Why French People Don’t Work Much in May – And Why It’s (Sometimes) True

Margot Berzosa
May 7
2 min read

It’s a well-known cliché: "In France, no one works in May." While it may sound exaggerated, there’s actually a grain of truth to it—especially when the calendar lines up just right. So, why does work slow down in France during this lovely spring month? Let’s take a look.

1. May Is Full of Public Holidays

France has several bank holidays in May, and they’re often close together:

1st May – Fête du Travail (Labour Day)
8th May – Victory in Europe Day
Ascension Thursday – Date varies
Pentecost Monday – Often falls in late May or early June

When these dates fall on or near a Tuesday or Thursday, the French take advantage of a much-loved tradition called "faire le pont" (literally “to make the bridge”), meaning they’ll take the in-between day off too—creating a long weekend.

2. “Faire le Pont” – A National Pastime

If 1st May falls on a Thursday, why go back to work just for Friday? Many people take Friday off and enjoy a 4-day weekend. It’s so common that schools, businesses, and even government offices may close during these “bridges.” In some years, you can end up with 2 or even 3 long weekends in the same month!

3. It’s Cultural – and Practical

The French value work-life balance, and May is seen as a time to enjoy spring, travel, or spend time with family. Companies often expect lower productivity in May and plan accordingly. Schools may lighten the load, and even email inboxes can go quieter.

4. So, Do French People Really Not Work in May?

Not exactly. Work still gets done—but it’s true that many people take time off, and the rhythm slows down. If you’re planning a meeting, launching a project, or trying to get admin done in France, May might not be the best month.

Final Thought

While the idea that no one works in May is a bit of a cliché, there’s some truth to it—especially when holidays fall just right. With a string of public holidays and long weekends, May often feels like a series of mini-breaks in France. But if you're feeling motivated to use that time productively, it’s also the perfect moment to brush up on your French! You can book a private lesson here and make the most of the quiet spring days.