On Sunday 25 October 2026, France switches to winter time. For anyone staying in La Bresse during the All Saints’ holidays, the change falls in the middle of the stay and moves sunset back by an hour on days that are already short. Here are the sunrise and sunset times in La Bresse until Christmas, enough to plan a walk without being caught out by nightfall.
The clock change on 25 October
In the European Union, according to Service-Public, the switch to winter time takes place on the last Sunday of October, and the switch to summer time on the last Sunday of March, on dates harmonised since 1998. The last Sunday of October 2026 is the 25th. Clocks go back one hour: the sun rises earlier by the watch, and sets earlier too.
Sunrise and sunset in La Bresse
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Legal time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 14 October | 7.50am | 6.46pm | summer |
| Saturday 24 October | 8.05am | 6.28pm | summer |
| Sunday 25 October | 7.06am | 5.26pm | winter |
| Sunday 1 November | 7.17am | 5.14pm | winter |
| Sunday 15 November | 7.39am | 4.55pm | winter |
| Tuesday 1 December | 8.01am | 4.42pm | winter |
| Monday 21 December | 8.19am | 4.42pm | winter |
These times are calculated for La Bresse’s coordinates, with a flat horizon, and confirmed by a second calculation to within 2 minutes.
What it changes for a walk
Between Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, sunset moves from 6.28pm to 5.26pm: an hour of light disappears at the end of the day. After the 25th, the loss slows: 12 minutes between 25 October and 1 November, then 19 minutes until 15 November. On 21 December, between sunrise at 8.19am and sunset at 4.42pm, about 8 hours 22 minutes of daylight remain, against almost 11 hours on 14 October.
These times apply to an open horizon, such as the top of a ridge. At the bottom of a valley or on a steep slope, the terrain hides the sun earlier: plan your return with a margin on sunset time, and slip a headlamp into your bag.
Planning your outings
The autumn colours in La Bresse can be visited with sunrise at 7.06am from 25 October. The All Saints’ holidays straddle the clock change. In the forest, see also the advice on hiking during the hunting season, and before driving in November the rule on winter tyres and chains. The Vosges pass webcams show the sky before you leave, and ski opening 2026-2027 covers the rest of the season.
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Frequently asked questions
When do the clocks go back in 2026?
On the last Sunday of October, i.e. Sunday 25 October 2026, under the European rule recalled by Service-Public. Clocks go back one hour.
What time does the sun set in La Bresse in late October?
At 6.28pm on Saturday 24 October, then at 5.26pm on Sunday 25 October after the clock change, to within 2 minutes. On 1 November, sunset is at 5.14pm.
When is the shortest day in La Bresse?
Around 21 December: sunrise at 8.19am and sunset at 4.42pm, about 8 hours 22 minutes of daylight between the two, to within 2 minutes and on a flat horizon.
Do these times apply at the bottom of a valley?
No, they assume an open horizon. In a deep valley or on a slope facing east or west, the sun disappears behind the terrain before the time shown.