August Holidays
It's August and for the French that means just one thing: les vacances. Urbanites are leaving Paris and other cities for the coast or countryside, and hordes are descending on the Côte d'Azur, the Atlantic Coast or their residence secondaire (holiday home).
The French enjoy eleven holidays or jours feriés annually. And by law, every full time French worker is also entitled to five weeks holiday per year. Most French people take their summer vacations in July or August and the majority holiday within France rather than travelling to other countries.
The normally busy Parisian streets become deserted and many businesses are closed. But the emptying of the cities is not entirely voluntary. Many French people are obliged to take the bulk of their holidays in August, because their workplaces are closed. School children also have a long break in August, so it's often the best opportunity for a family to holiday together.
