Hi, we'll be in Paris on May Day (2026) which I understand is quite a big holiday. Are we likely to find all museums/transit closed down? Do you have recommendations for sights that will remain open? We are happy to take it slowly that day but wanted to see what our options are. Thanks.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1894 posts
If you go to google and put it something like “Rick Steves Travel Forum Paris on May 1” or another subject., you can normally find recent previous discussions.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you very much.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16794 posts
The only museum that will be open is the Jacquemart-Andre which is open every day of the year. Metro runs but on a reduced weekend type schedule. All the parks are open so hopefully it will be gorgeous weather! There are often some marches which are publicized ahead of time so you’ll know the routes and be able to avoid the area.
I was there a few years ago and enjoyed walking around the market street near my hotel. The local fire or rescue folks had a booth selling lily of the valley bouquets, there were some school groups that had booths selling something for fund-raising etc. it looked surprisingly like small-town community activities!
BTW the Museum J-A has a really nice tea room/cafe. Might need reservations for that day, though.
Posted by
Chicago
9535 posts
Assume it is closed unless you know it is open. Parks are open; museums are almost all closed. Shops are mostly closed, some grocery stores and restaurants are open.
It is interesting to see the big May 1 labor parade -- last year it started at Place d'Italie; usually in the past it has been at Republic. It is fun to see the groups assembling for the march even if you don't go along. There are also fireman's balls in each arrondissement -- some of them wide open and informal -- you bring your own drinks and dance in the streets and others indoors and I assume more controlled. Some are on the evening before. It is also the biggest fireworks display of the year.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3615 posts
There are also fireman's balls in each arrondissement
..also the biggest fireworks display of the year.
It's July 14th, La Fête Nationale (Bastille Day in English), not May 1st.