Christmas, New Year's (Eve & Day), Valentine's Day—these are just some of the standard universal holidays that most, if not all countries celebrate. But, of course, the different countries celebrate them in their own ways. Even beyond that, certain countries have more holidays than others, whether they pertain to their histories, dominant religions, and more. Let's focus on France for a bit. With its very colorful past and largely Christian nation, this country has a handful of public holidays you probably didn't know about. And if you're planning on visiting or even relocating here soon, you ought to know more about them!
Le Lundi de Pâques (Easter Monday) - March or April
While in most Christian countries, Easter Sunday is the end of the Lenten season—and all the religious practices that come with it!—here in France, they also celebrate Easter Monday. Called Le Lundi de Pâque, it's sort of like a long weekend for the country. Banks, post offices, and other various businesses may close on this day, forcing families to celebrate it mostly at home than going out. But don't expect the celebrations to be as lively as Easter Sunday. While some may continue their Easter egg hunts and solemn masses, most French people celebrate Easter Monday quietly. A peaceful time at home with a whole lot of chocolate!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jour de l’Ascension (Ascension Thursday) - April or May
Similarly, while other Christian-dominated countries don't celebrate Ascension Thursday apart from hearing mass and attending special services in Chruch, France considered it a public holiday.
People who work here are given a day off, mostly to spend time with family at home. Celebrating the day Jesus Christ went up to heaven, body & soul, the holiday is often commemorated 40 days after Easter Sunday. So this means you can expect it to usually be either in April or May of every year. It's one of those rare days on the calendar where even a bustling metropolis like Paris gets to quiet down.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jour de la Victoire 1945 (World War II Victory Day 1945) - May 8
On May 8, 1945, Europe saw the end of one of its most devastating conflicts: World War II. Central to that historic event was France, which came under sieged by the German army during the war. So this means that May 8, the day the Second World War officially ended, is particularly special for the country. France commemorates this day every year, making it a public holiday to allow its people to celebrate and pay tribute to the heroes who fought and died for liberty. Parades are held, history lessons are given, and, of course, champagne and
wine are drank!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fête National (Bastille Day) - July 14
Speaking of liberty, France's biggest public holiday, Bastille Day, is perhaps the most important and the most famous on this list. Commemorating the day the French stormed Bastille during the French Revolution in 1789, it's the holiday that marks the country's independence. The day the country went from a monarchy to a true republic. And the French celebrate it in a big way. Think a massive military parade along
Champs Elysées, fireworks against the Eiffel Tower, and French flags fluttering about all over the city. You won't feel any more French than that during this day!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Day) - September
For Europe, often regarded as the 'old continent,' heritage is a very important thing. So much so that France, as well as other European countries, holds a special holiday just to commemorate it. Held every second Sunday of September, France celebrates European Heritage Days, which they call 'Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.' At this time, most of the
museums in Paris, castles in the French countryside, and other important landmarks are open to the public. It's one of the very few days such places have free admission, so expect many tourists and locals alike to visit them during this holiday!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jour l’Armistice (Armistice Day) - November 11
Finally, there's Armistice Day! Held every November 11, it commemorates the end of World War I in Europe. The day holds such special meaning to the continent that, at times, even the heads-of-state of thee countries gather to celebrate the holiday together. As for those in France, you'll see that most French towns and cities solemnly pay tribute to the fallen heroes of that conflict. Churches hold special services, prayer vigils, and more. While various establishments offer all sorts of promos and discounts just for the day. It's a happy yet solemn day in the French calendar.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apart from the usual holidays most, if not all countries celebrate, France has a handful of others that the entire nation holds dear commemorates. From those relating to religion to historic events that happened in the country, these are special public holidays the French take the day off for!
And it'd be better to join them if you celebrated in
a luxury home in France! Don't you agree?
