We are staying in Aix-en-Provence in early May and want to visit Cassis and/or other smaller towns. Will most shops and restaurants be open on the May Day holiday? And will all be more crowded? We'd welcome suggestions for our group of 6 on what to do on the holiday. We are in our 50s/60s and enjoy walking, hiking, shops, sightseeing, vineyards, cafes and restaurants.
Thank you - and apologies if this has been covered elsewhere.
Posted by
Washington DC
30262 posts
I cannot answer your question but can report that there was no public transportation at all operating in the large city of Nice on May 1, 2017. And most of the taxi drivers seemed to have taken the day off as well. There will be rail service, but since May 1 is a Friday, I imagine some fast trains may sell out in advance. The fastest route from Aix-en-Provence to Cassis begins with a TGV from the Aix TGV station to Marseilles. Perhaps by the time you get from your lodgings in Aix out to the TGV station, those options will not be faster than regional trains. Since the latter don't have assigned seats, they cannot sell out, though you might end up standing for part of the 1-1/2 hour trip.
You can check May 1 rail schedules involving TGVs right now on this website:
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en
The slower trains aren't listed for May 1 this far in advance, but you can get an idea by checking what's running next Friday. I don't know how different the holiday schedule will be.
I'd be more nervous about buses than trains on May 1 and would try not to be bus-dependent that day.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3587 posts
May 1st is the most widely observed public holiday in France. In all major cities (including Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Arles, and Salon-de-Provence), there are union marches in the morning.
All public services are closed. Banks, pharmacies, shops, bakeries, grocery stores, and supermarkets are also closed, with a few exceptions, especially in tourist areas (souvenir shops, ice cream vendors, bakeries, and the like). Some cafes, restaurants, and bars may also be closed, but there will still be quite a few open, especially in tourist areas.
Public bus services operate, at best, as on a Sunday; sometimes there is no service at all. According to the bus timetables for the Aix-en-Provence region, no buses usually run on May 1st.
If you don't have a car, then the only way you can travel independently is by following acraven's suggestion to take the train.
Speaking of trains, here is a map of the train network around Aix-en-Provence:
But keep in mind that by taking the train, you will only be traveling from one station to another if no public transport service is operating at your destination station. So you might as well stay in the Aix area and take the opportunity to enjoy a few glasses of "rosé de Provence."
If you happen to find someone to drive you, you could visit some winemakers, provided they are open on May 1st.
For example:
https://lesvigneronsdaixenprovence.com/
(Tasting is free, but buying a bottle or two is appreciated.)
Posted by
47 posts
May 1 is a national holiday in France, so many small shops, banks, and services close, especially in towns, but restaurants, cafés, and places in tourist areas like Aix, Cassis, or the Luberon usually stay open, though it is smart to reserve lunch since locals are out enjoying the day too. Expect a relaxed, Sunday feel rather than heavy crowds, with markets closed but plenty of people walking, hiking, and gathering outdoors. It is a good day for scenic activities such as the Cassis waterfront, the Calanques if you enjoy a moderate walk, or a vineyard visit that has confirmed holiday hours, just plan ahead and avoid relying on spontaneous shopping.
Posted by
OP
Pennsylvania USA
17 posts
Thank you everyone for your helpful replies. I think a day in Cassis and visiting a winery sounds like the ideal solution.