How Many Bank Holidays Do the French Get? A Complete Guide to French Public Holidays

Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant. Recently, a little friend consulted me about the title of how many bank holidays do the French get. Now I will summarize the relevant problems, hoping to help the little friends who want to know.

So, you’re curious about how many bank holidays the French get, huh? Maybe you’re planning a trip to France, thinking about moving there for work, or just wondering how their time off stacks up against what you’re used to. It’s a solid question because France is famous for its work-life balance—people always talk about their long lunches, tons of vacation, and those cozy café breaks. But when it comes to official public holidays, or “jours fériés” as the French call them, there’s a bit more to unpack than just a simple number. Let’s break it down in plain American English so you get the full picture without any fancy jargon.

First off, France officially has 11 national public holidays each year. That’s the number that applies to pretty much everyone working in the country, regardless of region or industry. These are set by law, and most businesses, schools, and government offices shut down on these days. But here’s the kicker: not all of them are mandatory days off for private-sector workers. Yeah, it’s a little confusing, but I’ll explain in a sec. The 11 holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter Monday (moves around in March or April), Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday, in May or June), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas Day (December 25). That’s the core list—no surprises there.

But wait, there’s more. Some regions in France, like Alsace and Moselle, get two extra holidays because of historical ties to Germany: Good Friday and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26). So if you’re in those areas, you’re looking at 13 public holidays total. Also, May 1 (Labor Day) is super special—it’s the only holiday that’s almost always a mandatory paid day off for everyone, even if you usually work on Sundays. Pretty cool, right?

Now, here’s where it gets tricky for workers. Unlike in the US where federal holidays are usually a guaranteed day off, in France, many public holidays are only required to be paid if you actually work that day (with overtime rates) or if they fall on a normal working day. If a holiday lands on a weekend? Too bad—you don’t get a replacement day off unless your contract or collective agreement says so. But French labor law is generous in other ways. On top of these 11 (or 13) bank holidays, full-time employees are legally entitled to five weeks of paid vacation per year. That’s right, five weeks! Combine that with the holidays, and the French can easily get six, seven, or even eight weeks of total time off if they plan it smart. Plus, there’s a tradition called “faire le pont” (making a bridge)—if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many people take the Monday or Friday off to create a long weekend. It’s not mandatory, but it’s super common.

So, to answer the big question directly: the French get 11 national bank holidays a year, with a couple of regional extras. But because of their hefty vacation allowance and the bridge habit, their total paid time off is way above what Americans typically get. If you’re comparing to the US, where there are only 11 federal holidays and most people get just 10 to 15 vacation days, France easily doubles that. No wonder the French are known for their laid-back lifestyle—they’ve got the time to enjoy it!

Questions related to how many bank holidays do the French get

I know you might still have a few questions spinning around, so let me hit some of the most common ones people ask. First up: “Are all French bank holidays paid?” The short answer is no—only May 1 is guaranteed paid for all workers. For others, it depends on your contract and whether you actually work that day. If you do work, you usually get extra pay or compensatory time off. Second: “Do French schools close on bank holidays?” Yes, all schools are closed on these days, and they also get the standard school breaks. Third: “What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend?” Typically, you don’t get a make-up day unless your employer is super generous or it’s stipulated in a union agreement. Fourth: “Do part-time workers get the same number of bank holidays?” Mostly, but it’s prorated based on hours worked. And fifth: “How does this compare to other European countries?” France is about average in Europe—Germany also has 9 to 13 depending on region, and Spain has 12. So the French aren’t the extreme holiday kings, but they’re definitely up there.

To wrap it all up, the French get 11 national bank holidays, with a couple of regional bonuses in Alsace-Moselle. But the real story is how those holidays combine with their generous paid leave and cultural love for long weekends. It’s not just about the number—it’s about how they use that time to actually rest, travel, and enjoy life. Whether you’re planning a trip around Bastille Day fireworks or just curious about work-life balance, knowing this helps you understand French culture a little better. And hey, if you ever get the chance to experience a bridge day in Paris, grab it—you won’t regret it.

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