Le Courrier de l’Ouest explains France's public holidays and which ones employers cannot impose for work.
Public holidays in France
France observes eleven public holidays each year, which are legally recognized days off for employees. These days are established by national law and are intended to provide workers with time for rest, cultural events, or religious observances.Employer restrictions on public holidays
Employers in France are not allowed to require employees to work on certain public holidays. These days are protected by labor laws, ensuring that workers can take time off without fear of being penalized or forced to work.Additional holidays in specific regions
Some regions and overseas territories in France observe additional public holidays beyond the eleven national ones. These local holidays often reflect the unique cultural or historical context of the area.Examples of regional holidays
For instance, the overseas departments of Réunion and Martinique observe extra days such as La Saint-Pierre and La Saint-André, which are not recognized as public holidays in mainland France. These days are celebrated with local traditions and events.
