August 15 bank holiday in France: what is celebrated and will shops be open?

Tomorrow (August 15) is a public holiday in France, providing many workers with a day off. 

The holiday, like many in France despite the concept of laïcité (separation of church and state), has its roots in the Catholic Church. 

The day celebrates the ascent of Mary, the mother of Christ, to heaven, and it is celebrated as a public holiday across many Catholic countries, including in neighbouring Monaco and Italy.

Most businesses and offices are not expected to open however this does not necessarily extend to shops. 

Many, including supermarkets and larger high-street chains, will be open alongside smaller boutiques, possibly working to their Sunday hours (later opening and earlier closing times). 

How does France celebrate August 15? 

The holiday became particularly prominent in France during the rule of King Louis XII. 

Struggling to birth a male heir, he declared processions nationwide for Assumption, and required all parishes to celebrate the day with feasting in the hopes it would bring about a divinely-approved heir.

Following the birth of Louis XIV in September 1638 - which the king attributed to the processions on Assumption in the previous years - the day gained further status in France. 

It is also the birthday of one of the nation's most famous sons, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Despite this however, the public holiday does not have real defining features in the 21st century.

Churches will host special processions, and some local authorities will use the day to host public events such as fairs, sporting competitions, markets, etc. 

Some may put on a firework show, but unlike on July 14 this is not a widespread celebration.

You can check with local authorities to see if any events are being hosted near you.

Why can shops remain open on a public holiday? 

Despite France having a high number of public holidays, only one – May 1, worker’s day – is a strict non-working day (jour non chomé).

On May 1, all workers must be given the day off with the exception of essential public service workers such as hospital staff or public transport drivers. Businesses cannot open. 

Certain establishments listed under special work codes (such as some restaurants and cafés) can remain open on May 1, but others such as bakeries cannot employ staff to work on the day, effectively forcing them shut.

All other public holidays in France can see businesses remain open if they wish. 

The closure of places of employment on public holidays depends on a collective agreement between worker representatives and the employer, or on the sole decision of the employer (depending on the size of the company). 

These rules may stipulate that the business must remain closed on certain, or all, other public holidays. 

As these rules allow for businesses to remain open on these days, some people have to work.

It is normal for not only shops but businesses in the tourism and food/restaurant industries to remain open as they tend to be busier due to the influx of additional people on the streets.

People who work on a public holiday must be compensated with a paid day off in lieu at the very least. In many cases they are also paid extra depending on the collective agreement or employer’s rules.

Read more: Can my French employer insist I take my holiday in the summer?

The Assumption holiday this year falls on a Friday, and will provide a three-day weekend. 

Some people will look to take a holiday on days before or after for an extended weekend break. However, employers / managers are under no obligation to accept a holiday request for this if they deem it may be disruptive to the work.