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France
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William Perugini / shutterstock.com

Holidays & Observances in France

France is a West European country that shares its borders with many other countries. Christianity is the most popularly practiced religion, and holidays such as Christmas and Easter are the most important in the country, often celebrated by even those who aren’t religious. The most popular non-religious holiday is Bastille Day, which celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille Prison. It is celebrated similarly to the way many countries celebrate Independence Day, with fireworks and enthusiastic celebrations. Food is a very important part of the French culture, so many of the most important holidays have special meals associated with them.

 

Country Observances

Holiday Date Country Holiday Observance Type Religion/Belief
Labour Day / May Day Public, National
Victory Day Public, National
Ascension Day Public, National, Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Pentecost / Whit Sunday Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Whit Monday Public, National, Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Mothers Day Popular
Father's Day Popular
Bastille Day Public, National
Assumption of Mary Public, National, Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Daylight Saving Time Ends Time Related
All Saints' Day Public, National, Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Armistice Day Public, National
Christmas Eve Religious/Beliefs, Popular Christianity
Christmas Public, National, Religious/Beliefs Christianity
St Stephen's Day Religious/Beliefs Christianity
New Years Day Public, National
Epiphany Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Candlemas Religious/Beliefs Christianity, Catholic
Lantern Festival Religious/Beliefs, Popular Chinese / East Asian, Taoism / Daoism
Valentines Day Popular
Mardi Gras - Shrove Tuesday / Fat Tuesday Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Ash Wednesday/Carnival Religious/Beliefs Christianity
International Women's Day Popular
Daylight Saving Time Starts Time Related
April Fools Day Popular, Daily, Noteworthy
Palm Sunday Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Maundy Thursday Religious/Beliefs Christianity
Good Friday Religious/Beliefs Christianity