Does any one know if the Louvre will be closed on May 1st? I know it is a French holiday and would like to know in advance of getting there if it will be closed. What about other museums? Thanks.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Yes it is closed on May 1st, probably most of the museums are. That's the day for doing other things, gardens etc. Be advised that the French Communist Party (yes there still is one) likes to hold demonstrations that day and it can really muck up the works transportation wise. You can do a work around just be aware that getting from A to B may take a bit longer. Peaceful demonstrations by the by but who needs that nonsense.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
It isn't nonsense that in a free country workers are permitted to parade and demonstrate on May 1st. It will only slightly inconvenience you and may help you pass the day to watch the goings-on. We were in Paris last May 1st and did not consider what we saw nonsense, but then, we live in Montreal, a city of activists and of relative tolerance. We attended a concert at Eglise de la Madeleine that evening, so some events still take place on Labour Day.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Oh, and P.S. We also still have a Communist Party in Canada.
Posted by
Krems, Wachau, Austria
386 posts
Yes, the Louvre is closed for the holiday of May 1st, which is not only the European Labor Day with very proud traditions pertaining to workers rights, but also a cultural holiday going back to pagan times.
Norma has a good point: consider that the now internationally accepted eight hour work day is a result of workers demonstrating for their rights on May Day.
Posted by
OP
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Thanks to everyone who answered my question! We'll just spend that day strolling in parks and soaking up atmosphere. Thanks again.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
Be sure to check the Louvre's website. I was there on May 1st last year, and I thought it was open. Their website states dates of closure.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Kathy, the Promenade Plantée, near Place de la Bastille, might be a nice place for a walk if the weather is fine.
Posted by
OP
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Do you think most bistros and cafes will be closed too? Surely something will remain open, no?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Few people remember that May Day as a celebration of organized labor began in the United States.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
Kathy, there will be plenty of cafes and bistros open. There are a few that close, but you probably won't notice. Unfortunately, everything will be more crowded -- not just on May 1st, but for the entire weekend since May 1 is on a Friday. It is incredible how many people crowd into Paris for that holiday!
Posted by
Krems, Wachau, Austria
386 posts
Doug is right. The Haymarket Massacre in Chicago, 1886.
I didn't have much time to write when I posted, I am glad you ended up mentioning it.