© Les Arcs Tourisme
Make the most of Les Arcs
Take a look at this year's calendar
There is a rather different approach to national holidays here in France. They focus heavily on the date of the event and don't bother which day of the week it falls on, resulting in a rather random selection of days off throughout the year.
I use the fairly subjective rule of thumb that, if I really need to buy something urgently from the shops or I otherwise make a specific journey to visit a place, then it will undoubtedly be some sort of obscure Saint’s day and everywhere will be shut. Of course, that’s not a very practical guide to public holidays in France for everyone else, so I will endeavour to explain the various French bank holidays below.
In Les Arcs, when holidays stretch the weekends beyond their usual bounds, there are often additional events being hosted, with restaurants and bars offering special seasonal menus and hotels offering good deals for the long weekend breaks. In 2018, the French public holidays (or jours fériés) are:
- Monday 2nd April, Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
- Tuesday 1st May, Labour Day (Fête du Travail)
- Tuesday 8th May, VE Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945)
- Thursday 10th May, Ascension Day (L’Ascension)
- Monday 21st May, Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
- Saturday 14th July, Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- Wednesday 15th August, Assumption (L’Assomption)
- Thursday 1st November, All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint)
- Sunday 11th November, Remembrance Day (Armistice de 1918)
- Tuesday 25th December, Christmas Day (Noël)
As you can see, it will be very tempting to “faire le pont” from many of these holidays to the adjacent weekend. If you are planning a short break or a longer holiday in Les Arcs this year, then consider enjoying one of these festive occasions and have a look at our flight planner and accommodations options to book your trip.
Read more from Sam on his blog.
