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Throughout the year, France has numerous festivals and public holidays that punctuate the calendar. This guide presents traditional French festivals and celebrations typical of Paris. From New Year’s Day to the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, via Nuit Blanche and 14 July, discover the dates and traditions that bring the capital and the country to life. A chance to enjoy convivial moments, whether celebrated by all French people or just in Paris.
France has 11 public holidays a year, divided between civil and religious festivals.
This calendar, shaped by national traditions and the Christian calendar, offers wonderful opportunities to discover Paris in a different light. Some public holidays fall on fixed dates, whilst others vary according to the liturgical calendar, sometimes creating long weekends perfect for a cultural getaway.
| Date | Public holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January | New Year's Day | Civil |
| Monday 6 April | Easter Monday | Religious |
| Friday 1 May | Labour Day | Civil |
| Friday 8 May | Victory Day 1945 | Civil |
| Thursday 14 May | Ascension Day | Religious |
| Monday 25 May | Whit Monday | Religious |
| Tuesday 14 July | National Day | Civil |
| Saturday 15 August | Assumption | Religious |
| Sunday 1 November | All Saints' Day | Religious |
| Wednesday 11 November | Armistice Day 1918 | Civil |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas | Religious |
In 2026, several public holidays fall on weekdays, notably Friday 1 May and Friday 8 May, offering opportunities for long weekends to explore the capital.
| Date | Public holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 1 January | New Year’s Day | Civil |
| Monday 29 March | Easter Monday | Religious |
| Saturday 1 May | Labour Day | Civil |
| Thursday 6 May | Ascension Day | Religious |
| Saturday 8 May | Victory Day 1945 | Civil |
| Monday 17 May | Whit Monday | Religious |
| Wednesday 14 July | Bastille Day | Civil |
| Sunday 15 August | Assumption Day | Religious |
| Monday 1 November | All Saints’ Day | Religious |
| Thursday 11 November | Armistice Day 1918 | Civil |
| Saturday 25 December | Christmas | Religious |
In 2027, Ascension Day on Thursday 6 May offers the chance to create a long weekend by taking Friday 7 May off. These favourable dates are ideal for planning cultural getaways to discover Paris in a new light.
Most museums and monuments remain open, with the notable exception of 1 January, 1 May and 25 December, when many cultural sites close their doors. Shops follow a similar pattern: whilst Sundays and public holidays traditionally see many shops closed, certain neighbourhoods such as the Marais or the Champs-Élysées maintain a dynamic economic activity all year round.
Public transport operates on adjusted timetables, often modelled on Sunday schedules. These special days create a unique atmosphere in the capital: fewer crowds on the streets, more Parisians in the parks and gardens, and an atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll.
To find out everything about the traditions and history of public holidays in France, check out our comprehensive guide.
Paris hosts numerous free events throughout the year. From music festivals to temporary exhibitions, not to mention festive events in the neighbourhoods.
Discover the full cultural programme and the major events that punctuate Parisian life, so you don’t miss out on any of the capital’s festive highlights.
Throughout the year, Paris and the whole of France buzz with the excitement of celebrations that punctuate the calendar. From New Year to Christmas festivities, via Labour Day, Music Day and Heritage Days, these moments of conviviality allow us to celebrate the values, traditions and joys that define French identity. Whether celebrated by all French people or specific to certain regions, these festivals are all opportunities to get together and share.
The transition into the new year is celebrated with friends or family, at home, or in cafés and restaurants hosting festive New Year’s Eve parties. Shortly before midnight, Parisians gather in large numbers on the Champs-Élysées or in front of the Eiffel Tower with their bottles of champagne, waiting for the twelve strokes of midnight and the traditional New Year’s kiss to wish each other happiness and good health. The capital lights up and the atmosphere is festive, with occasional free entertainment and concerts to celebrate the arrival of the new year in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Celebrated on the first Sunday after New Year’s Day, Twelfth Night is the perfect occasion to enjoy the famous galette des Rois. On this Sunday, bakers sell delicious golden galettes filled with a mixture of almonds and butter, known as frangipane. A bean is hidden in the cake and if luck puts it in your slice, you will be crowned king or queen for the day. This delicious tradition, which dates back to the Christian Epiphany, brings families and friends together for a moment of sharing and conviviality, where everyone secretly hopes to find the bean in their slice.
