Vacancesreturn

Vive les vacances! (Hooray for holidays!)

Saying this makes the French smile and feel happy. It reminds them of relaxation, good weather and free time.

Sun and sand... it’s the seaside,

Sun and skiing... it’s snow and the mountains,

Sun and sport... they’re good for your health!

The French call the summer holidays “les grandes vacances” because they are everyone’s longest holidays: for pupils, students and workers. They give you a chance to get away.

In France people like family holidays or staying with friends. They prefer the seaside. There are nearly 2,000 public beaches along France’s 5,500km coastline.

Walkers, ramblers and climbers enjoy the countryside with all its charms and the mountains where you can find some cool shady spots when the sun is at its hottest in July and August.

Winter sports enthusiasts look forward to the winter holidays. Ski resorts spread out their white carpets as soon as it starts to snow.

France, the favourite country for holidays. Every year, over 80 million people from abroad go to France as tourists, holidaymakers, summer visitors or workers who come to France to work temporarily.

“Vacances” or “congés”?

Both words mean the same. Wage earners say "congés payés" for “holiday with pay”. Wage earners in France have 5 weeks paid holiday. In certain circumstances they are allowed extra days off. The word is then used in the singular, for example,  “congé maladie” (sick leave), “congé de maternité” (maternity leave),  “congé parental” (parental leave),  “congé formation” (staff development or training day).

Have a good holiday!