I am planning a trip with my wife to spend some time in Paris late Oct/early Nov. I noticed that Nov 1st seems to be a big holiday for the people in France and looks like most of the stores will be closed. Can anyone give us some tips as to what's going to be open and closed during that time and special events that will be going on during the time (are the Cathedrals closed for service or vice versa?) Also how about restaurants and supermarket since we are planning to stay at Air B&B and may cook our own food for a day or 2.
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Most supermarkets are likely to be open, at least in the morning. Many stores will be open, and any restaurant that is open on a Sunday will also be open - actually, given that it's a Friday this year, I bet most restaurants will be open. Tourist sights will be open as normal, churches might have some extra services but you would still be able to visit between services.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks balso for the quick response. Good to know that at least the stores will be open for half a day. Are there any special events going on at All Saints' Day in Paris that we should be looking out for?
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Nothing special goes on that I remember, this is traditionally a day where one goes to the cemetery and cleans up and flowers the family graves.
To add to my post above, many stores, especially in busier parts of town, will be open all day as usual. Department stores, chain clothing stores, etc. will be fully open.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10629 posts
The tradition is for families to leave mums on tombstones. If you are near a cemetery, you may want to take a peek. Otherwise, the largest effect is traffic jams leaving Paris on Thursday and Friday and giant jams coming back into the city on Monday,
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Do the mothers not mind being left on tombstones?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10629 posts
Very funny. I was sure I’d misspell chrysanthemum—but anyway, never buy your mum or anyone else in France chrysanthemums as a gift as it means death. Way to put a damper on a friendship.
Posted by
Paris
10205 posts
Norma!! Ha!!! Well played.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
We were planning on visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery. I guess Nov 1st will be a good time to go :)
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Don’t forget to take a few mothers.
Posted by
New Orleans
93 posts
You will be able to go to church during regular hours that weekend.
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
I was in Paris last year on All Saints Day. The museums were open as were restaurants. I remember having a busy day. If you would like to attend an All Saints Day mass, of course the cathedrals and churches will be OPEN for you to be in the pews with everybody else attending. You might find a beautiful choral service.