How Many Weeks of Vacation Do French Students Get?

By Robert Palmer

French students are known for their academic excellence and hard work. However, they also enjoy a good work-life balance. One of the perks of being a French student is the ample amount of vacation time they get throughout the year.

French schools follow a unique academic calendar that includes several breaks. Let’s take a closer look at how many weeks of vacation French students get.

Overview of French School Calendar

The French school calendar is divided into three terms, each lasting approximately 12 weeks. These terms are separated by holidays, which include:

  • Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) – One week break in October/November
  • Noel (Christmas) – Two weeks break in December/January
  • Hiver (Winter) – Two weeks break in February/March
  • Printemps (Spring) – Two weeks break in April/May
  • Eté (Summer) – Eight to ten weeks break from July to September

Total Weeks of Vacation for French Students

Adding up all the breaks, French students get around 16-18 weeks of vacation per year depending on their school. This is significantly more than what students in other countries receive.

Benefits of Long Vacation Periods for Students

The extended vacation periods offer several benefits to French students. Firstly, it allows them to recharge their batteries and come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. It also gives them ample time to pursue other interests such as sports, travel or volunteer work.

Moreover, the long summer break enables families to plan vacations without worrying about taking their children out of school. This helps promote tourism within France and abroad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, French students are fortunate enough to have a generous amount of vacation time throughout the year. These extended breaks provide them with an opportunity to relax, recharge, and pursue other interests. It’s no wonder that French students are known for their academic excellence and their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance.