May Public Holidays in France

In France, there are 11 public holidays a year with the exception of Alsace and Lorraine which have 13. Lucky them! This year we have 4 public holidays in the month of May, which is a great time to travel the region and explore the food and culture!

The French expression ‘faire le pont’ (to make the bridge) is when a public holiday occurs during the working week and they bridge the gap between the non-working days making it a long weekend. For example if the bank holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Monday or Friday is accepted as part of the holiday and so they have a 4 day break! Also, if the national holiday falls on a Sunday, usually the following Monday is given off and creates a long weekend.

Here is a list of public holidays this May:

1st of May – ‘la fête du travail/la fête du Muguet‘ (labour day/lily of the Valley day)

Labour Day is a public holiday in France that celebrates workers rights. It is also an occasion that represent la Fête de Muguet (lily of the valley), were folks can present their loved ones with dog rose flowers.

8th of May – ‘la fête de la victoire’ (VE day)

The 8th of May is a holiday to celebrate the end of World War II and the French people’s freedom. It is the anniversary of when Charles de Gaulle announced the end of World War II in France on May 8, 1945.

10th of May – ‘l’ascension’ (Ascension day)

Ascension Day is the day when Jesus Christ ascended to heaven following his crucifixion and resurrection.

20th & 21st of May –  ‘le lundi de la pentecôte et le dimanche de la pentecôte’ (Pentecost Sunday and Monday)

Even though Pentecost Sunday and Monday are Catholic holidays, the entire country will celebrates!