Which academies belong to Zones A, B and C?
The academies are divided between the three zones as follows.
Zone A
Zone A includes the academies of Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon and Poitiers.
Zone B
Zone B includes the academies of Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen and Strasbourg.
Zone C
Zone C includes the academies of Créteil, Montpellier, Paris, Toulouse and Versailles.
Corsica has its own school holiday calendar.
Autumn Half-Term 2026: A Holiday Period Shared by All Zones
The autumn half-term holidays are the same for all three zones. They begin on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and classes resume on Monday, November 2, 2026.
For those who enjoy travelling outside the peak season, this can be an interesting time to get away. Some campsites remain open during the autumn holidays and offer accommodation suitable for a few days with the family. Before booking, simply check the campsite's opening dates and the facilities available during your stay.
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Christmas Holidays 2026: Everyone Is on Holiday at the Same Time
The three zones also share the same dates for the Christmas holidays. The holidays begin on Saturday, December 19, 2026, and end on Monday, January 4, 2027.
This makes this period particularly easy to organise when several families want to meet up. Some campsites also remain open during the festive season. A comfortable holiday rental can be a great way to enjoy a few days away, even in the middle of winter.
Winter Holidays 2027: Three Different Departure Weeks
It is from the winter holidays that the calendars begin to differ.
For 2027:
Zone C: February 6 to February 22
Zone A: February 13 to March 1
Zone B: February 20 to March 8
Each zone therefore has its own holiday period, with a one-week difference between them.
If you are planning a stay with relatives or friends who live in another region, it is therefore a good idea to check everyone's school calendar before choosing your dates. The overlap between the different periods can make it possible to find a week that works for two zones.
Spring Holidays 2027: Watch the Dates
The spring holidays are also staggered.
Zone C: April 3 to April 19
Zone A: April 10 to April 26
Zone B: April 17 to May 3
The principle is the same: by comparing the different periods, you can identify the weeks when several families will be able to meet up.
Spring is also a great time to get away for a few days. Depending on the destination, you can enjoy the first sunny days, outdoor activities and generally quieter surroundings than in July or August.
Summer Holidays 2027: All Three Zones Together
For the summer holidays, pupils from all three zones will be on holiday from Saturday, July 3, 2027. This is, of course, the most popular period for longer stays, particularly in tourist destinations and campsites along the coast. If you have specific dates in mind or want to book a particular type of accommodation, it is best to plan ahead. July and August are generally the busiest months.
How to Choose Your Holiday Week When Travelling as a Group
When several families are involved, the easiest approach is to start by noting everyone's school zone.The autumn half-term, Christmas and summer holidays are easy to coordinate because they are shared by all three zones.For the winter and spring holidays, however, you need to compare the different calendars. A family in Zone C may already be on holiday while another family in Zone B still has to wait another week or two. If your dates are flexible, choose a period when the holidays overlap. This will give you more options for organising a holiday together.
Plan Ahead to Make the Most of Your Stay
School holiday dates are not the only thing to consider before booking. You should also check the campsite's opening dates, accommodation availability and any activities or facilities available during your stay. And if you are planning to travel in July or August, booking early can be particularly useful if you want more choice, especially when it comes to the most popular types of accommodation.
Where Can You Check the Official School Holiday Calendar?
As school holiday calendars can change from one year to the next, it is always best to check the official dates before booking. You can consult the official 2026-2027 school holiday calendar on Service-Public to find the dates corresponding to your zone. Once you have checked the dates, all that remains is to choose your destination, find the accommodation that suits your needs and enjoy your family holiday!