School holidays in France: the guide to choosing your dates in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Are you planning a getaway between the Pyrenees, the Atlantic beaches, or the beautiful villages of the Dordogne? In France, holiday dates are not the same for everyone! To make the most of your stay, it is important to understand the Zone system.
Why choose Nouvelle-Aquitaine for your next vacation?
Zones A, B, and C: What are they?
To prevent everyone from traveling at the same time during winter and spring, mainland France is divided into three geographical zones. Nouvelle-Aquitaine (the academies of Bordeaux, Limoges, and Poitiers) belongs to Zone A.
Zone A: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Lyon, Grenoble, Dijon, Clermont-Ferrand, Besançon…
Zone B: The North, Marseille, Nantes, Strasbourg…
Zone C: Paris, Toulouse, and Montpellier.
The calendar and our seasonal tips : Here is how to organize your next escapes while enjoying the best of our region.
Savour the Silence
🍂Autumn holidays (Toussaint)
Dates: Saturday, October 17 to Monday, November 2, 2026
October often offers magnificent sunny days. With soft light and a multicolored nature, you will quickly learn to enjoy these landscapes.
Our tip: This is the ideal time to rediscover the coastline or the Dordogne. Much less crowded than in summer, there is still that very special holiday atmosphere. Time slows down, and so do we. A walk on a beach in the Landes, meeting passionate oyster farmers, the sweetness of a French-style breakfast in a country village… The choice is yours.
Dates: Saturday, December 19, 2026 to Monday, January 4, 2027
The festive mood is everywhere in the region with craft markets and winter lights.
Our tip: From Christmas markets to ski resorts, enjoy the end-of-year excitement that is in full swing in the cities and the Pyrenees ski resorts. For a salty and calm stay, turn to our seaside resorts: take the time for a walk on the beach; the sea spray will do you a world of good. Of course, you can also enjoy cozy moments with spas and balneotherapy.
The art of well-being
❄️ Winter Holidays
Dates (Zone A): Saturday, February 6 to Monday, February 22, 2027
It’s the season for winter sports and invigorating walks in the fresh air.
Our tip: For skiing enthusiasts, the ski resorts are a must. If you’re not into snow, the seaside resorts of the Atlantic coast are an excellent alternative: the sea air is toning, and you’ll feel like you have the ocean all to yourself.
Dates (Zone A): Saturday, April 10 to Monday, April 26, 2026
The awakening of nature and the return of beautiful days illuminate our landscapes.
Our tip: This is the dream time to explore our countryside. Corrèze and Lot-et-Garonne are dressed in flowers and greenery. Take advantage of it to hike or visit small villages of character under a brilliant spring light.
Savour the Silence
☀️ Summer Holidays
Dates: Saturday, July 4 to Monday, August 31, 2026
The “Grandes Vacances” (Long Holidays) are the perfect time to go green and slow down.
Our tip: To escape the high heat and the crowds of the coast, bet on the freshness of the hinterland. Enjoy the greenery and the many water spots (lakes and rivers) of the Creuse, Vienne, Haute-Vienne, and Deux-Sèvres. A 100% nature and relaxation program guaranteed!
Nouvelle-Aquitaine reveals itself through eight distinct destinations, each with its own personality yet united by shared values of authenticity and warmth. From dynamic cities to timeless villages, coastal elegance to mountain charm, discover the faces of a region that never stops surprising.
For the undecided, the charm of the South-West France can be found throughout the region. Go explore our other destinations, from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the hidden villages of Deux-Sèvres, or enjoy surf sessions on the coast and hikes in the vast landscapes of Limousin. You will certainly find the stay that suits you.