What days to take in 2026 to Optimize Your holidays as Much as Possible?

HOLIDAYS: The year 2026 has just started and you are already thinking about taking your leave? We give you some tips to optimize your rest as much as possible by taking holidays on the bridges

Ah, the holidays… That annual headache that makes us all dream of sunny beaches or endless lie-ins. Good news for 2026 : by being a little clever, you can transform your 25 days into leave in no less than 57 well-deserved days of rest. How? By playing on them public holidays which often fall right on the spot to create magic bridges. We have done the research, calendar in hand, so you can plan stress-free. Please note, all this remains subject to the agreement of your employer.

January: start the year gently

From kick-off, the 1st January falls on a Thursday – ideal for a stretched weekend. Just pose on Friday 2nd January and presto, you treat yourself to four days of rest from the evening of December 31st until Monday 5th January morning. Perfect for digesting the holidays effortlessly!

Spring: Easter and its surprises

Easter Monday 6th April is a gift for parents, especially if your children are in zone A and on school holidays that week. Otherwise, for a quick break, stop by Friday April 3 and enjoy a four-day long weekend. Simple and effective.

May: the month of cascading bridges

It’s the jackpot this year! May 1st and May 8th both fall on Fridays, and Ascension on May 14th, a Thursday. For the ambitious, take eight days from Monday 4th May to Friday 15th May: you gain 17 days of rest from May 1st to 17th, by integrating Pentecost on the 25th (unless it is your day of solidarity). If you prefer short breaks, target Thursdays before holidays for four-day bridges. The best for recharging batteries without drawing too much on your reserves.

July: National Day comes at just the right time

July 14th falls on a Tuesday: for a mini-break, take the 13th on Monday and enjoy four days off. Or take it to the next level: four days from July 13th to 17th give you nine consecutive days from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th. Ideal for an extended barbecue or summer getaway.

November: a bridge and a long vacation

This year, you have to bet everything on 11th November, a Wednesday (November 1st falling on a Sunday…). Take four days from Monday 9th to Friday 13th, and here is a nine-day break from Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th.

December: Christmas in XXL version

December 25th will be a Friday! Take four days from Monday 21st to Thursday 24th, and you end the year with nine days of rest from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th. Perfect for family celebrations without rushing.

How long does vacation have to last to be truly beneficial?

In summary, 2026 promises to be a year conducive to optimizations. Without spending a single day, you already have natural long weekends thanks to Easter, May 1st and 8th, Pentecost and Christmas. But with these tips, you almost double your free time. Don’t forget: discuss it with your boss beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises.