Article : Public Holidays

French Public Holidays - 2009

The French have 11 national jours feriés (public holidays) each year. In May there is a holiday nearly every week, so be prepared for banks, stores and museums to be closed for days at a time. If a public holiday falls on a Tueday or Thursday some businesses may faire le pont (bridge the gap) to make a very long weekend. This is not official, so banks and government organisations do not observe this custom. Additionally the French are entitled to 5 weeks paid vacation annually. Most people take this in July or August, so again businesses may close or operate on a skeleton staff. The transport system becomes very congested at this time of year.

The celebration of Christmas varies by region. Dec 26th is a holiday in Alsace and Lorraine but not in the rest of France . In eastern and northern France the children look forward to la fête de Saint Nicolas on Dec 6 th. New Year is celebrated with a two day festival in Paris , in which thousands of performers take part. Throughout France families and friends enjoy a traditional New Year’s Eve feast, known as le Réveillon, at home or in a restaurant. Local religious festivals and customs can be found in the different regions.

So, enjoy this enriching opportunity to observe and share both new and traditional ways in which the French celebrate their festivals throughout the year.