Loire Chateaus -- crowded on weeekends in May? Does Everything close on a French holiday?

Depends on the holiday. Look on the websites for some of the chateaux you want to see to see when they are closed. The most common closing days for major tourist attractions in France are May 1, December 25 and January 1. There are a few things that stay open those days but most are closed. I have not noticed lots of closures on the other holidays that fall in May but those weekends tend to be crowded and there may be stores, restaurants or sites here and there that close. Web sites are quite good about listing days that are closed.

If possible, try to arrive at the most popular chateaux at opening time before the tour groups arrive. We did this with Chenonceau and enjoyed it very much!

If the holiday is May 1, check carefully. We were in Nice this past May 1. Not only was everything we wanted to see, closed; but there was no public transportation running. Our hotel manager looked on his computer and told us the Matisse Museum would be open. Unfortunately, it's a half-hour somewhat uphill walk from the hotel. Fortunately, we decided that the cost of a taxi was prohibitive and canned the idea of a visit, because we later found out that the museum was, in fact, closed. I would have been seriously p-o'ed, had we spent around 25 euros to get to a closed museum. Of course the chateaux will be more crowded on the weekend. Also check about Monday closures.

May 1 is the biggest holiday in Europe and you should always assume that everything is closed that day unless it specifically states that it is open.

I have visited 5 or 6 Chateau in the Loire Valley.. twice.. both times during the summer.. ( so busy season for bus tours and vacationers) and frankly they are never that crowded.. nothing like visiting Versailles ( which is a nightmare) . Sure.. there will be other people.. but not the elbow to elbow masses like in many sites in Paris.. and lines were never more then 5-10 minutes, some were literally walk right in..

As others have said.. it depends on which holiday and that is easy to look up ,, each Chateau has its own website with hours and days open. Simply let google lead you !

Thanks so much for all your great advice! We are excited about visiting Chateaus, charming villages, vineyards and wineries/caves. We have 4 days based in Amboise with 2 days are over a weekend, so we thought we would on Saturday we would open Chenonceau, head to Azay le Rideau then Villandry and back, Sunday: go west Chinon, Langeais, Usse, de Cande, Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, then back; Monday - open to taste the glories wines -- perhaps Saumur, Chinon, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume & Sancerre, and last day Tuesday: go East to Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Cheverny & perhaps visit Lavardin.

Based on your experiences does this seem like a good schedule for the end of May? Any suggestions on vineyards/wineries in the Loire that are good and welcome Americans? We do want to make advance reservations. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences and insights

Answering your original question: In general, the French take their holidays, including Sundays, pretty seriously: stores, gas stations, etc that would be open here on a Sunday are often closed there. But major sights may be different; as pointed out, each chateau should have its schedule online.