It is the ultimate celebration of love. Red and pink hearts fill the shop windows of shops, florists and chocolate shops. In Paris, illuminated information boards display the most beautiful love messages from internet users, transforming the capital into a veritable ode to romance. Couples take advantage of this day to treat each other to flowers and chocolates or share a candlelit dinner in one of Paris’s many restaurants. Paris, the city of love, dresses up in its finest to celebrate this romantic occasion.
Mardi Gras, which falls 47 days before Easter, is the day of masked balls and fancy dress parties. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. In Paris, the traditional carnival brings together thousands of costumed participants every year, who parade through the streets of the capital in a festive and colourful atmosphere, continuing a popular tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Created in 1987 on the initiative of the Café Grand'Mère brand, this celebration quickly gained popularity in France. Held on the first Sunday in March, it has become a family tradition offering a chance to pay tribute to grandmothers and show them affection and gratitude. It is an opportunity to give flowers, particularly spring bouquets, or to share a meal with the family. Although of commercial origin, this celebration has found a place in the hearts of the French, who use this day to spoil their grandmothers and spend time with them, thereby strengthening intergenerational bonds.
A major festival in the Christian calendar commemorating the Passion of Christ and his resurrection, Easter is celebrated between 22 March and 25 April, depending on the year. Traditionally, the shop windows of patisseries and chocolatiers are adorned with bells, chocolate eggs and bunnies that children will hunt for in gardens or around the house during the famous egg hunts. This tradition, which dates back to the ban on eating eggs during Lent, was enriched in the 19th century with the advent of moulded chocolate eggs. Legend has it that the church bells, silent from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, return from Rome, leaving chocolates in the gardens.
1 May is a public holiday in France that celebrates workers and commemorates the labour movement’s struggles to reduce the working day to eight hours. It is also the day of major trade union demonstrations in the streets of Paris and other major French cities. But it is also the day when everyone buys or gives a sprig of lucky lily of the valley from street vendors and florists. This floral tradition, a symbol of spring renewal, dates back to the early 20th century and endures with its charm intact, as the white bells of the lily of the valley are said to bring luck and happiness.
Officially established in 1950, this celebration has become a special occasion to honour mothers and show them gratitude and affection. Children give homemade or shop-bought gifts and flowers, and share a meal with the family. Restaurants are fully booked and the atmosphere is one of celebrating motherhood in all its forms.
Created in 1999 in Paris’s 17th arrondissement by Atanase Périfan and his association Paris d’Amis, Neighbours’ Day (also known as Immeubles en fête) has become a national tradition. Held on the last Friday in May or the first Friday in June, it invites residents of the same neighbourhood, block of flats or street to come together for a convivial get-together. Shared drinks and snacks, and impromptu buffets on landings or in courtyards help to break down urban isolation and foster social connections. This community initiative has since spread across Europe and beyond, bringing together millions of participants.
Launched in 1949 by a lighter manufacturer for commercial purposes, it has gradually established itself as a family tradition in its own right. It is an opportunity for children of all ages to honour their fathers and show their affection by giving them gifts, sharing activities or enjoying a family meal. Although it receives less media coverage than Mother’s Day, it remains an important occasion for celebrating fatherhood and strengthening family ties.
Since 1982, 21 June, the day of the summer solstice, has been marked by free concerts throughout the city. All kinds of music, from classical to techno, via rock and world music, can be heard on every street corner. Parisians who sing or play music gather in the streets for this popular celebration, which transforms the capital into a huge open-air stage. Amateur and professional musicians take over squares, gardens and terraces to offer the public an exceptional musical variety. This festival, which has now gained an international reputation, embodies the spirit of sharing and conviviality through music.
