Master French Work Life: Holidays & Professional Rhythms
Working days and holidays in France follow some very specific rules. French professional culture has its own unique codes that can catch newcomers off guard.
Discover all the ins and outs of working French-style in this article to ensure your successful professional integration!
Working Days and Holidays in France: The French Work Rhythm
The standard work week in France is typically 35 hours, spread across Monday through Friday. French employees often work from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute to 1-hour unpaid lunch break. This lunch break is sacred for most workers!
French companies place great emphasis on work-life balance. Sending work emails in the evening or on weekends is generally frowned upon. This right to disconnect has been protected by law since 2017.
Regarding vacation time, French employees enjoy 5 weeks of paid leave per year. It’s one of the most generous systems in the world! Many employees typically take their vacations in July and August, creating the “summer break” period when some companies shut down completely.
Good to know: When a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many French companies “font le pont” (literally “make the bridge”) by giving employees the Monday or Friday off for a 4-day weekend.
Pro tip: Avoid scheduling important meetings during these “pont” periods.
French Public Holidays: Between Tradition and Secularism
France has 11 official public holidays, creating a fascinating blend of Christian heritage and republican values.
Traditional Religious Holidays in France
Here are the 6 religious holidays observed in France:
- Easter Monday celebrates spring with Easter egg hunts.
- Ascension Day (39 days after Easter Sunday) often creates a long weekend.
- Whit Monday marks the beginning of warmer weather.
- Assumption Day (August 15) falls right in the middle of summer vacation.
- All Saints’ Day (November 1) is a time for family remembrance.
- Christmas Day (December 25) is typically celebrated with family. In December, companies usually organize their “pot de Noël” (office Christmas drinks) or “réveillon d’entreprise” (company Christmas dinner).
Republican and Historical Holidays in France
The 5 republican and historical holidays include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1) is celebrated with New Year’s wishes.
- Labor Day (May 1) is the only mandatory public holiday. The French traditionally give each other lily of the valley on this day for good luck.
- Victory in Europe Day (May 8) commemorates the end of World War II.
- Bastille Day (July 14) celebrates the storming of the Bastille with parades and fireworks.
- Armistice Day (November 11) honors the soldiers of 1918.
Good to know: Each French region has its own particularities. Alsace-Moselle enjoys two additional public holidays (Good Friday and St. Stephen’s Day). In Guadeloupe and Martinique, the abolition of slavery is celebrated.
Other Important Dates on the French Calendar
Beyond official public holidays, France celebrates numerous cultural events that influence the professional year, such as:
Valentine’s Day (February 14): While primarily a romantic holiday, it adds a festive atmosphere to the workplace.
Fête de la Musique (June 21): Created in France in 1982, this celebration has spread worldwide! It marks summer’s arrival with free concerts throughout cities.
Mother’s Day (last Sunday in May) and Father’s Day (third Sunday in June): These holidays influence the professional atmosphere with schedule adjustments for family celebrations.
Now that you understand the specifics of working days and holidays in France, you can better anticipate the French professional rhythm. Need help integrating better into your work life in France? Join The French Career Club today! This space gives you all the tools you need to thrive professionally in France.
Don’t wait any longer! Sign up now for the September 2025 session and become a true French professional!
