Key practical dates for France in May 2025
Including bank holidays, strikes, tax declarations and more
May sees the tax declaration deadlines fall in many departments and a potential rail strike coinciding with a bank holiday weekend
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May includes several bank holidays and key tax deadlines. Here are the essential practical dates for your calendar.
May 1: Fête du travail (Labour Day) is a major public holiday, and the only one where all but non-essential workers are forbidden from working.
It means that most shops, services, local newspapers etc. will be shut, but some cafés and restaurants may open. Several cities will see marches and demonstrations held by unions. It is also a day where lily of the valley (muguet) is handed out to bring health and good luck for the coming months.
Read more: Lily of the valley and workers’ rights: May 1 is special day in France
This year, it falls on a Thursday, with many workers expected to take the following day (Friday, May 2) off to create a long weekend.
May 8: VE Day, celebrating the victory of the Allies in World War Two. This year marks the 80th anniversary. Many workers are again expected to take Friday, May 9 off for two long weekends in a row.
Note, however, that travel plans may be disrupted by a threatened rail strike. The union SUDRail has called on TGV ticket inspectors to go on strike from Friday May 9 to Sunday May 11, and has asked drivers to join them on May 7.
May 20: Those who return a paper version of their income tax declaration (for 2024’s income) have until Tuesday, May 20 to do so. It is sent to your local tax office. Note, however, that only those without internet access or dispensation from their local office can return a physical version.
May 22: Residents of departments 01 to 19 must complete their online tax declarations by this date.
May 28: Residents of departments 20 to 54 must complete their online tax declarations by this date.
May 29: Ascension Day. The third public holiday of the month also falls on a Thursday, leading to another potential long weekend for workers.
This holiday is tied to Easter, and in 2025 is rare because it is celebrated on the same day in both the Western and Orthodox churches.
General reminders
Tax help: French accountants offer free tax advice throughout the month for those declaring, on May 21, 22, 26, 27, and June 4 and 5. You can contact them by calling 08000 65432 on these days.
Biens Immobiliers declaration: Property owners in France are reminded to complete the 2025 Biens Immobiliers declaration by July 1 if there have been changes to their property's use.
Introduced in 2023, this annual declaration is mandatory for those whose property status has changed, such as a new owner, a change in tenant, or the addition of structures such as garages or pools.
Failure to submit by the deadline could result in a €150 fine. Declarations can be submitted any time before the deadline online via the French tax site. Paper forms are also available. Owners who did not declare in 2023 or 2024 must also do so this year.
