Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for July 2026
Includes several difficult periods for drivers on French motorways
The two-month long summer holidays begin for pupils in all school zones.
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Practical dates
July 2: Public service strike
Staff from several public sector services across France will stage walkouts as part of a coordinated strike to highlight the risk they face from reforms.
Demonstrations outside the Assemblée nationale were initially scheduled to take place on June 23 but were postponed until July 2 due to the heatwave.
However, the disruption to the general public is expected to be minimal.
July 4: Start of summer school holidays
The extended summer holidays begin for pupils in all school zones. Children return to school on Tuesday, September 1, except in Corsica where the new school year starts on September 3.
July 8: UK border e-gates expansion
UK authorities are expanding access to electronic passport gates to younger travellers, including children aged eight and nine, in an effort to reduce airport queues.
July 24-31: Tax refunds and income tax notices
Taxpayers who have overpaid income tax should receive refunds (remboursements) during this period. Online filers will also begin receiving their income tax notices (avis d’impôt). Paper declarations may be processed slightly later.
Summer traffic
Traffic monitoring service Bison Futé has warned of several difficult travel periods in July, with the first major congestion expected on Friday July 3 and Saturday July 4.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is forecast to reach the highest warning level (“black”) for departures on July 4.
The following weekend is also expected to be particularly busy, with Saturday July 11 classified as “black” for departures in both Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Grand-Ouest et Nord.
Further congestion is likely around the July 14 public holiday and during the crossover between July and August holidaymakers, particularly from July 12-15 and July 19-22.
Drivers are advised to avoid peak travel times where possible, check traffic forecasts before setting off and allow extra time on major holiday routes.
Cultural dates
July 4-26: Tour de France
The 2026 edition begins with a high-profile Grand Départ in Barcelona before moving into French stages and finishing on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. The race remains France’s biggest annual sporting event.
July 4: Paris Plages open
The capital’s artificial beaches return along the River Seine and Bassin de la Villette, with sand, supervised swimming areas, deckchairs, sports activities and cultural events. They are scheduled to remain open until August 30.
July 4-25: Festival d’Avignon
France’s oldest performing arts festival returns to the courtyard of the Palais des Papes and venues across the city. Alongside the main festival, visitors can also attend thousands of unofficial “Off” fringe performances.
July 14: La Fête nationale
France’s national day is marked by a military parade on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, fireworks displays and celebrations across the country. Note that the French do not generally call it “Bastille Day” – a translation often used in English.
July 16-19: Festival des Vieilles Charrues
The 34th edition of France’s largest music festival takes place in Carhaix-Plouguer (Finistère). This year’s line-up includes artists such as Aya Nakamura, Mika and Interpol.
Other festivals this month include July 22 - 25: the Fête du Cognac, July 15 - 19: Les Fêtes de Bayonne, and July 23 - 25: Nice Jazz festival.
