Hi We will be in Paris in early May on both Labor Day and Ascension Day. I see they are major holidays. Does that mean everything (business, tourist attractions, places to eat will be closed on these days) ? We are just trying to figure out how to fill the days if this is the case.
Thank you!
Well, you could take a boat trip on the Seine or. Hop-on/ hop- off bus ride. The gorgeous Andre-Jacquemart museum will be open. The Promenade Plantee should be nice in May, for a leisurely stroll. You could take the metro to St. Denis to visit the basilica there, resting place of dead kings. Lots of restaurants will be open...... after all, even on holidays the Parisians like to eat out.
May 1 along with Dec 25 and Jan 1 is the most reliably 'closed' day in France and most of Europe. If you look at websites those three days will be listed as closed on most museum and other attraction websites. There is still plenty to do and many restaurants and cafes will be open. But shops, most museums etc will be closed. The Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises, Jacquemart Andre and the parks are open, so there is plenty to do.
On my first trip to Europe with my husband over 30 years ago we landed in Venice on May 1 being totally ignorant of its holiday importance. I still remember us lugging our bags (no wheels then and first trip so we overpacked) over a mile over bridges and canals to reach our hotel since the boats were not running. Paris will be easier -- the metro and buses will be running and there will be plenty to do although much will be closed. Look also for demonstrations which are fun to watch.
janettravels44
www.janettravels.wordpress.com
Janet put it well: May 1 is up there with Christmas Day and New Year's Day (this year, it's a Sunday anyway, so fewer things are open to start with). May 5 won't be as affected.
in France, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, they do NOT move it to the Monday, just a little piece of information.
Thank you all for your replies :)
