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French Public Holidays Banks and many shops close on Public Holidays, but many of the larger hypermarkets such as EastEnders etc.,stay open. So, a French public holiday should not offer any problems if you are wanting a booze-cruise. However, many other shops in Calais will be closed, although some cafés and restaurants may remain open. FIxed Public Holidays in France 1 January New Year's Day 1 May Labour Day 8 May Fête de la Victoire 1945 (WWII Victory Day) 14 July Bastille Day (Fête nationale) 15 August Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption) 1 November All Saints Day (La Toussaint) 11 November Armistice Day (Jour d'armistice) 25 December Christmas Day (Noël) 26 December 2nd Day of Christmas (in Alsace & Lorraine-only) (Easter Monday as in the UK) Note that holidays falling at the weekend are not moved. Moveable Public Holidays in France 2008/9 Feast                                        2008                       2009 Easter (Pâques)                      23 March                  12 April Easter Monday                       24 March                  13 April Ascension (l'Ascencion)            1 May                     21 May Whit Sunday (la Pentecôte)     11 May                     31 May Whit Monday                          12 May                      1 June Note that when a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many French people may take the respective Monday or Friday off as well. This is not official and does not apply to institutions such as banks or government, but can cause difficulties doing business on occasions.