We can arrive in Paris in the evening of 30 April or earlier that day, as needed. If we arrive late and wait until 1 May to do things like add a Carte Orange Mensuel to our Navigo cards and buy groceries. Will the Metro guichets be reasonably well staffed on 1 May? Will markets like Franprix or Monoprix be open at least some hours then?

All transportation will be on a weekend/holiday schedule.

In October, a number of guichets in "neighborhood" stations weren't staffed outside commuting hours on weekdays and not at all on weekends, a huge change from our last visit 18 months before.

I would guess you would not have a problem at the big junction stations likie Chatelet-Les Halles.

IIRC, some of the Franprix and Monoprix ministores were open in the morning on May 1 but not the regular supermarkets. Cafes generally open, sometimes not til late morning, restaurants not.

If you can arrive earlier on the 30th, it would not be a bad idea.

Lots of metro stations aren't staffed on holidays, even some of the ones I wouldn't call "neighborhood" stations.

"Cafes generally open, sometimes not til late morning, restaurants not."


I was not aware that restaurants would be closed on May 1st. Is this the case across the city or just in more residential ( not touristy) neighborhoods? I assume one can eat dinner at a cafe?

By "cafes" I generally mean places with tables on the street and inside, the kinds of places with red awnings. These are open every day, though they may open later on Sundays and holidays.

Brasseries (bars with food), chains (Leon de Bruxelles et al) and places in entertainment districts (not necessarily the same as tourist districts) are almost certain to be open.

The "typical Parisian restaurant" we all hope to find (owner-operated, menu on a blackboard, white table cloths, atmosphere and charm) are not likely to be open.

All this is in my experience. Your mileage may vary.

I should also have noted that there may be minor disruptions in transportation (routes closed, routes excessively crowded) owing to political rallies and parades. It won't spoil your day. Of course, if you see the Republican Guard in body armor, it is time to go in the other direction!