Mother's Day 2026 in France

Mothers’ Day in France is usually on the last Sunday in May, but is moved to the first Sunday of June if it falls on the same day as Whit Sunday/Pentecost. Fathers’ Day is also celebrated in France.

Is Mother's Day a Public Holiday?

Mother's Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, May 31, 2026 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in France.

Celebrate Mothers' Day

Typical Mothers’ Day presents include flowers, cakes, and chocolates, as well as handmade gifts and handwritten poems. Some families have special dinners either at home or at a restaurant to celebrate the day.

A special family medal, known as the Médaille de la Famille is traditionally given to some parents, including those who have raised several children and some parents whose spouses have been killed. The holiday is also celebrated in other countries worldwide.

Public Life

Mothers’ Day is an observance and not an official public holiday in France.

About Mothers' Day

The origins of Mothers’ Day in France are believed to have stemmed from the Napoleonic era. In 1806, the French emperor announced a special day to recognize mothers of large families. This celebration was revived after World War I for some time. In 1950 a special law was created to dedicate Mothers’ Day as an official tribute to mothers.

About Mother's Day in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.