Les Grandes Vacances – Why You Can’t Get Anything Done in France in August!

Students and schoolchildren in France are lucky to enjoy a long break over summer – typically eight weeks long! The summer holidays typically start and end on the same dates all over France, rather than being divided by zones as is usual for other holiday periods.

The lengthy school holidays allow plenty of time to relax and enjoy all that France has to offer, and there are plenty of activities aimed at kids over July and August. Most local authorities run some kind of summer activity programmes, which include sports and arts courses – ask at your local Mairie or school for details. ‘Colonies’ or summer camps are a popular tradition in France too.

While the Grandes Vacances mainly refers to school holidays, there are a couple of significant public holidays during the summer months when many workers will also have time off:

• Monday, July 14, 2025: Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) This is a major national holiday, celebrated with parades, fireworks, and festivities across the country. Most businesses and public services will be closed on this date, and many communes celebrate with a community meal and a fireworks display.
• Friday, August 15, 2025: Assomption (Assumption Day) This is another national public holiday. Since it falls on a Friday in 2025, many workers take advantage of a long weekend and will “faire le pont”.

French employees are legally entitled to a minimum of five weeks of paid holiday each year, and many companies also offer additional paid days off (RTTs). It is a deeply ingrained cultural practice to take a significant portion of this leave during the summer months, and this is the reason why many businesses close for summer in France. A bit like ‘Factory Fortnight’ or ‘Tatie-picking week’ in the UK – it is a cultural ‘thing’!

Those who take their main holiday in July are affectionately nicknamed “juilletistes”, while those who take it in August are called “aoûtiens”. Generally speaking, August remains the traditional peak shutdown month.

The “August shutdown” has become less dramatic than it once was, especially in the larger cities and highly touristy areas. However, it’s still common for businesses to close down or reduce hours over August.

It can seem a little strange, as August could be a prime time to make money, but many family-run bakeries (boulangeries), butchers (boucheries), local cafes, and specialty boutiques, particularly outside of major tourist zones, will often close for anywhere from one to four weeks in July or, more commonly, in August. You’ll often see a sign saying: “Fermé pour congés annuels” (closed for annual leave). It can be quite surprising, but holidays and work-life balance are very important in French culture.

Some smaller offices, banks and administrative services might operate with reduced staff or close entirely for a period in August. Dealing with French administration during August can be a nightmare, so maybe just wait until La Rentrée in September!

Wholesalers and suppliers also close, so this is a key reason why many small businesses close – their own suppliers might be on holiday, and it is probably difficult to source goods.

In terms of having any building work or renovations completed, again, maybe wait until September… (although do check first as there are exceptions to the rule!)

What stays open?

• • Large supermarkets and hypermarkets generally remain open, although their hours might be reduced on public holidays.
  • Tourist attractions: Museums, monuments and cultural attractions will generally stay open as August is peak tourist season.
  • Chain stores and larger retail outlets may have reduced hours, but department stores will usually remain open.
  • Public transport: Major public transport networks (trains, metros, buses) continue to operate, though schedules might be reduced on public holidays.

In essence, France doesn’t completely “shut down” anymore, especially in tourist areas such as the coast and the big cities.

Many of us are attracted to France for a more relaxed pace of life, and we need to embrace the whole August thing. After all, everyone deserves a break, non?!

Bonne vacances!