Are you planning to visit France in 2023? Whether you’re looking to experience the magic of Paris, the charm of Provence, or the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera, knowing the public holidays and school vacation dates is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the public holidays and school vacation dates in France in 2023, along with tips for avoiding the crowds and securing the best deals. So, get ready to plan your French adventures and make the most of your trip!
Public Holidays in France in 2023
France has several national public holidays throughout the year that will affect travel and tourism. Here are the dates of the public holidays in France in 2023:
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Sunday)
- Good Friday: April 7 (Friday)*
- Easter Monday: April 10 (Monday)
- Labor Day: May 1 (Monday)
- Victory Day: May 8 (Monday)
- Ascension Day: May 18 (Thursday)
- Whit Sunday: May 28 (Sunday)
- Whit Monday: May 29 (Monday)
- Bastille Day: July 14 (Friday)
- Assumption Day: August 15 (Tuesday)
- All Saints’ Day: November 1 (Wednesday)
- Armistice Day: November 11 (Saturday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Monday)
- St Stephen’s Day: December 26 (Tuesday)*
*These holidays are not national public holidays but are observed in some regions.
It’s important to keep in mind that some businesses may close during public holidays, and public transport may run on a reduced schedule. So, plan accordingly and check with local authorities for any updates or changes.
School Holidays in France in 2023
Are you planning a family vacation in France in 2023? It’s crucial to know the school holidays before you book your trip. To help you with your planning, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of school holidays in France for 2023 and 2024. These dates are unlikely to be modified by the Ministry of National Education. However, please check back regularly for any updates that may occur.
The holiday dates released by the Ministry are followed by all schools across the country. The dates are split into 3 zones – Zone A, Zone B and Zone C respectively. The school holiday dates vary across the three zone regions for the winter and spring holidays. So, if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, make sure you book your trip during non-school holiday periods.
School Year 2022-2023:
- All Saints Holidays: October 23, 2022 – November 6, 2022
- Christmas Holidays: December 18, 2022 – January 2, 2023
- Winter Holidays (Zone A): February 5, 2023 – February 19, 2023
- Winter Holidays (Zone B): February 12, 2023 – February 26, 2023
- Winter Holidays (Zone C): February 19, 2023 – March 5, 2023
- Spring Holidays (Zone A): April 9, 2023 – April 23, 2023
- Spring Holidays (Zone B): April 16, 2023 – May 1, 2023
- Spring Holidays (Zone C): April 23, 2023 – May 8, 2023
- Summer Holidays: July 9, 2023 – September 3, 2023
School Year 2023-2024:
- All Saints Holidays: October 22, 2023 – November 5, 2023
- Christmas Holidays: December 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024
- Winter Holidays (Zone A): February 18, 2024 – March 3, 2024
- Winter Holidays (Zone B): February 25, 2024 – March 10, 2024
- Winter Holidays (Zone C): February 11, 2024 – February 25, 2024
- Spring Holidays (Zone A): April 14, 2024 – April 28, 2024
- Spring Holidays (Zone B): April 21, 2024 – May 5, 2024
- Spring Holidays (Zone C): April 7, 2024 – April 21, 2024
- Summer Holidays: July 7, 2024 – September 1, 2024
The three different zones in France are:
- Zone A: Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers
- Zone B: Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg
- Zone C: Créteil, Montpellier, Paris, Toulouse, Versailles
