I made the mistake of going to Paris the weekend of Pentecost last year. The crowds were incredible. So next May I have noticed that the week of May 14th has the Ascension holiday. Does anyone know if this is a date I should avoid? Merci

Can't imagine why Pentecost would have brought travelers to Paris. France is a Catholic country, but largely non-observant.

I imagine it's just that they have some time off, so they take a long weekend for a holiday that's all. It isn't due to religious reasons, just having free time.

IN 2012, Ascension falls on a Thursday, which does give workers time to take a very long weekend if they take Friday off, which many may do.

So I haven't been there on that date, but I think it's not the specific date or holiday but those type of conditions which can lead to more crowds than usual. If this is a big problem for you and you can avoid it, I'd choose another week.

May has up to 4 holidays depending on the year -- the 1st, the 8th, Ascension and Pentecost Monday.

If the holidays fall on a Friday or a Monday, Paris will be busy for sure -- and also if they fall on a Thursday or a Tuesday, when many French workers will take a day off to make a longer "pont" (bridge).

But really, the problem is not the French tourists -- most of the provincial French avoid Paris like poison. What you have to watch out for are the other countries that also have the day off, because they all flood into Paris. May 1st, if I am not mistaken, is a holiday everywhere except the UK and the Netherlands. May 8th is big in Benelux but not Germany (for obvious reasons)... Check the internet!

"IN 2012, Ascension falls on a Thursday, which does give workers time to take a very long weekend if they take Friday off, which many may do."

Oddly enough, Ascension Thursday usually falls on a Thursday. Forty days after Easter. And yes, it is a long weekend with the Friday 'pont' which many people take.

In May avoid Labor Day (May 1) and I believe the Ascension (?) - the middle of the month. We were there one year and a bunch if places were closed.