Labor Day in Paris
Mar 24th, 2017, 11:50 AM
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Labor Day in Paris
We will be in Paris April 24-May 2. We didn't realize May 1 was a holiday when we planned our trip. Any recommendations of what we should do that day or what to expect? Thanks!
This is our first time to Europe from the US so any other must see/do/eat/pack recommendations are welcomed as well!
This is our first time to Europe from the US so any other must see/do/eat/pack recommendations are welcomed as well!
Mar 24th, 2017, 11:58 AM
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Mar 24th, 2017, 12:01 PM
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Eat croissants for breakfast. You could then spend the day strolling along the river Seine, Champs-Élysées, Concorde, Latin Quarter, Montmarte district etc. Go to a museum after lunch. Check out the red light district after dinner.
Mar 24th, 2017, 12:32 PM
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It's a holiday almost all over the world, at least in Europe and even other continents.
It's just a holiday. But it is one of the ones where many museums will close (stores also, of course).
No, most museums are not open on May 1st, it isn't like a Sunday. It is one of the major holidays of the year where museums close (May 1st, Christmas and NY day). I don't know of any museum open that day.
Just do something other than planning a museum or big shopping trip in grand dept. stores.
It's just a holiday. But it is one of the ones where many museums will close (stores also, of course).
No, most museums are not open on May 1st, it isn't like a Sunday. It is one of the major holidays of the year where museums close (May 1st, Christmas and NY day). I don't know of any museum open that day.
Just do something other than planning a museum or big shopping trip in grand dept. stores.
Mar 24th, 2017, 12:56 PM
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The parades usually involve Republique, Nation and/or Bastille and can be festive affairs with music, food wagons and all that stuff. . . if "ruffians" don't get involved. Buses that pass through these areas will be rerouted or scratched.
Mar 24th, 2017, 01:45 PM
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If the Eiffel Tower is open on Sunday May 1, and if it is one of the few sites open - you may see a "record" crowd. We were in Paris on May 1 once about 20 years ago (not a Sunday, however) and almost nothing was open.
I think Disneyland is open!!
Stu Dudley
I think Disneyland is open!!
Stu Dudley
Mar 24th, 2017, 02:43 PM
#11
Besides the Eiffel Tower, the bâteaux mouches and the other Seine cruises, there are a huge number of things to do in Paris on May 1st.
Obviously all of 'active' churches will be open (meaning <b>not</b> the Sainte Chapelle and other deconsecrated places), and it is a great day to go to a park for a picnic. As I recall, the last two May Days were cold and rainy, so we are due for a warm and sunny one... maybe. Besides the fabulous parks for picnicking inside the city (notably the Buttes Chaumont, Montsouris, Parc André Citroën or Parc de la Villette -- places where children run around, play ball, and people sunbathe, uncork several bottles of wine, take out their frisbees, etc. -- in other words not the stifling places like the Luxembourg or the Tuileries), you can also go to the outlying green spaces like the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne. The adventurous might even take the RER to the remarkable gardens and terrace of Saint Germain-en-Laye. If it is sunny, they'll all be full of people, but that's part of the fun.
Don't forget that the right bank expressway is now <b>permanently</b> closed to traffic and is an excellent place to walk and admire the Seine and the buildings along it. A large number of picnic tables have been installed along the old roadway.
If you like a good old fashioned (but huge) carnival full of more thrill rides than you ever imagined, the Foire du Trône will be in full swing in the Bois de Vincennes (metro or tramway 'Porte Dorée'), and May 1st is the night that they have a huge fireworks show.
Nothing wrong with going to Disneyland if you want... there is no time when it is empty of visitors.
I never think of 'huge' crowds everywhere on this day since it is a major holiday in just about every country, and the great majority of locals are happy just to relax at home.
Obviously all of 'active' churches will be open (meaning <b>not</b> the Sainte Chapelle and other deconsecrated places), and it is a great day to go to a park for a picnic. As I recall, the last two May Days were cold and rainy, so we are due for a warm and sunny one... maybe. Besides the fabulous parks for picnicking inside the city (notably the Buttes Chaumont, Montsouris, Parc André Citroën or Parc de la Villette -- places where children run around, play ball, and people sunbathe, uncork several bottles of wine, take out their frisbees, etc. -- in other words not the stifling places like the Luxembourg or the Tuileries), you can also go to the outlying green spaces like the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne. The adventurous might even take the RER to the remarkable gardens and terrace of Saint Germain-en-Laye. If it is sunny, they'll all be full of people, but that's part of the fun.
Don't forget that the right bank expressway is now <b>permanently</b> closed to traffic and is an excellent place to walk and admire the Seine and the buildings along it. A large number of picnic tables have been installed along the old roadway.
If you like a good old fashioned (but huge) carnival full of more thrill rides than you ever imagined, the Foire du Trône will be in full swing in the Bois de Vincennes (metro or tramway 'Porte Dorée'), and May 1st is the night that they have a huge fireworks show.
Nothing wrong with going to Disneyland if you want... there is no time when it is empty of visitors.
I never think of 'huge' crowds everywhere on this day since it is a major holiday in just about every country, and the great majority of locals are happy just to relax at home.
