French take the longest holidays

French workers take an average of 37 days paid holiday a year, the longest in Europe for the eighth year running.

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French workers have more days off a year than any other European country, according to a survey undertaken by Harris Interactive.

They take an average of 37 days off a year, followed in Europe by Italy with 33 and Spain with 30.

In Germany the average is 27 and it is 26 in the UK. Workers in the US only get 14 days paid holiday a year.

The fact the French enjoy such long holidays is partly attributable to the 35-hour week.

Workers in organizations where the 35-hour week is imposed qualify for days off in lieu when they work overtime, known as RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail) – which can quickly build up.

According to the report, only 17% of those interviewed took their holidays abroad, compared with 64% of Germans and 79% of Belgians.

Photo: Haven Holidays

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