🌼 Why is May such a special month in France?

It’s probably the most beloved month of the year for the French… but also one of the most confusing for newly arrived expats! With multiple public holidays, extended weekends (called “ponts”), local traditions and a slower national rhythm, May in France has its own set of rules. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy it—and make the most of it!

📅 In May, France slows down. Really slows down. There can be up to four public holidays:
* May 1st (Labour Day),
* May 8th (Victory in Europe Day),
* Ascension Thursday,
* and Whit Monday (Pentecost).

The result? Many people take extra days off to create long weekends—known as “bridges.” If you’re in the middle of relocating, it’s best to plan ahead: schools, administrative offices, and even some shops may run on a slower schedule.

🌼 On May 1st, no one works… but everyone offers a sprig of lily of the valley as a lucky charm. It’s one of the few days when anyone can sell these flowers without a license—look out for them on street corners and markets. A lovely tradition to discover (and adopt!).

👩‍👧 Unlike most countries that celebrate Mother’s Day in early May, France honors mothers on the last Sunday of the month (unless it falls on Pentecost weekend, in which case it’s postponed). This year, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 26th. Children often prepare handmade poems or gifts at school—a simple yet cherished tradition.

🎓 May also marks the beginning of the stressful baccalauréat season, the final exams for high school students. If you have teenagers in French schools, you’ll likely hear about written exams, oral presentations, and the Grand Oral. It’s a key moment in the academic year—and in family life.

☀️ In short: May in France is full of tradition, long weekends and a gentle springtime pace. It’s the perfect month to ease into French culture and lifestyle if you’ve just arrived.