There are 11 official public holidays in France. The Alsace region and the Moselle department observe 2 additional days. These holidays do not shift when they fall during a week-end, which means that the average number of observed public holidays falling on weekdays is 8.7 and ranges from 7 to 10. Most Asian countries and all North American countries observe between 2 and 10 more public holidays per year on weekdays. Public holidays in France Overseas territories Guadeloupe Mi-Carême (mid-Lent); occurs on a Thursday, 22 days after Ash Wednesday; therefore, between 26 February and 1 April. Good Friday (Vendredi saint) Abolition of slavery: May 27. French Guiana Abolition of slavery: June 10. Martinique Abolition of slavery: May 22. New Caledonia Citizenship Day (Fête de la citoyenneté): September 24. French Polynesia Missionary Day (Arrivée de l'Évangile): on March 5. Internal Autonomy Day (Fête de l’autonomie): June 29. Réunion Réunion Freedom Day (Fête réunionnaise de la liberté; Fèt Kaf) December 20. Saint Barthélemy Abolition of slavery: October 9. Saint Martin Abolition of slavery: May 28. Wallis and Futuna Feast of Saint Peter Chanel: April 28. Festival of the territory (Fête du territoire): July 29. Notes Note: French law dictates that work should stop, but be paid, only for the Fête du Travail (May Day, 1 May), except in industries where it is infeasible to stop working. The rest of the public holidays are listed in statute law, but law does not dictate that work should stop; however a leave from work may be granted by the employer or by convention collective (agreement between employers' and employees' unions). In 2005, French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin removed Pentecost (Whit) Monday's status as a public holiday. This decision was eventually overruled by French courts in 2008. Employers are free to decide whether to make Whit Monday a day off or not. References France Holidays