France is known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
However, if you’re planning a trip to France, it’s important to know when the locals go on vacation. This will help you plan your trip better and avoid any inconveniences.
What Month Do the French Go on Vacation?
The French take their vacations very seriously. In fact, they have a reputation for taking long holidays and enjoying their time off to the fullest.
The summer months are the most popular time for French people to go on vacation. July and August are especially busy as schools and many businesses close down during this time.
July
July is when many French people take their main vacation period – called “les grandes vacances.” During this time, schoolchildren are on holiday, and many businesses close down or operate with reduced hours. This means that popular tourist destinations such as Paris can be crowded with tourists from all over the world.
August
August is another busy month for vacations in France. Many businesses remain closed throughout the month while employees enjoy their summer break. However, it’s worth noting that August 15th – Assumption Day (l’Assomption) – is a national holiday in France, meaning that many businesses will be closed on this day as well.
Other Months
While July and August are the most popular months for vacations in France, other months also see a significant number of people taking time off work to relax and travel. The winter holidays (Noël) in December are also an important vacation period for families with children.
If you’re planning a trip to France outside of these peak vacation periods, you’ll find that many businesses operate as usual. However, it’s always a good idea to check opening hours and schedules before you go to avoid any unexpected closures.
- January – Winter holidays continue into early January
- February – Schoolchildren have a two-week break in February
- April – Easter holidays see a lot of travel within France and to neighboring countries
- May – May 1st is a national holiday (Labor Day), and May 8th is a public holiday (Victory in Europe Day)
- June – Many businesses close for the summer break towards the end of June
- September – The start of the school year means that many families take vacations before returning to their routines
- October – Schoolchildren have a two-week break in October, and many businesses remain closed for part or all of the month
- November – November 1st is All Saints’ Day, a public holiday, and November 11th is Armistice Day, another public holiday
In Conclusion
In summary, French people take their vacations seriously, and July and August are the most popular months for vacations. However, other months also see a significant number of people taking time off work.
It’s important to be aware of vacation periods when planning your trip to France so that you can avoid any inconveniences. Bon voyage!