practical
Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for November 2026
Includes Armistice Day, the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, and when winter tyres become compulsory
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Practical dates
November 1: Winter tyres become mandatory
Those marked 3PMSF (or chains/socks) become mandatory in designated mountain communes under the loi Montagne until March 31. You can check whether your area is affected via the government’s official interactive map (tinyurl.com/snow-tyre).
November 1: Winter eviction truce
The trêve hivernale runs from until March 31, 2027. It suspends evictions and gas or electricity cut-offs in main homes. This concerns anyone renting, whether as a landlord or tenant.
November 2: End of the Toussaint school holidays
November 16: Impôt sur le revenu payment
The final of four income tax payments for the self-employed, landlords and others who opted for quarterly payments.
November 27: Black Friday sales
Originating in the US, the day of heavy shopping discounts is now a global affair, and in France several stores offer special deals. In some cases, sales continue over the weekend until the following Monday.
Throughout November: Bill for taxe d’habitation on second homes
If you do not pay monthly, the bill will go online on your personal space on the French tax website on November 2, and if you pay monthly it will arrive on November 16. Paper notices will be sent between November 5-26 if this is how you choose to receive them. Payment is due in December unless you have opted for monthly instalments.
Cultural dates
November 1: Toussaint (All Saints’ Day)
A national holiday when families honour deceased relatives, traditionally by placing chrysanthemums on graves. This year, the date falls on a Sunday, but when it falls on a weekday it usually corresponds to a day off for most office workers.
November 2-4: Literary prizes announced
The Médicis is awarded on November 2, followed by the Goncourt and Renaudot on November 3. The Prix Femina is announced on November 4 and is judged by an all-female jury, although both men and women can win.
November 11: Armistice Day
A national holiday marking the end of World War One, commemorated with ceremonies at war memorials across France. The traditional French remembrance symbol is the bleuet (blue cornflower), the equivalent of the poppy. Many workers will benefit from a day off.
November 12-15: Paris Photo at the Grand Palais
The world’s leading photography fair, marking the bicentenary of photography.
November 19: Beaujolais Nouveau Day
This year’s Beaujolais Nouveau wine is released on the third Thursday in November. Expect festivals, tastings and parties in villages and bars nationwide.
November 27-29: Les Gastronomades near Angoulême (Charente)
A popular annual food fair celebrating regional produce and chefs through tastings, demonstrations and workshops.
Throughout November: Mois sans tabac
A national campaign encouraging smokers to stop for 30 days, with free support. Sign up via mois-sans-tabac.tabac-info-service.fr.
Throughout November: Christmas markets open across France
Colmar’s opens on November 23 and Strasbourg’s on November 27. In Paris, the large markets at La Défense and at Square René-Viviani/Notre-Dame open on November 12 and November 26 respectively, offering festive food, crafts and a lively seasonal atmosphere.
