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Paris on VE Day: What should I expect?

Posted by (Seattle, WA) on

Howdy neighbors,

So, because I'm American, I didn't realize the French might have their own quaint little holidays separate from our own -- and Lo! They do!

One of those holidays is called VE Day and it's held on May 8. Oddly enough, that's the same day that I land in the City of Lights next year. What should I expect from Gay Paris? Do they roll up the sidewalks and close the whole town down? Do restaurants stay open, or do they give their employees the day off the celebrate freedom? Are there special events (I'm staying literally next door to the Military Museum)? Will I be denied access to the tasty, tasty frommage? Am I doomed for dinner? Will Rue Cler stay open? Will I be mobbed by adoring Frenchwoman and showered with kisses because je suis Americain?

I have many questions, and I am ever-so-curious as to what I can expect when visiting Paris on VE Day.

Thanks for any answers!

-- Mike Beebe

Posted by
10213 posts

Hi Mike - always love your posts!

May 8 is not one of the "big" holidays -- unlike May 1, the week before. Official French places like government offices and post offices will be closed, as will banks. Public transportation will be running on a slower schedule (although the buses will be flying European flags, so that's kind of cool). Since the 8th falls on a Monday next year, a few more things than normal will be closed as people make it a three-day weekend, but you'll find enough open not to have a problem. (Several restaurants are closed on Mondays already). (And since Monday is the normal closing days for most museums, that will still hold and won't be any different.)

So - things will be a little slower, but it won't be a huge problem like trying to travel in the UK on Boxing Day or something like that.

For anything you're specifically interested in, be sure to check the website (closer to time, of course!) to see for sure if it's open or closed or perhaps has reduced hours.

Posted by
494 posts

And I always adore your responses, Kim!

Thanks for the information!

-- Mike

Posted by
6713 posts

Mike, If you are mobbed by adoring Frenchwomen and showered with kisses it won't be because vous etes Americain. Inquire carefully before proceeding any further in this circumstance! ;-)

Too bad you'll miss St. Patrick's Day, when they run green dye through the Seine, and July 4, when they set off fireworks, and Thanksgiving, when they feast on le dindon, and Presidents' Day, when they chop down cherry trees and split rails, and Martin Luther King Day, when they go skiing. But enjoy your visit anyway!

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