My husband and I are hoping to participate in the Rick Steves Loire to the South of France tour sometime spring '25. We were thinking of May but are open to your suggestions. My question is about the France holidays in May, specifically the May 1,9,20 public holidays, and school holidays later in the month. Should we avoid travel during these holidays? Are some busier than other holidays? What timing would you choose? We would like to spend 4-5 days in Paris beforehand, and two extra nights in Nice after the tour is finished.
Thanks so much!
Posted by
Paris
10188 posts
When my parents were still able to travel, May was their absolute favorite time to come to France. I don't think you have to worry too much about the French holidays - RS and your your director will have taken care of that for you by planning around those.
Posted by
France Southwest
2319 posts
There are no school holidays in France in May (except in Corsica)
And except exceptionally this year on Friday May 10 due to the fact that the 1st, 8th and 9th will be public holidays.
This will allow a lot of people to go on vacation (you only need to take 5 days off work to go on vacation for 2 weeks between April 27 and May 12).
The consequence will probably be more French people on vacation than usual in tourist areas (and on the roads), but nothing that should bother the RS tour.
Posted by
Seattle
294 posts
I echo what Kim said above. When we did the Paris and the Heart of France Tour in early May, 2017, V E Day (May 8) and the French presidential election were both early on during the tour. Neither impacted the tour's itinerary; however, our guide made sure we knew the significance of both.