Has anyone been in Paris for May Day?

We've lived in Paris and we spend a lot of time there. I find May Day (Labor Day) to be a very unpleasant day. It all started on May 1, 1561 when King Charles IX was given lilies of the valley and decided that he would give lilies of the valley bouquets to the ladies of his court each year on May 1. Even now people take the whole family out to the country to pick them on May 1 and give bouquets to family and friends. In fact, you'll find people selling lily of the valley bouquets on the streets of Paris on May 1.

Now for the ugly. May Day is a national holiday- their Labor Day. All of the museums and cultural attractions close down. Most restaurants, cafes, and shops close for the day. Public transport is affected. Every group imaginable protest marches and there might be violence here or there when tempers grow hot or different groups clash. There is plenty of yelling and screaming and sign waving.
What we did was stay in on May Day. Now if we are there, we stay in our hotel or rented apartment and relax. Much of the action gathers near the Bastille and the Place du Palais Royal. It is a time for protests and isn't much as far as celebrating is concerned.

Terri Lynn...thanks. We have been in Paris a few times on 1 May and always wondered why the lilies of the valley sold on every corner. Nice to know after all this time.

I don't know how a day of giving flowers turned into a day of unrest, but it sounds like it might be a good day for a trip to Normandy. It's too bad for us, because we only have 5 days in Paris.

We have been in Paris on May Day a few times. We have seen a few parades and demonstrations but nothing besides a hammer and sickle that may cause discomfort. We have never encountered violence, but perhaps we were lucky, though I tend to doubt it. But anything is possible I suppose. More importantly, this is, I believe, a huge holiday and just about everything is apt to close down. Particularly as it falls on a Friday this year, I'd guess half the population will be taking a long weekend...travel could be mobbed and reservations hard to come by. I for one would just hunker down and stop to smell the flowers. It is perhaps equivalent to our Labor Day, except where we have cook-outs, they have protest marches. Easy enough to spot and simply walk in another direction if you want. 1 May is international workers day and post dates Charles by a couple of centuries. I truly wouldn't be too concerned. I bet you'll be fine!

Why all the doom and gloom? It sounds like an interesting, culturally rich day to be in Paris. Buy some fixins the day before and plan a picnic or two. A great day to lay around in the park and walk.

I don't see it as "too bad", and I would not want to miss a day in Paris, especially a day of national importance. If you come across a protest, observe from a distance or turn around and head the other way.

Thank you all for your different takes on this event. I truly do appreciate a variety of perspectives, and I knew that's what I would find here :)
To be clear, I'm neither scared nor filled with "doom and gloom." It just influences the way we might opt to spend our day. Cheers!

I've been in Paris for many May 1st holidays. There is a parade, usually not even a demonstration, and certainly not a violent protest. Second, we've used the holiday in the past to visit sites, so all isn't closed. Mainly, when living in France, we just enjoyed family time because everyone had a day off, just like Labor Day in the US. You will be able to find food; after all this is Paris, so it caters to tourists. The supermarkets will be closed, however. Finally, do enjoy the Lily of the Valley.

Addition: The only way there would be a demonstration, not a protest and not violent, would be if there is a very important issue brewing and multiple groups called for a show of strength. Finally, if there is a demonstration (not a parade), the one area to avoid is the tail end of any demonstration. It's traditional for some youths to challenge the police at the ends of demonstrations--which may be what Terri Lynn ran into once.

First trip to Paris was May Day 2005. Though many museums were closed, there were still

many things to see and do. We had no problem finding restaurants and cafes that were

open and enjoyed our walks thru many neighborhoods. Saw not one demonstration and

everyone on the streets were in a holiday mood.

I think most negative views of May day stem from not being able to find a limo driver or someone to carry your luggage. That and the opera is closed.

Just a note to give an example: the bookstore where I used to work is closed exactly three days a year: Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and. . . . MAY DAY. It's a good day for a picnic (if you've bought your supplies the day before)!!