As many expats may already know, the French adore their holiday time, and it should come as little surprise that when the opportunity strikes for a long weekend, many indulge. Meaning that, when a public holiday in France occurs on a Tuesday or Thursday, employees and employers will often faire le pont (bridge the gap), and take/give the day off in-between (the Monday or the Friday, respectively). 

Additionally, expats living in France should note that when public holidays fall on a Sunday, time off is then given on the following Monday. Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday are the exceptions to this rule.