Ceremonies and Sites of Memory
Commemorations
France's calendar of remembrance: national days of commemoration
In France
27
January
Day of Remembrance of Genocides and Prevention of Crimes Against Humanity
This date was chosen by France and Germany as it marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Other states may observe a different date according to their own historical experience.
Initiated by the Education Ministers of the member states of the Council of Europe, October 2022
Last Sunday
April
National Day of Remembrance of the Victims and Heroes of the Deportation
Law 54-415 of 14 April 1954
8
May
Victory Day 1945 (V-E Day)
Law 81-893 of 2 October 1981
2nd Sunday
May
National Day of Joan of Arc and Patriotism
Law of 10 July 1920
27
May
Law 2013-642 of 19 July 2013
18
June
National Commemorative Day of General de Gaulle's Historic Appeal
To refuse defeat and continue the fight against the enemy.
Decree 2005-547 of 10 March 2006
16
July
National Day in Memory of the Victims of Racist and Antisemitic Crimes of the French State and in Tribute to the Righteous of France
On 16 July or the nearest Sunday to 16 July.
Decree 93-150 of 3 February 1993, amended by Law no. 2000-644 of 10 July 2000
11
November
Commemoration of the Armistice of 11 November 1918 and Tribute to All Those Who Died for France
The iconic day of remembrance — the day of the poppy and the cornflower.
Law of 24 October 1922 and Law of 28 February 2012
Every commune has its own site of memory. Particular commemorations may also take place in certain communes according to their history and the events that occurred there.