Public holidays in France

There are 11 official public holidays in France. The Alsace region and the Moselle department observe 2 additional days. Contrary to most countries, these holidays do not shift when they fall during a week-end, which means that the average number of observed public holidays falling on weekdays is 8.7 and ranges from 7 to 10. Most Asian countries and all North American countries observe between 2 and 10 more public holidays per year on weekdays.

Public holidays in France are:

Note: French law dictates that work should stop, but be paid, only for the Fête du Travail (May Day, 1 May), except in industries where it is infeasible to stop working. The rest of the public holidays are listed in statute law, but law does not dictate that work should stop; however a leave from work may be granted by the employer or by convention collective (agreement between employers' and employees’ unions).

In 2005, French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin removed Whit Monday's status as a public holiday. The decision was eventually overruled by French courts in 2008. Employers are free to decide whether to make Whit Monday a day off or not.

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