French students are known to have one of the most relaxed academic schedules in the world, with a lot of emphasis placed on vacation time. Unlike other countries where students have a limited number of vacation days, French students have an extended period of time off during the year. In this article, we will explore how many weeks of vacation French students get and what they do during their free time.
How Many Weeks of Vacation Do French Students Get?
French students typically get around 16 weeks of vacation throughout the academic year. This is divided into several periods throughout the year, with each break having its unique length.
The Summer Break
The summer break is one of the longest vacations that French students get and lasts for about 8 weeks. It starts in July and ends in September when schools reopen for a new academic year. During this period, most families take their annual vacation, and it’s also a great opportunity for students to travel and explore different parts of France or even go abroad.
The Winter Break
The winter break in France lasts for two weeks from late December to early January. During this period, families usually celebrate Christmas and New Year together and engage in various winter activities like skiing or ice-skating.
The Spring Break
The spring break in France lasts for two weeks around April or May. This period coincides with Easter celebrations, and it’s also an excellent opportunity for families to take short vacations or engage in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.
What Do French Students Do During Their Vacation?
French students engage in various activities during their long vacation periods. Some visit family members who live far away while others travel to different parts of France or even abroad. Many French families prefer to spend their summer holidays at the beach or in the mountains where they can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking.
During the winter break, families usually spend time together, celebrating Christmas and New Year. Some French students also take advantage of the cold weather to engage in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.
In conclusion, French students get a considerable amount of vacation time throughout the year which allows them to engage in different activities and explore various parts of France and beyond. This extended vacation period is one of the unique features of the French education system that makes it stand out from other countries.