French 2011 Public Holidays

The French enjoy 11 national jours feriés (holidays) annually. The civic calendar was first instituted in 1582; Bastille Day was incorporated in 1789, Armistice Day in 1918, Labor Day in 1935, and Victory Day in 1945. During the month of May, there is a holiday nearly every week, so be prepared for stores, banks and museums to shut their doors for days at a time. It is a good idea to call museums, restaurants and hotels in advance to make sure they will be open.

In France, only Labour Day (May 1st) is a public holiday by statute. The rest of the holidays are granted by convention collective (agreement between employers’ and employees’ unions) or by agreement of the employer. With the exception of those associated with Easter, Public Holidays in France are fixed.

Most offices, businesses and shops in France will close for a Public Holiday although the smaller supermarkets in many towns will open for a couple of hours in the morning (except for on Christmas day). Restaurants can be relied upon to respond to the market demand so opening will depend upon place and season. Book well in advance for Christmas day though.

Please note the 2011 French holiday calendar below is based on estimates only and not an official calendar. We do not and cannot guarantee the accuracy of this holiday calendar.

2011 Public Holidays in France
Here is a list of France 2011 public holidays

Premier de l’an/ Le jour de l’an
New Year’s Day
Saturday, 1 January 2011

Lundi de Pâques
Easter Monday – Monday after Easter 2011
Monday, 25 April 2011

Fête du Travail
Labour Day
Sunday, 1 May 2011

Victoire 1945
Victory in Europe Day – End of World War II
Sunday, 8 May 2011

Ascension
Ascension Day – Thursday, 39 days after Easter
Thursday, 2 June 2011

Lundi de Pentecôte
Whit Monday – Monday after Pentecost
Monday, 13 June 2011

14 Juillet – Fête Nationale
Bastille Day – National Day
Thursday, 14 July 2011

Assomption
Assumption of Mary
Monday, 15 August 2011

Toussaint
All Saints’ Day
Tuesday, 1 November 2011

Armistice 1918
Veterans Day/ Remembrance Day – End of World War I
Friday, 11 November 2011

Noël
Christmas Day
Sunday, 25 December 2011

*French Public Holidays falling on a Sunday are celebrated on the following Monday with the exception of Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday, which always fall on a Sunday. No time off in lieu is granted when a Public Holiday falls on a Saturday.

**When a Public Holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, it is very common to take the Friday or Monday off to create a long weekend (“faire le pont”). Many businesses, especially the smaller ones are therefore closed for the entire period.

Happy French Holidays 2011 ! Enjoy your holiday !

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