We're going to be in Aix for a few days including the Féte du Travail. Can someone fill me in on what will be happening on that day, May Day, including restaurant or office closures? Special events of interest or to avoid? Will driving around the countryside and small towns be affected? Thanks for your insight, Doug
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France Southwest
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On May 1st, all public services, banks, post offices, shopping centers and large supermarkets are closed.
Public transport operates like a Sunday in major cities. in other cities it depends, it can be from zero transport to a service like on a Sunday.
There are union marches in large and medium-sized cities.
You will probably see some stalls on the side of the road with people selling sprigs of lily of the valley.
Regarding small shops like bakeries or small local supermarkets, most are closed, some can be open only in the morning
Regarding restaurants, it is an individual decision which depends only on their owners. It is not possible to draw a general rule.
Tourist areas will tend to have more things open than others