One thing I learnt early on when I came to live in France was that August means everyone pretty much disappears! Not everyone, you understand but certainly the highly cherished tradition of going away on holiday in August is very noticeable.

The French are renowned for valuing their leisure time: they tend to have a “work to live” attitude which is borne out in the many bank holidays as well as the rather generous holiday time offered to many employees. There are 11 official bank holidays in France per year as opposed to eight in the UK. If a bank holiday occurs on a Thursday, then effectively you get another day off as most people take the Friday off as well. This is called “faire le pont”, or “making a bridge” and has become the norm in recent years. If you’re thinking of making France your home, it’s important to understand these cultural rhythms alongside the practicalities of the French property buying process.

One of the better-known French phrases is “joie de vivre” and this is something deeply embedded in the French culture. This concept seems to go hand in hand with the strong family tradition in France: people expect to have their whole family getting together in August so that they can recharge their batteries, enjoy good food and wine and quite simply relax. Sounds very French, doesn’t it? It’s also why many expats fall in love with life here, balancing lifestyle with opportunity. If you’re considering your own move, start by exploring how to find a property in France.

As the month of August approaches, there is a feeling of life taking on a more relaxed and slower pace. Quite a few businesses and some hospitality outlets close down for the whole month in rural areas. The atmosphere is tranquil and actually rather nice! Although it may not suit tourists and holiday makers, it does make one realise that life is about more than work. France is very good at making a real priority for rest and relaxation. This is one of the many reasons expats love the country of course.

Where did the concept of “les grandes vacances” originate?

Taking the whole month of August off goes back a very long way in France, some say as far back as the Middle Ages. A neighbour of mine tells me the tradition started centuries ago so that children could help out on the farm in their holidays. Good old Napoleon, whose influence is hugely felt in many areas of life in France still, made the official summer holidays last for six weeks.

So many ancient traditions in France have survived to the present day and the idea of a long summer break is one of them. Taking the whole of August off work almost seems to be a statement, designed to show how very much the French value family time, a leisurely lifestyle and a good work/life balance. Although there have been some changes to the way the French look at their holiday time, August does still seem to be the time to celebrate life for many. And for those who choose to live here year-round, this focus on leisure time sits alongside excellent opportunities to invest in French real estate.

What about the “Juillettistes”?

Although August is still the time-honoured tradition for the French getaway, in recent times the month of July has also become something of a holiday tradition. The “Juillettistes” are quite simply the people who go on holiday in July (I have occasionally heard of the “Aoûtiens” also for those who go away during August).

Those who choose to go away during July often do so since they imagine prices of hotels and entertainment are cheaper. They also of course are likely to find less traffic since the roads can get extremely congested during the month of August. A French friend tells me that he loves going away in July because when he gets back at the start of August, everything is quieter. This kind of seasonal ebb and flow is worth considering when you choose where to buy in France, as some areas truly come alive in summer while others remain peaceful all year.

Deux Sevres is just one of the places you could call home for the holidays

Assumption Day: the most revered bank holiday of the year

Assumption Day is on August 15th. Essentially this is a religious holiday to commemorate the ascension of Mary, mother of Jesus. However, it has gradually become the most important bank holiday in the French calendar, even eclipsing July 14th, Bastille Day. In fact, it was originally chosen to be the French national holiday for a few years in the early 19th century.

By 1880 Bastille Day became a national holiday but in practice, August 15th is the most notable for being the day when seemingly the whole country gets out on the road! It really does feel like a proper national holiday. If you’re planning a move around this time, it’s also useful to know about the costs of buying property in France, since budgeting ahead is key when the country takes a collective pause.

Staying at home during August

With many people away and the last days of summer remaining sunny and warm, being at home is something I cherish. The local restaurants, bars and shops are not busy, the markets are not teeming with people but the local produce is still excellent and getting around by car is easier.

Stepping out for my morning baguette and coffee at our local boulangerie, there is something rather heartwarming and stress free about lingering for a chat with the baker. It may not be the time to go to the beach to join the holiday makers but staying at home when everyone else is on holiday brings its own rewards in France.

Maybe in time the French will catch on and decide to stagger their holidays? Certainly some of my French neighbours are starting to consider this. As one friend said to me just the other day: “The beaches and mountains will always be there to visit and are even lovelier out of season. But don’t tell anyone!”

For many expats, the quieter August rhythm is a reminder of why they came to France in the first place. If you’re looking to make the move yourself, explore our complete guide to living in France.