2026 is fast approaching, and already we’re thinking about our next vacation. As you know, France is blessed with 11 public holidays. If we plan our holidays wisely, we can make the most of long weekends. The good news is that, by 2026, eight out of one bank holiday will fall on a weekday. Here’s how to make the most of the bridges and get up to 55 days away from the office!
January
January 1ᵉʳ falls on a Thursday! All you have to do is postpone Friday, January 2, to take advantage of 4 days off.
April
In April, Easter falls on a Monday. Put it down on Friday, January 3 and Tuesday, January 7 to enjoy 5 days off.
May
May is fireworks season. May 1st and May 8th fall on Fridays, so you don’t need to take a holiday to enjoy a three-day weekend. Ascension Day is scheduled for Thursday May 14. You can take 4 days: the 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th. Including the weekend, this will give you 9 full days of rest. May 25 is Pentecost: postpone Tuesday May 26 for 4 full days!
July
The national holiday will be on a Tuesday this year. Enjoy a week away from the office by booking 4 days: Monday July 13, Wednesday July 15, Thursday July 16 and Friday July 17!
November
Wednesday November 11 is Armistice Day. Take a week off on days 9, 10, 12 and 13.
December
Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday: three days off for you, without putting anything down! New Year’s Day will be on a Friday: put it down on the 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st for a week’s rest and recovery from your festive evening!