French holidays

Les fêtes en France

In this video interview with a French businessman, we will look for information about vacation time in France. How much vacation time is there, how many holidays are there? What are these holidays? Are they the same as holidays in the US? At the bottom pf the page, you will find some links that can help you explore further.

But taking things a step further, let's also examine monsieur Deckeur's emotions and comments. What does he think about these holidays? What does he consider normal? How do you think he feels about vacations.

Vacation time in France

Monsieur Deckeur works as director of sales for a French company. Listen to his comments about vacation time in France. What do we learn about vacations and holidays? How many weeks of vacation are there? Is it the same for everyone?
(Listen several times and note answers in the windows below.)

How many holidays are there? How many can you name? Did he forget any?

Possible answers:
There are 5 weeks of paid vacation for everyone.

Monsieur Deckeur thinks there are about 4 or 5 holidays.

He names 8:
le premier de l'an (le jour de l'an)
Noël
le lundi de Pâcques
le 11 novembre (jour de l'armistice)
le jeudi de l'ascension
le premier mai (la fête du travail)
le 14 juillet (la fête nationale)
le 15 août (la fête de l'assomption)

But he forgot three for a total of 11:
le 8 mai (la victoire de 1945)
le 1er novembre (la Toussaint)
le lundi de la Pentecôte

Which of these holidays are also holidays in the US?

Possible answers:

In the US, we also celebrate:
New Year's day
Christmas
Nov. 11
And we also have a labor day and a national holiday, though they fall on different days. Can you name the other holidays in the US?

Can you identify any significant differences between the American and French holidays?

Possible answers:

A number of the French holidays are religious celebrations.

In watching the video, what do we learn about his attitude towards vacations and holidays? How do you know what he thinks?

Possible answers:

As monsieur Deckeur names his holidays, his serious expression becomes more and more animated and his smile grows. He clearly enjoys his vacation time and is happy to think about how many holidays he has... even if he is a serious businessman!

Les Fêtes et les traditions
http://www.curiosphere.tv/conges-payes/eleves/
http://emploi.france5.fr/emploi/droit-travail/conges/
http://www.guidemondialdevoyage.com/
http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/DF_holidays.shtml
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/united-states-america/public-holidays

Ph. Deckeur - les congés