France is renowned for its generous allocation of paid time off for employees, offering 25 days of annual leave, with the possibility of more for those accruing RTT.
Moreover, there are 11 public holidays (13 in Alsace and Moselle), which, if they do not coincide with weekends, are granted as paid days off (though not all workers observe Whit Monday as a holiday).
While most holidays adhere to fixed dates, Easter and its associated holidays fluctuate annually, often resulting in a cluster of springtime holidays.
In 2024, the initial nine days of May will host three public holidays, none of which fall on weekends:
- Wednesday, May 1 (Labour Day)
- Wednesday, May 8 (Victory Day, marking the end of World War Two in Europe)
- Thursday, May 9 (Ascension Day, 50 days post-Easter)
By strategically combining a few days of annual leave, individuals can relish in a 16-day holiday spree, spanning from late April to mid-May. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Allocation of seven days of annual leave
To capitalize on this prolonged break, individuals must schedule seven days of annual leave on the following dates:
- Monday, April 29
- Tuesday, April 30
- Thursday, May 2
- Friday, May 3
- Monday, May 6
- Tuesday, May 7
- Friday, May 10
By taking these specific days off, one can revel in an uninterrupted vacation stretching from Saturday, April 27, to Sunday, May 12, totaling 16 days.
For those seeking a shorter break, opting for leave solely in the second week of May (May 6, 7, 10) would provide nine consecutive days off, complemented by a day off the preceding week in observance of Labour Day, and potentially Whit Monday (if applicable at the workplace).
Prompt action required for holiday reservations
It is crucial to note that many individuals in France will seize the opportunity to enjoy extended weekends during these periods, leading to congested roads and rapidly sold-out train tickets.
Businesses are also preparing for this holiday period and might restrict the number of employees allowed to take leave to ensure operational continuity. Securing your leave request early is advisable, as obtaining all seven days off may be challenging otherwise.
One potential hurdle to consider is that the French holiday calendar runs from June 1 to May 31, with holidays earned based on the previous 12 months of work.
Some individuals might have exhausted most or all of their annual leave by this point, lacking adequate days before they renew in June.
Nevertheless, certain employers permit staff to utilize dates from the upcoming year’s allocation “in advance” (par anticipation), especially when the turnover is imminent.