Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for August 2026
Early August sees severe congestion on French roads
Practical dates
Mid-August: Back-to-school grants
Around three million families with children aged six to 18 are eligible for the back-to-school allowance (ARS), distributed this month. It helps low-income households cover school costs.
This year, the grant (per child) is:
Ages 6-10: €426.87
Ages 11-14: €450.41
Ages 15-18: €466.02
Household income for 2024, as listed on 2025 tax statements, must have been below certain thresholds to qualify for the grant. For example:
One child: up to €28,956
Two children: up to €35,638
Three children: up to €42,320
Existing recipients do not need to take any action. New applicants can register via an account at caf.fr.
End of August: Taxe foncière property tax notices
The precise date has not yet been confirmed, but last year property tax notices (avis) were available online from August 28 for taxpayers who do not pay monthly, and from September 20 for those who do.
August 31: End of the school holidays
The summer holidays end on August 31. The new school term runs from September 1 to October 17 (half-term), then from November 2 to December 19.
Summer traffic
The summer's most severe congestion is expected to take place on Saturday, August 1, classified as black nationwide for departures by traffic monitoring service Bison Futé.
Traffic is also expected to remain difficult on the following weekend, particularly on Saturday, August 8.
The Assumption holiday weekend on August 15 is likely to bring another surge in traffic, with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes reaching black status for departures and several other regions facing very difficult conditions.
Bison Futé recommends avoiding major roads on red or black days, leaving very early or travelling midweek, and checking traffic forecasts before departure.
Cultural dates
Until August 5: Jazz in Marciac
This major jazz festival in Gers attracts more than 200,000 people. This year's performers include Kool & The Gang and Feu! Chatterton.
August 7-9: Nuits des Etoiles
France's biggest astronomy festival returns with more than 500 free events at observatories, museums and clubs across the country.
Until August 9: Festival Interceltique de Lorient
The 55th edition of the world's largest Celtic festival, in Morbihan, is dedicated to Cornwall, with dancing, music, games, processions and local food.
August 12: Rare solar eclipse and meteor shower
A near-total solar eclipse will be visible across France, with the best views in the south-west, where almost all of the sun will be obscured. Totality will be visible from parts of northern Spain, and appropriate eye protection should be worn.
The same night, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak, with forecasts suggesting between 70 and 100 meteors per hour.
August 15: Assumption (Assomption)
This bank holiday marks the ascent of the Virgin Mary to heaven at the end of her earthly life. Although it falls on a Saturday this year, it coincides with the peak of the French summer holidays for many and is often marked by fireworks displays.
August 24-30: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
This 170km endurance race crosses France, Switzerland and Italy. Widely regarded as one of the world's toughest trail races, competitors climb around 10,000 metres over the course.
August 26-30: Rock en Seine
One of France's biggest music festivals returns to Saint-Cloud, near Paris. This year's line-up includes The Cure, Deftones, Lorde and Biffy Clyro.
