Alongside Easter,Assumption Day and All Saints' Day, there's alsoAscension Day, which falls this year on Thursday May 29, 2025. A public holiday in France, we explain the origin and history of this religious celebration, which traditionally takes place 40 days after Easter Sunday. Its date therefore changes every year, but always takes place on a Thursday, allowing some French people to take advantage of the famous Ascension Bridge.
But what's behind this holiday?Ascension, not to be confused withAssumption, which takes place on August 15, comes from the Latin"ascensio", meaning"to go up towards". For Christians, the feast of the Ascension refers to Christ's ascension to heaven, symbolizing eternal life. According to the Bible, the dead and risen Jesus ascended forty days after Easter, and disappeared before the eyes of the Apostles. The feast, initiated by Pope Leo I the Great, has been celebrated since the 4th century.
But when did Ascension Thursday become a public holiday in France? It dates back to theAncien Régime, when Christian feasts were a regular feature of French life.
Note thatAscension Day is celebrated in many other European countries, with the exception of Spain, Portugal and Greece. This year,Ascension Day falls on May 29. Plenty of time to enjoy a long weekend if you're taking the long way around!
What to do this Thursday, May 29, 2025 Ascension Day holiday in Paris & Île-de-France, ideas for outings
Looking for ideas for Ascension Day in Paris, and in particular for this Thursday, May 29, 2025 holiday? We've come up with the best ideas for a great day out, with a host of events and good deals open on this day. [Read more]
A new public holiday in France, a new opportunity to enjoy the museums and monuments near you: this Thursday, May 29, 2025, is Ascension Day. But which art and culture venues remain open on this public holiday? Find out more. [Read more]
This Thursday, May 29, 2025, is the Ascension holiday. For some, it's a day off and for others, a bridge. If you're looking for something different to do, we've come up with 10 unusual activities and outings to get you out of your daily routine. [Read more]
What to do this Thursday, May 29, 2025 Ascension Day holiday in Paris & Île-de-France, ideas for outings
Ascension Day 2025 in Paris: museums and monuments open on this Thursday holiday
10 original outings to make the most of the Ascension holiday, this Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Paris
