Daylight Savings Time Changes in France 🇫🇷 (2026)
France observes daylight saving time. Clocks next fall back on Sunday, October 25, 2026, switching from CEST (UTC+2) to CET (UTC+1).
| Country: | France |
| Capital: | Paris |
| Abbreviations: | FR, FRA |
| IANA Time Zones: | 1 |
| Dial Code: | +33 |
Daylight Savings Time Schedule and Information
Before
01
:
59
After
03
:
00
29 MAR
29 Mar 2026 - Daylight Saving Time Starts
When local standard time is about to reach Sunday, 29 March 2026, 01:59 clocks are turned forward 1 hour to
Sunday, 29 March 2026, 03:00 local daylight time instead.
Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on 29 Mar 2026 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening.
Also called Spring Forward.
Before
02
:
59
After
02
:
00
25 OCT
25 Oct 2026 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
When local standard time is about to reach Sunday, 25 October 2026, 02:59 clocks are turned backward 1 hour to
Sunday, 25 October 2026, 02:00 local standard time instead.
Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on 25 Oct 2026 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning.
Also called Fall Back.
Daylight Savings Time Schedules by Regions in France (2026)
| Region | DST Start (Spring) | DST End (Fall) |
|---|---|---|
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Bourgogne-Franche-Comté | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Brittany | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Centre-Val de Loire | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Corsica | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Grand Est | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Hauts-de-France | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Île-de-France | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Normandy | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Occitanie | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Pays de la Loire | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
| Provence | 29 Mar 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
DST Changes Summary for France
| Date | Year | Change | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Oct | 2025 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 29 Mar | 2026 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 25 Oct | 2026 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 28 Mar | 2027 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 31 Oct | 2027 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 26 Mar | 2028 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 29 Oct | 2028 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 25 Mar | 2029 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 28 Oct | 2029 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 31 Mar | 2030 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
| 27 Oct | 2030 | Back 1 hour | 02:59 ➜ 02:00 | Daylight Saving End |
| 30 Mar | 2031 | Forward 1 hour | 01:59 ➜ 03:00 | Daylight Saving Start |
Read More About Daylight Savings Time
Common Questions about Daylight Savings Time Changes in France
Does France use Daylight Saving Time in 2026?
Yes, France observes Daylight Saving Time during the 2026 calendar year. The country follows the practice of shifting clocks to better align waking hours with the available evening sunlight during the spring and summer months.
When do the clocks change next in France?
The next scheduled time transition in France will take place on Sunday, 25 October 2026. At 02:59 local time, clocks will be turned backward by 1 hour. This specific change marks the transition to daylight saving time ends.
Does all of France follow the same time change schedule?
Yes, France follows a single, unified schedule. Every region across the country transitions to and from Daylight Saving Time at the exact same moment, ensuring a consistent time standard nationwide.
How will the next transition affect the day in France?
Following the shift on 25 Oct 2026, you will notice that there is more light in the morning compared to the day before. While the transition may temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, the primary goal of this backward shift is to maximize usable daylight for the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about DST in France
Does France observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, France observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks shift forward in spring and back in autumn, giving an extra hour of evening daylight during the warmer months.
When does DST start in France in 2026?
In 2026, Daylight Saving Time begins in France on March 29, 2026 at 01:59 local time. Clocks spring forward by one hour at this moment.
When does DST end in France in 2026?
In 2026, Daylight Saving Time ends in France on October 25, 2026 at 02:59 local time. Clocks fall back by one hour, returning to standard time.
When is the next time change in France?
The next clock change in France is on October 25, 2026, when clocks will fall back by one hour.
What time zone is France on after DST ends?
After DST ends, France returns to its standard time zone, Europe / Paris (Europe/Paris). Standard time is the country's year-round baseline; DST adds one hour to that during the warmer months.
Why does France use Daylight Saving Time?
Like most countries that observe DST, France shifts its clocks to make better use of evening daylight during the summer months, which can reduce electricity demand and shift outdoor activity later into the day. The savings are modest and debated, but the practice remains widespread in mid- and high-latitude countries.