I understand that May 1st is Labor Day and a major holiday in France. I have heard demonstrations are planned. We will be flying back to the states from Paris May 1st and need to get to the airport early in the morning. Can anyone tell us if that will be a problem and/or how to avoid this problem. We have only heard there will be strikes that day, but do not know who will be striking.
Posted by
Loire Valley
769 posts
No-one strikes on a public holiday - what would be the point?
Posted by
France Southwest
1836 posts
For the moment it is too early to know the possible disruptions in transport.
No strike notice has yet been filed by the unions for May 1st.
Posted by
SC and CA
200 posts
We've traveled in France during May 1st. Yes, there were protests but don't remember having transportation issue. With that said, this is a different year so I suspect there will be more protests than usual. I recommend getting a room at the Sheraton Airport the night before you leave. You have to pay a premium but there are no worries about missing your flight.
Posted by
Paris
6919 posts
May 1 is a traditional demonstration day, but those are in the afternoon. No likely impact in the morning.
The RER B to the airport should be running normally - no engineering works that day - but if you are planning to take a cab, book it a few days early as demand might be high.
Now, if you'd rather stay at the airport, the expensive Sheraton is not the only option. Look at the cluster of hotels (CitizenM, Ibis, Novotel...) around CDG T3, connected by shuttle train to T1 and T2.
Posted by
Nixa, Missouri, USA
2 posts
The website for the Eurostar posted this info on April 18:
The next general strike will take place on Monday 01 May. If we need to make timetable changes as a result, we’ll update this page and contact affected customers as soon as possible.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
51 posts
Am I understanding that May 8th is also a holiday (VE Day?). Will that also mean that the long distance trains will not be on strike that day?
Posted by
Paris
6919 posts
Well as it turns out, a strike HAS been called for 1 May. Cabs will be OK, but an airport hotel could be less stress with an early flight.
Posted by
Paris
9643 posts
And even without the strike, public transport is on a reduced schedule on public holidays.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1373 posts
Book your taxi with G7, https://www.g7.fr/en/, you can download the App, book online with your computer or call, they have english speaking operators if needed. There is a 7 Euro charge for reservations, then the flat rate price to CDG or Orly. G7 taxis have a habit of showing up about 5 minutes before your pick up time, that's my experience.
Posted by
OP
Rochester MN
8 posts
I do have the app and have a taxi booked, but according to the person from G7 I spoke with, they do not know yet if they they will be on strike.
Posted by
OP
Rochester MN
8 posts
Thank you all for you suggestions. We appreciate your thoughts and ideas. If you hear more specifics related to what is happening May 1st we’d love to know about it!
Posted by
28 posts
We flew out of CDG last week and stayed at the Holiday Inn Ecpress the night before.
We never experienced any travel delays or disruption during the one day of " strike" while we were there.