French public vacation dates 2025-2026
There’s a common joke that France seems to enjoy an endless supply of public holidays, which often sparks curiosity about how many days off the French really have. But is that really the case? While many wonder how many public holidays there are in France, the country doesn’t actually lead the world in the number of public holidays, though it might feel that way given how integral these days are to French life.
Timing your boating trip to France with the French public holidays and school vacation offers a unique opportunity to fully experience local culture, whether through lively events or by exploring quieter, less crowded areas. Public holidays in France are when communities truly come alive, and many businesses close, making it a perfect time to experience the country in a different light.
With Le Boat, you can create a boating vacation experience that perfectly aligns with these important dates, ensuring your trip is enjoyable and well-planned.
In this article
French public holidays 2025-2026
Public holidays in France 2025:
| Holiday | Date | Region |
|---|---|---|
| All Saints’ Day | 1 Nov 2025 (Sat) | All regions |
| Armistice Day | 11 Nov 2025 (Tue) | All regions |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2025 (Thu) | All regions |
| St Stephen’s Day / St Etienne | 26 Dec 2025 (Fri) | Alsace and Moselle only |
Public holidays in France 2026:
| Holiday | Date | Region |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan 2026 (Thu) | All regions |
| Good Friday | 3 Apr 2026 (Fri) | Alsace and Moselle only |
| Easter Monday | 6 Apr 2026 (Mon) | All regions |
| Labour Day | 1 May 2026 (Fri) | All regions |
| Victory Day | 8 May 2026 (Fri) | All regions |
| Ascension Day | 14 May 2026 (Thu) | All regions |
| Whit Monday | 25 May 2026 (Mon) | All regions |
| Bastille Day | 14 Jul 2026 (Tue) | All regions |
| Assumption Day | 15 Aug 2026 (Sat) | All regions |
| All Saints’ Day | 1 Nov 2026 (Sun) | All regions |
| Armistice Day | 11 Nov 2026 (Wed) | All regions |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2026 (Fri) | All regions |
| St Stephens Day/ St Etienne | 26 Dec 2026 (Sat) | Alsace and Moselle only |
French school vacations 2025-2026
France is divided into three academic zones—A, B and C—for winter and spring school vacations. This regional stagger helps ease the flow of vacation travel and avoid overcrowding (road traffic, ski resorts, accommodation):
- Zone A: Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers.
- Zone B: Aix‑Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy‑Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans‑Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg.
- Zone C: Paris region (Créteil, Paris, Versailles), Montpellier and Toulouse.
All Saints vacation 2025
- All zones: 18 Oct 2025 – 3 Nov 2025
Christmas vacation 2025-2026
- All zones: 20 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026
Winter vacation 2026
- Zone A: 7 Feb 2026 – 23 Feb 2026
- Zone B: 14 Feb 2026 – 2 Mar 2026
- Zone C: 21 Feb 2026 – 9 Mar 2026
Spring vacation 2026
- Zone A: 4 Apr 2026 – 20 Apr 2026
- Zone B: 11 Apr 2026 – 27 Apr 2026
- Zone C: 18 Apr 2026 – 4 May 2026
Summer vacation 2026
- All zones: from 4 Jul 2026
Find a comprehensive list of European school vacation dates in our article ‘European school vacation calendar’.
How these dates can simplify your vacation planning
Planning your trip around French public holidays can significantly enhance your boating vacation experience.
1. Avoiding crowds
Travelling during quieter periods allows you to enjoy popular destinations like the Canal du Midi and Burgundy without the usual tourist crowds. You’ll have more space to explore and truly appreciate the beauty of these regions.
2. Embracing local festivities
France’s national public holidays are filled with cultural events and festivities. By aligning your trip with these dates, you can immerse yourself in authentic French vacations. For example, celebrate Bastille Day in Carcassonne with stunning fireworks over the old medieval city or explore the vibrant local festivals in Brittany.
3. Optimising your itinerary
When planning your trip around France’s public holidays or school vacations, understanding how these days might affect your journey is essential to making the most of your experience. By considering the following factors, you can optimise your itinerary to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
- Locks and waterways: Some locks may be closed on public holidays. It’s important to inquire beforehand at the base to ensure your planned route won’t be disrupted.
- Shops and services: Many shops and businesses will likely be closed on public holidays. Planning ahead for your essentials can help you avoid any inconveniences.
- Local events: On the positive side, public holidays often bring special events, festivals, and markets to towns and villages along your route. These can be excellent opportunities to experience the local culture and add a unique touch to your vacation.
Cultural experiences during French public holidays
1. Festivals and events
Participate in traditional celebrations by region:
- Bastille Day: Celebrate France’s national public vacation with grand fireworks and vibrant parades in cities like Carcassonne along the Canal du Midi.
- Wine Harvest Festivals: Experience the joy of the wine harvest season in Burgundy. As you cruise through this famous wine region, you can participate in local festivals celebrating the grape harvest with tastings, music, and traditional festivities.
2. Seasonal markets
Explore markets that reflect the season and local culture:
- Canal du Midi’s spring markets: These lively markets are an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant colors and flavors of the season. They are filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and regional delicacies
- Camargue’s Autumn Harvest markets: Cruising through the Camargue in autumn provides a chance to visit harvest markets brimming with seasonal produce. Here, you can sample local specialities like olives, honey, and rice, all produced in this unique and diverse region.
Explore lesser-known destinations
For those seeking tranquillity and a more authentic French experience, consider visiting lesser-known destinations during public holidays in France. You can also read our article ‘Discovering Europe’s hidden gems: Boating vacations through 8 historical marvels’ to discover even more hidden European destinations.
Hidden gems
Discover peaceful and picturesque villages away from the main tourist routes:
- Nivernais & Loire: Known for its calm waterways and scenic beauty, this region is perfect for a relaxing boating vacation. Highlights include charming villages, historic châteaux, and the vineyards of Sancerre, offering a blend of culture and nature.
- Charente: A region rich in history and natural beauty, Charente offers a quieter alternative to more famous destinations. Explore the historic town of Cognac and enjoy the serene landscapes that make this area a hidden gem.
Authentic regional experiences
Immerse yourself in regions where traditions are still deeply rooted:
- Camargue: Explore this wild, natural region known for its unique landscapes and cultural festivals.
- Aquitaine: Experience local life, cuisine, and customs in this region, which is less frequented by tourists but offers plenty of charm.
Plan the perfect boating vacation
Timing your boating vacation around French public holidays allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences. If you enjoy lively celebrations, plan to be in the heart of the action during local festivals. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, it’s best to avoid peak times. This way, you can enjoy the calm waterways and take in the beautiful scenery of France at your own pace.
With Le Boat, you can effortlessly navigate France’s stunning waterways, whether you’re immersing yourself in the festivities or seeking tranquillity. This guide is your key to planning an unforgettable vacation in France, ensuring that your itinerary is perfectly timed to let you experience the best of what France has to offer during its public holidays.
Ready to plan your perfect French getaway?
Discover the best of France with Le Boat today, and let us help you create the perfect vacation experience. Whether you’re looking to join the lively local festivities or enjoy a peaceful retreat, Le Boat has the perfect itinerary waiting for you.
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