Labor Day
Nationwide public holiday in France · Fête du Travail
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 May | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 1 May | Saturday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in France.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Typical weather in Paris around 1 May: high 16°C (60°F), low 6°C (42°F), rain on 43% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Paris. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Saturday 1 May in Paris: (MET Norway)
About Labor Day
Labour Day, Fête du Travail, on 1 May is a public holiday in France and part of the international workers' day tradition that grew out of the labour movement of the late nineteenth century. It remains a day of trade union activity and of demands for workers' rights.
Traditions
Trade unions organise marches and demonstrations in Paris and other cities. A distinctive French custom is offering sprigs of lily of the valley, known as muguet, to friends and family as a token of good luck, and street sellers offer small bunches throughout the day.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in France
Thursday, 6 May 2027
Labor Day in other countries
More for France
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.