France Public Holidays Calendar

Overview of Public Holidays in France

• Good Friday, Easter Monday
  These holidays commemorate the miracle of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and rose again three days later. Good Friday is a day to mourn the death of Jesus, while Easter celebrates His resurrection. The day after Easter (Easter Monday) is also a public holiday in many countries.
  Good Friday is a public holiday only in the Alsace-Moselle region.
• Victory in Europe Day (WWII)
  Commemorates the formal end of combat in Europe during World War II, marking the day Germany signed the act of surrender.
• Ascension Day
  Commemorates the bodily ascension of the resurrected Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of his disciples. This feast is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter (Resurrection).
• Whit Monday
  The day after Whitsun / Pentecost (50 days after Easter) is a public holiday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. This event is said to have occurred on the 50th day of Easter.
• National Day (Bastille Day)
  A national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. (Commonly known as "Bastille Day" in English-speaking countries).
• Assumption of Mary
  A Catholic feast day commemorating the departure of the Virgin Mary from this life and the assumption of her body and soul into heaven.
• All Saints' Day
  A day dedicated to praying for and honoring all the saints and martyrs.
• Armistice Day (WWI)
  Commemorates the signing of the armistice agreement between Germany and the Allies on November 11, 1918, which ended the fighting of World War I.
• Saint Stephen's Day (Boxing Day)
  A feast day commemorating Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This is a regional public holiday observed only in the Alsace-Moselle region, which historically belonged to Germany.

French National Flag & Anthem

National Flag

The national flag of France is known as the "Tricolore." The three colors are often said to represent "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," or alternatively, "the French Monarchy and the City of Paris."

National Anthem