14 July commemorates 14 July 1789 and the storming of the Bastille, the founding event of the French Revolution. A grand military parade on the Champs-Élysées, attended by the Head of State, draws crowds who come to admire the French armed forces on display.
In Paris and in towns and cities across France, this major public festival sees splendid fireworks and lively dances take place on the evening of 13 July, particularly in fire stations which open their doors to the public. The Eiffel Tower puts on a spectacular pyrotechnic display that lights up the Parisian sky and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.
15 August is a public holiday in France celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic feast day commemorating Mary’s ascension to heaven. This tradition dates back to the 17th century, when Louis XIII consecrated France to the Virgin Mary in 1638. In many churches across Paris and France, processions and solemn masses are held in honour of the Virgin Mary. Whilst this festival retains its religious character, it also marks the height of summer, and many Parisians take advantage of this public holiday to relax, visit open museums and monuments, or go on a short break.
This is a unique opportunity to discover, free of charge, wonders that are inaccessible the rest of the year, in Paris and throughout France. Major institutional and private buildings open their doors to you: ministries, palaces, mansions and artists’ studios. Volunteer guides are delighted to describe the masterpieces of civil and religious architecture, parks and gardens, archaeological sites and even industrial heritage. This event, held every year on the third weekend of September, is hugely popular and allows the public to rediscover the history and richness of France’s heritage.
1 November, All Saints’ Day, is a public holiday in France honouring all the saints of the Catholic Church. In practice, it is also the time when families visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of their departed loved ones with chrysanthemums, the traditional flowers of this season. 2 November is All Souls’ Day (or the Day of the Dead), a liturgical day dedicated to praying for the deceased. Although 2 November is not a public holiday, it extends the period of reflection that began the day before and reflects the importance placed on remembering the deceased in French culture.
11 November is a public holiday commemorating the 1918 Armistice, signed in the clearing at Rethondes and marking the end of the First World War. Since the 2012 law, this day pays tribute to all those who ‘died for France’ in all conflicts. In Paris, a solemn ceremony takes place at the Arc de Triomphe, where the President of the Republic rekindles the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Wreath-laying ceremonies, minutes’ silence and military parades take place throughout France to honour the memory of those who fought and to pass on the duty of remembrance to future generations.
The third Thursday in November marks the arrival of the year’s first AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) wines. The whole of France celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau, which, whilst not a fine wine, provides an opportunity to celebrate with friends in cafés and bistros. This wine-making tradition, which has become a commercial and festive event, brings together wine lovers and curious visitors for convivial tastings. Parisian bars and restaurants organise special evenings to celebrate the arrival of this young wine, in a warm and festive atmosphere that marks the start of the winter season.
25 December celebrates the birth of Christ and is one of the most important holidays in the calendar. It is the season of Christmas markets, ice rinks, animated shop windows in the department stores, illuminations on major thoroughfares such as the Champs-Élysées or Boulevard Haussmann, nativity scenes and midnight mass. Above all, it is a family celebration centred around the decorated Christmas tree and a festive meal: oysters, turkey, foie gras and Yule log are on the menu, whilst presents left under the tree are unwrapped. Paris is transformed into a magical setting that enchants young and old alike.
The Chinese community in Paris, which is present in various neighbourhoods including the 13th arrondissement, celebrates Lunar New Year every year with remarkable pomp and circumstance. Traditionally held in February, the festivities mark the start of a new year in the Chinese calendar. This festival, also known as Spring Festival or Tet by the Vietnamese, brings several Parisian neighbourhoods to life for nearly two weeks.
