe even planned a vacation around them.
Questions Related to How Many Bank Holidays in France 2018
Now, I bet you’re wondering, “What were those specific holidays?” Great question! Let me list them out for you: January 1st (New Year’s Day), Easter Monday (which fell on April 2nd in 2018), May 1st (Labour Day), May 8th (Victory in Europe Day), Ascension Day (May 10th), Whit Monday (May 21st), July 14th (Bastille Day—a big one!), August 15th (Assumption of Mary), November 1st (All Saints’ Day), November 11th (Armistice Day), and December 25th (Christmas Day). See? A solid lineup that covers everything from remembering history to celebrating faith. Some of these, like Easter Monday and Whit Monday, are what they call “moving holidays” because they change dates each year based on the lunar calendar. That’s why it’s always good to double-check if you’re planning something way in advance.
But wait, there’s more to it! One thing folks often ask is, “Do all regions in France observe the same holidays?” Mostly, yes—these 11 are nationwide bank holidays, meaning banks, schools, and many businesses close up shop. However, in certain areas like Alsace and Moselle, they get a couple extra holidays thanks to local traditions, such as Good Friday and December 26th. So if you were in those spots in 2018, you might’ve scored even more days off! Also, if a holiday falls on a weekend, the French don’t usually get a substitute weekday off, unlike some other countries. That means in 2018, since November 1st was a Thursday, folks just enjoyed that day as is—no extra Monday off. Bummer, right? But hey, it’s all part of the unique French way of life.
To wrap it up, France had 11 bank holidays in 2018, blending cultural, historical, and religious moments into a well-deserved break schedule. Whether you’re reminiscing or planning a future visit, knowing this stuff helps you understand how the French balance work and play. Thanks for reading, I hope this article helped you fully grasp the topic of bank holidays in France for 2018. If you have more questions, like how it compares to other years or tips for traveling during these times, just reach out—I’m here to help!