School holidays in France may vary from one school to the next and from one zone to another. In France, schools are divided into three different regional zones. Each of these zones follows different dates for the winter and spring holidays. The zones are as follows:
The term dates for international schools in France are generally the same as the holiday dates for other schools, with some minor variations within individual schools. The Ministry of National Education (Ministere de l’Education Nationale) is in charge of setting the dates for the school terms.
At a glance, schools in France have five holidays which last for about two weeks each, except for the summer holidays which lasts for about eight weeks. These include All Saints’ holiday, Christmas holiday, winter holiday, spring holiday, and summer holiday. For more updated information about school holidays in France, please visit individual school websites.
| Dates | School Holidays |
|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2025 | First Day of School |
| Oct 19 – Nov 2, 2024 | All Saints’ Break |
| Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Christmas Break |
| Feb 8 – Feb 22, 2026 | Winter Break – Zone A |
| Feb 15 – Mar 1, 2026 | Winter Break – Zone B |
| Feb 22 – Mar 8, 2026 | Winter Break – Zone C |
| Apr 5 – 19 , 2026 | Spring Break – Zone A |
| Apr 12 – 26, 2026 | Spring Break – Zone B |
| Apr 19 – May 3, 2026 | Spring Break – Zone C |
| Jul 5 – Aug 31, 2026 | Summer Break |
Armistice Day
This is a public holiday in France celebrated on November 11th to remember those who got injured or died during World War I and in other wars.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a national holiday in France which is observed on August 15th. The French celebrate this day by attending mass or special celebrations held by the Catholic churches in France, or village festivals.
Bastille Day
Bastille day is a public holiday in France that occurs on July 14th in celebration of the French culture. During this day, large-scale public celebrations are held including dances, musical performances, communal meals, balls, military & civilian parades, firework displays, among others.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday is celebrated every June 10th. On this day, most government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is the 40th day after Easter. Ascension Day celebrates the day Jesus ascended to heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection.
WWII Victory Day
WWII Victory day is celebrated in France to mark the end of World War II and the freedom of the French people. It marks the anniversary of the end of World War II, a declaration made in France on May 8, 1945.
Labor Day
Labor Day or May Day, held on May 1st, is a national holiday in France that celebrates and campaigns for workers’ rights. Additionally, it’s an event to give dog rose flowers or lily of the valley to loved ones.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, which is the day following Easter Sunday, is celebrated as a public holiday in France.
New Year’s Day
Celebrated on January 1st, New Year’s Day marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is observed as a public holiday in France.
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The holiday information on this website was incredibly helpful for planning our summer vacation. We were able to find the best deals and discover exciting activities for the whole family. Thank you for making our holiday planning so convenient!
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