May long weekends 2027 in France: where to go?
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In short: in 2027, 1 May and 8 May fall on a Saturday in France: no long weekend then. But two long weekends remain: Ascension Day, Thursday 6 May (4 days if you take Friday 7 off), and Whitsun, until Monday 17 May. May is often the best month for southern Europe: long days, the sea warming up and no summer crowds yet.
The May 2027 calendar (France)
| Date | Day | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May (Labour Day) | Saturday | no extra day off |
| Thursday 6 May (Ascension Day) | Thursday | 4-day weekend from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 if you take Friday 7 off |
| 8 May (Victory in Europe Day) | Saturday | no extra day off |
| Monday 17 May (Whit Monday) | Monday | 3-day weekend from Saturday 15 to Monday 17 (depending on your employer) |
French schools usually close for the Ascension bridge: check the Education Ministry’s official calendar.
Ascension long weekend (4 days): our ideas
- Lisbon: sunshine, terraces and viewpoints before the high season. See Lisbon in 3 days.
- Barcelona: fine weather for Gaudí and the first swims, with fewer crowds than in July. See Barcelona in 3 days.
- Florence: mild weather for the museums, gardens and Tuscan hills. See Florence in 3 days.
- Athens: ideal for the ancient sites, then on to the islands. See Things to do in Athens.
- Dubrovnik: the walls and the old town before the summer rush. See Things to do in Dubrovnik.
Whitsun weekend (3 days): closer, by train
- Bruges: flower-lined canals and long evenings. See Things to do in Bruges.
- Berlin: parks, terraces and the banks of the Spree come back to life. See Things to do in Berlin.
- Brussels, Strasbourg, Lyon, Bordeaux or London: all our weekend trips from Paris by train.
- More ideas for the month: Where to go in May?.
Our tips for May long weekends
- Book now: May long weekends fill accommodation fast and push up transport prices.
- Compare dates: leaving on the Wednesday evening before Ascension, or returning on Monday, often changes prices.
- Choose free cancellation, especially if your day off isn’t confirmed yet.
- For 3 days, prefer the train or a flight under 2 hours.
- Check local public holidays at your destination: some sites may be closed or very busy.
Frequently asked questions
Are there long weekends in May 2027 in France?
Yes, two: Ascension Day, Thursday 6 May, gives a 4-day weekend if you take Friday 7 off; Whitsun gives a 3-day weekend until Monday 17 May. 1 and 8 May fall on a Saturday: no extra day off.
Is Whit Monday a public holiday in France?
It is a public holiday, but it is often used as a "solidarity day": depending on your employer, you may have to work. Check before booking.
Where should I go for the Ascension long weekend 2027?
In 4 days, a European city less than 3 hours away by plane or train: Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence, Bruges, Berlin or Athens, for example.
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