May in Provence: traditions, public holidays and the Cannes Film Festival
- virginieinprovence
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
May is one of my favorite months in Provence. The days are longer and the temperatures are milder.
Even though I often recommend discovering Provence in winter—a quieter season—May is also an ideal time to visit the region.
Spring is fully settled, nature is in bloom, and many cultural events and French traditions take place during this period.
It is also an important month in French history and culture.
Indeed, several major historical events are celebrated in France in May. Do you know them?
These include:
May 1st, known as Labor Day
May 8th, which commemorates the end of World War II in Europe
We will also talk about other important events in May in France, such as Pentecost and the famous Cannes Film Festival.
Public holidays in May in France
May 1st – Labor Day
May 1st has been a public holiday in France since 1947. This day is known as Labor Day.
It is a time to celebrate workers and their rights.
I often think that only the French could celebrate work… by not working! It’s an idea that has always made me laugh. May 1st is also a day when many demonstrations and union gatherings take place across France.
The historical origin of May 1st
Labor Day originates from the United States in 1886.
At that time, American workers organized demonstrations to demand the eight-hour workday.
Gradually, this day became a symbolic date to defend workers’ rights and celebrate solidarity among working classes. Today, May 1st is celebrated in many countries around the world.
Why do we give lily of the valley on May 1st?
Even though I am French, I must admit that I haven’t always understood the link between lily of the valley and May 1st. Why do we offer a sprig of lily of the valley on that day?
At the beginning of the 20th century, lily of the valley became a symbol of spring and renewal.
In 1907, Parisian workers began offering lily of the valley on Labor Day. Trade unions distributed it as a symbol of solidarity among workers.
This tradition was reinforced in 1919, when the eight-hour workday was adopted in France.
Since then, it has become common to offer lily of the valley to loved ones, friends, or colleagues on May 1st.
May 8th – Victory in 1945
May 8th is also a public holiday in France.
This date commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8th, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Each year, an official ceremony takes place in Paris under the Arc de Triomphe to honor the memory of soldiers who fought for freedom.
The President of the Republic and many international representatives take part in these commemorations.
A French tradition: making a long weekend ("faire le pont")
Public holidays in May often provide an opportunity to go away for the weekend.
When May 1st or May 8th falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many French people take an extra day off to enjoy a long weekend.
We call this “faire le pont” (literally, “to make the bridge”).
This is why the roads are often very busy during this time!
Major events in May in Provence
The Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival takes place every year in May since 1946.
It is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
Directors from around the world present their films and compete for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s most prestigious award.
During this period, the biggest international stars walk the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals.
The Cannes Film Festival greatly contributes to France’s cultural reputation worldwide.
Pentecost
Pentecost is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter.
It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles in Christian tradition.
The date of Pentecost varies each year because it depends on Easter.
In France, Pentecost Monday used to be a public holiday.
However, after the 2003 heatwave, which caused many deaths among elderly people, the French government introduced a “solidarity day.”
In practice, this means that in some companies, Pentecost Monday is worked, but employers pay a contribution to support actions for elderly people and people with disabilities.
In reality, some companies work that day, while others remain closed, so it varies.
Pentecost remains an important religious holiday for Christians.
May in Provence: gastronomy and seasonal products
May is also a wonderful time for food lovers.
It is the season for:
asparagus
strawberries
cherries
These fresh products are often used in Provençal cuisine and in many desserts.
Spring is therefore a perfect season to discover the gastronomy of Provence.
What about you?
Did you know these May traditions in France?
In your country, do you also have public holidays or important celebrations in spring?
I would love to read about your experiences and traditions in the comments.
Learn French in immersion in Provence
If you come to stay with me for a French immersion experience in Provence, I will help you discover all aspects of the region: landscapes, scents, culture, and gastronomy… while helping you improve your French.
See you soon in Provence 🌿
Virginie in Provence
Also read
If you would like to discover more about Provence during your stay or language immersion, you might also enjoy these articles:
👉 The Cannes Film Festival – My personal experience
👉 Massage near Aix-en-Provence: 3 wellness spots to relax during your stay
👉 Where to eat in Rousset near Aix-en-Provence? My favorite restaurants
👉 Les Baux-de-Provence: my experience in one of the most beautiful villages in Provence