The grand Happy Spring Festival parade traditionally sets off from the Champs-Élysées, from Fouquet’s to the Arc de Triomphe. The Place de la République hosts its Chinese New Year Festival. The grand parade in the 13th arrondissement, the most spectacular in Paris, features monumental floats, colourful dragons, traditional costumes and lion dances. The Boulevard de Belleville also comes alive with its Food Market. Parisian museums such as the Guimet Museum and the Cernuschi Museum offer special events for the occasion.
Every spring, nearly 50,000 runners from over 50 countries set off to cover the legendary 42.195 km through the heart of the capital’s most prestigious sites. The race starts from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the morning.
The route passes by iconic landmarks: the Rue de Rivoli, the Palais Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Bastille, Nation, Vincennes, the Tuileries all the way to Avenue Foch. Thousands of spectators line the route to cheer on the runners in what remains one of the most beautiful marathons on the world circuit. The Run Experience exhibition, at the Parc des Expos Porte de Versailles, traditionally precedes this major sporting event.
From late March to late May, the Foire du Trône takes up residence on the Pelouse de Reuilly in the Bois de Vincennes. This famous and vast funfair, the oldest in France, dates back to the year 957 during the reign of Lothair. It was formerly known as the Foire aux Pains d’épices and took place on the Cours de Vincennes before taking the name Foire du Trône due to its proximity to Avenue du Trône.
Over 250 attractions spread across more than 10 hectares welcome nearly 3 million visitors: a Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of Paris, spectacular thrill rides, more traditional carousels for children, haunted houses, shooting galleries where you can win soft toys, and stalls selling sweets and waffles.
Every year in early June, Paris hosts Nuit Blanche with an ambitious artistic programme. This event transforms the capital into an open-air art gallery.
When Paris’s artistic and cultural scene comes alive… at night! From 7pm to 6am, nearly a million visitors flock to the streets of the capital to discover artists’ installations, exhibitions, concerts, performances and creations that explore every facet of contemporary art. This free event, created in 2002, transforms Paris into an open-air gallery and offers a fresh perspective on the city. Access to most events is free and requires no booking, although some specific venues may require prior registration.
Every year at the end of June, the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex, Asexual and Queer Pride Parade, also known as Paris Pride or French Pride, brings together hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Paris. Organised by Inter-LGBT, it is one of the capital’s three biggest outdoor events, alongside the Paris Marathon and the Techno Parade.
Pride Week features a programme of festive, artistic and activist events: concerts, drag shows, screenings, themed parties and the Pride Run . On the day of the March, demands, flamboyance, numerous themed floats and electronic music take to the streets in an atmosphere that is both festive and militant. At the end of the parade, Inter-LGBT organises a large stage to celebrate diversity and fight against discrimination.
An arts festival celebrating the ethnic and cultural diversity of this neighbourhood in the 18th arrondissement, Goutte d'Or en fête transforms this cosmopolitan neighbourhood into a festive venue for a weekend.
Organised by around fifty local associations, this event brings together residents and visitors for free activities in public spaces: a festive village in Square Léon, parades, open-air cinema and concerts on the forecourt of Saint-Bernard Church. Today, this lively, working-class neighbourhood keeps the spirit of conviviality alive through this festival, which showcases local talent and encourages cultural exchange.
Every summer, Paris’s canals are transformed into a veritable summer playground with L’Été du Canal, an unmissable festival that brings the waterways from the Bassin de la Villette to the Canal de l’Ourcq, via the Canal Saint-Denis, to life. The event celebrates alternative culture and environmental commitment in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
On the programme for this refreshing line-up: low-cost river shuttles, themed cruises exploring the history of the canals and street art, water parks, free workshops, floating concerts and open-air dances that bring back the spirit of the old-fashioned open-air dance halls. The riverbanks are transformed into temporary festive venues where cultural discoveries, sporting activities and moments of relaxation by the water come together. This summer celebration offers a chance to rediscover the canals in a new light, stretching from Paris to Pantin, Bobigny, Saint-Denis and L’Île-Saint-Denis.
