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Vacation nation: Preparing for a French summer holiday

With a minimum of 30 days of paid leave per year, French people have the reputation of being on vacation all the time. During the summer months of July and August, the country virtually shuts down. So what's behind this phenomenon? And what do they do with all those cherished "congés payés"? We take a closer look.

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Vacation nation: Preparing for a French summer holiday

France

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Cover image: File photo: People sunbathe in Biarritz's beach, southwestern France, Friday, June 16, 2023. © Bob Edme, AP

06:30

Issued on: 23/07/2026 - 14:58

06:30 min

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With a minimum of 30 days of paid leave per year, French people have the reputation of being on vacation all the time. During the summer months of July and August, the country virtually shuts down. So what's behind this phenomenon? And what do they do with all those cherished "congés payés"? We take a closer look.

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