What happens in France on November 11 bank holiday and are shops open?

November 11 is a public holiday in France as the nation commemorates the country's war dead. 

The day was declared a national holiday in 1922, however a 2012 law changed the date from a commemoration of World War One to a day of remembrance for all of France’s war dead (morts pour la France) in conflicts.

The Vie publique website compares it to the US Memorial Day holiday.

It is the second public holiday in November, following Toussaint (November 1). 

In France, bleuet flowers are worn as on November 11, as poppies are in the UK.

Are shops open? 

Despite November 11 being a public holiday, shops can remain open.

May 1 (worker’s day) is the only day where all non-essential or public service workers are legally required to be given a day off (as it is a national jour non-chomé or non-working day).

On all other public holidays, including November 11, rules depend on collective agreements between unions or worker representatives and companies as to whether companies remain open.

In most cases, offices will be closed, but supermarkets, boutiques and shopping centres will probably be open. 

These may be operating on ‘Sunday hours’ and open for less time than usual - this is decided on a local basis.

If you are planning to shop, check online for special opening hours. Google Maps often provides up to date information on a shop's opening hours for public holidays.

What events will be organised?

Whilst some other countries such as the UK hold a minute’s silence at 11:00 on November 11 – the exact time the armistice was signed – this is unusual in France outside of major commemorative events, such as those held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe.

In France, commemorative events are held throughout the day beginning at different times, although usually in the morning. 

You can check online or at your local mairie to see if a service is being held near you, and if so at what time.