France offers a great opportunity for those looking to make the most of their time off in 2025, with a calendar filled with public holidays and ample opportunities to extend weekends. From generous paid leave to a culture of strategic holiday planning, the French know how to balance work and leisure.
A Generous Holiday System
With 12 public holidays nationwide—14 in regions like Alsace and Moselle—France stands out in terms of work-life balance compared to other countries like the UK, where only eight public holidays are observed. French workers also enjoy a robust annual leave package of 30 days, though this includes five Saturdays, meaning it translates to five full “working” weeks off.
Public holidays in France also differ from the UK in that they are observed on the day they fall, typically on a Tuesday or Thursday. This setup allows workers to take just one day of leave and create long weekends or even extend time off to up to nine consecutive days.
How to Maximize Your Time Off: ‘Faire le Pont’
One popular strategy in France is faire le pont (making a bridge), where employees take advantage of a public holiday falling midweek by placing vacation days around it. In 2025, this approach could allow up to 57 days off by using 25 days of annual leave strategically.
School Holidays and Travel Patterns
In addition to public holidays, French school terms are shorter than in many countries. Many primary schools give children Wednesdays off, and secondary schools often do the same in the afternoon. School vacations are longer, with two-week half-term breaks. As a result, train and flight prices tend to rise during school holiday periods, making travel more expensive and competitive.
Though many French people enjoy vacationing within their own country, some prefer to avoid the peak travel periods when everyone seems to head to the coast simultaneously, clogging motorways and filling up resorts. The August holiday season, in particular, sees a noticeable slowdown, with the droit de déconnexion law ensuring that workers are protected from employer contact during their breaks.
A Unique Work-Life Balance
The French approach to work is centered on balance. The concept of the droit de déconnexion helps employees avoid burnout by ensuring that they are not disturbed during their time off. This means that while businesses may operate at a slower pace, and some services might be less responsive, the overall productivity remains high as employees return refreshed and recharged.
Ultimately, for the French, taking time off isn’t just about avoiding work—it’s about fully embracing life outside of the office. Whether spending time with family, savoring good food, or exploring their own country, the French maintain a healthy work-life rhythm that prioritizes well-being and leisure.
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