the August questionHow much vacation would you have in France?
French law gives every employee five weeks of paid vacation, before public holidays. Slide to the number of paid days off you get now.
The numbers
| Paid vacation, legal minimum | France: 25 working days (five weeks) | United States: none required by federal law |
|---|---|---|
| Public holidays | France: 11 | United States: 11 federal holidays, not guaranteed to private employees |
French figures are the legal minimum for a full-time employee; many contracts add more. American leave is set by each employer.
Questions, answered
How many vacation days do French workers get?
At least five weeks a year by law, counted as 25 working days, plus public holidays. Many employees get more through their contract.
Is paid vacation required in the United States?
No. Federal law does not require employers to give paid vacation, so it varies from one employer to the next.
Why do the French take August off?
With five weeks to use, long summer breaks are normal, and many small businesses simply close for part of August.
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