Discover how Victory Day in France is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and traditional meals. Get an insider's perspective on this incredible event!

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Victory Day in France 2024 – Everything You Need to Know
Every year on May 8th, the whole of France unites to celebrate La Fête de la Victoire or Victory
Day in France – commemorating the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 that ended World
War II in Europe. This momentous day is filled with special ceremonies, parades and traditional
feasts nationwide honouring the fallen soldiers’ sacrifices.
What is Victory Day in France?
Victory Day in France is also known as La Fête de la Victoire 1945 or simply V-Day. It marks the
historic date of May 8, 1945 when World War II ended in Europe. On this day, German forces
officially surrendered to the Allies after years of intense battles and occupation across the
continent.
The victory put an end to Adolf Hitler’s brutal Nazi regime while finally liberating France from years
of oppression and devastation. Thus, for the French people, V-Day symbolizes the precious values
of freedom, peace, and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
How Locals Celebrate La Fête de la Victoire in France?

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1. Solemn Church Services on Victory Day in France
In villages and towns across France, Victory Day begins with solemn church masses honouring the
war dead and veterans. Priests conduct special services and prayers to commemorate the Allied
forces’ sacrifices.
Discover Commemorative Ceremonies of V-Day
Official commemorative ceremonies with speeches by dignitaries, military parades and music
performances take place in the morning at war memorials nationwide. Locals attend these events
sporting the iconic Bleuet de France flower emblem in remembrance.
Witness the Grand Parades
Grand military parades with troops, vehicles and aircraft fly-pasts are the highlight in major cities
like Paris, Lille and Strasbourg on Victory Day in France. These impressive parades celebrate the
spirit of the Free French forces.
French Flags Fly High during Victory Day in France
The French Tricolore flag is prominently displayed in windows, on buildings and in shops.
Monuments and important landmarks are also decorated with blue-white-red national colours as a
symbol of French pride.
Dramatic Fly Overs by the Airforce
Spectacular fly-pasts by the French Airforce’s Patrouille de France and other military aircraft above
the memorial ceremonies and parades are thrilling to witness on Victory Day.
Wreaths & Flowers at Ceremonies

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At every war memorial, monument and tomb of the unknown soldier across France, officials and
attendees lay wreaths, flowers and bouquets as moving tributes to the nation’s war heroes.
Relish Traditional Meals on Victory Day in France
French households prepare lavish meals as part of the age-old custom of celebrating Freedom in
France. The festive menu typically includes ham, local cheese specialities like creamy Chaource or
pink Biscuit Rose de Reims, along with the iconic Champagne toast.
Paris Victory Day Events – What to Expect?
Being the national capital, Victory Day in France celebrations in Paris are the largest and grandest.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Commemorative Ceremony in the Morning
The traditional official ceremony takes place at the Arc de Triomphe on the famous Champs-
Élysées avenue with the President of the Republic in attendance. After a military parade and laying
of wreaths, the President rekindles the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc in a
moving tribute.
President Visits Tomb of Unknown Soldier
One of the most iconic Victory Day moments is the French President’s sombre visit to the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Elysees. Here, the President
relights the famous flame as a powerful symbol of remembrance for fallen unknown soldiers.
City Hosts Events, Parades & Ceremonies
Throughout the day, Paris hosts a series of special events, military parades and religious
ceremonies marking Victory Day in France. Vibrant shows, lively street parties, musical
performances and feasting take over the city’s neighbourhoods. You’ll find wreaths, flowers and
tributes abundant at commemorative sites like war memorials, churches and monuments.
Is Victory Day a French National Holiday in France?
Yes, Victory Day in France on May 8 is an official national public holiday. Most shops, businesses,
schools and workplaces remain open as usual across the country. However, the solemn
ceremonies and events on La Fête de la Victoire take precedence.
Many locals take the day off so that they can attend parades and commemorations across France.
Some companies give employees a paid day off or a half-day in honour of the occasion.
10 Places to Visit After Liberation Day France

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As Victory Day in France celebrates liberation and freedom from Nazi oppression, these
destinations hold special significance:
1. Normandy D-Day Beaches
These historic World War II D-Day landing beaches in Normandy saw pivotal battles leading to
France’s liberation. Pay respects at memorial sites like Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc.
Mont Saint-Michel
Famously conquered by Free French and American troops in 1944, visiting the iconic abbey and
medieval village here is a must after V-Day.
Oradour-sur-Glane
This village left preserved in its ruins after a horrific 1944 Nazi massacre serves as a stark
memorial to civilian victims.
Paris
The City of Light, Paris proudly hosts the grandest:
Victory Day parades
Commemorations
Memorials to France’s wartime suffering and eventual liberation
So, why wait? Book your France visa appointment today to experience this incredible event!
Dijon (Côte-d’Or)
The Museum of the Resistance and Deportation here commemorates the Dijon Resistance
movement’s courageous efforts during the occupation.

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Lille
This northern city’s close proximity to Belgium saw it endure repeated bombings before liberation –
its powerful memorials reflect the immense devastation.
Grenoble (Isère)
The stunning alpine town honours the brave Resistance fighters and maquisards who risked their
lives in the region’s rugged hills.
Lyon
An important city for the Maquis French Resistance, Lyon is home to poignant memorials and
museums detailing their heroic actions.
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)
Located in Alsace near the German border, this city’s tragic wartime history is reflected in
monuments honouring civilian victims.
1. Natzwiller-Struthof (Bas-Rhin)
The remains of this former Nazi concentration camp and its memorial museum solemnly chronicle
the unspeakable atrocities committed here.
These are some amazing places you should visit after the Victory Day in France. Visiting these
places will give you a better understanding of V-Day and its significance for the French.
Conclusion
Attending the poignant Victory Day in France celebrations lets you honour the nation’s heroes while
witnessing centuries-old customs and traditions. Soak in the sombre yet patriotic atmosphere of
ceremonies as well as parades and festivities that annually unite French citizens in remembrance.
Apply for a France visa today to witness this iconic event with your loved ones!