Every summer, Paris transforms into a veritable urban seaside resort with Paris en Seine, an exceptional summer festival that brings the capital to life from June to September. This flagship event brings together festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, swimming spots in the Seine and cultural activities centred around the unifying theme of the Seine, the iconic river that flows through Paris and the Greater Paris area.
This exceptional programme celebrates the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games whilst offering Parisians and visitors a unique summer experience combining sport, culture and festivities in the open air. From the Fête de la Musique to the final events in September, Paris en Seine transforms the capital into a vast arena for discovery and encounters.
Every year in late August or early September, the Indian community in the 18th arrondissement celebrates Ganesh, the elephant-headed god and protector of the home who brings good luck and prosperity. The religious ceremonies begin at the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam temple located at 17 Rue Pajol.
A spectacular procession sets off from the temple and winds its way through the Marx Dormoy neighbourhood. Don’t miss this exotic and colourful traditional parade: three monumental floats make their way through the streets, the first carrying the statue of Ganesha, the second carrying Muruga (his brother) pulled by women, and the third carrying the goddess Durga. The procession is accompanied by musicians playing the nageshvaram and drums, dancers carrying the kavadi (a large hoop of peacock feathers) and impressive rituals. Along the route, coconuts are cracked open as offerings, and sweets and cold drinks are handed out to spectators in a friendly atmosphere.
The biggest Brazilian event in Europe returns every September to Paris! This celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture and brotherhood transforms the capital into a veritable festival in the colours of Bahia. The grand cultural parade sets off from Place de la République and makes its way to Place de la Madeleine. The crowd follows to the infectious rhythm of maracatu, capoeira and samba-reggae in an exceptionally festive atmosphere.
The event culminates in the symbolic washing of the steps of the Madeleine Church with scented water and flowers, a purification ritual that perpetuates a centuries-old tradition originating in Salvador de Bahia. This festival features concerts, workshops and an introduction to Brazilian cuisine. A trio elétrico brings the parade to a close with a travelling concert of Brazilian folk music.
Electronic music takes over the streets of Paris during a huge parade held every September. The Techno Parade celebrates electronic culture in the capital.
Created in 1998 on the initiative of Jack Lang, this festive event brings together over 350,000 revellers who parade around a dozen floats equipped with powerful sound systems. Young and old alike come to dance in the streets of Paris to techno, house and electro beats in a unique atmosphere. The free event winds its way through several Parisian arrondissements and concludes with a grand finale.
Every year in mid-September, the Fête de l'Humanité attracts over 600,000 visitors to Base 217 in Le Plessis-Pâté, Essonne.
This major popular festival, created in 1930, brings together established artists and up-and-coming talent on its many stages. This unmissable Parisian music event has already hosted music stars such as Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill and Jacques Dutronc.
Organised by the newspaper L'Humanité, this cultural, political and popular event offers three days of varied concerts (rock, rap, world music), debates, exhibitions and shows. The event stands out for its friendly atmosphere, which blends activism with entertainment. The eclectic programme caters to all audiences and makes this festival a must-see event for the start of the cultural season in the Paris region.
Every year in October, Montmartre celebrates the grape harvest from its small patch of vineyard and the arrival of a new vintage. This large, convivial festival transforms the Butte into a festive village.
The eight neighbourhoods of the 18th arrondissement take part in this event, which attracts thousands of visitors. On the programme: the grand costume parade with floats and brass bands, the Parcours du Goût offering tastings at local shops and restaurants, free concerts, guided tours of the Montmartre vineyard, and the closing public dance. The festive atmosphere evokes Parisian wine-growing traditions in an enchanting setting at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur.
Enjoy the exceptional celebrations that bring the capital to life: 14 July shows, Fête de la Musique concerts, Christmas events and festive activities throughout the year.
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Egg hunts, workshops, treasure hunts and foodie activities for an unforgettable Easter weekend!
