France calendar countdown
May Day is getting closer.
May Day falls on 1st May and is a public holiday in France, as well as a date associated with workers' rights.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
May Day in France
The day is also known as Labour Day. Local events and traditions vary.
About May Day in France
Presenting lily of the valley, known as muguet, on 1 May is a French custom said to date back to King Charles IX, who received a sprig in 1561 and began giving them to the ladies of his court. Today individuals may sell small bunches on the street without a licence. Trade union marches take place in many cities, often with banners and speeches.
When is May Day in France?
May Day is fixed on 1 May, and unlike many other French public holidays, it is always observed on that date even when it falls on a weekend.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Friday 1 May 2026 | Saturday 1 May 2027 | Monday 1 May 2028 |
Planning around May Day
Buy muguet from stalls early in the morning, and stock up on food beforehand because most shops, markets and public transport services are closed or limited. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
May Day questions
How many days until May Day in France?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next May Day in France, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is May Day in 2027 in France?
May Day falls on Saturday 1 May 2027 in France.
Is 1 May treated differently from other French public holidays?
Yes. It is the only public holiday that French law requires to be a paid day off for employees, apart from a few essential services. Other holidays depend more heavily on agreements and employment arrangements.