holidays May 1 & May 6
 

We are planning a trip to Paris sometime in May. I understand May 1 and May 6 are holidays there. What major tourist attractions are closed on those days.

I'm not sure what holiday is on May 1 or 6, 2000, but I do know on June 1, 2000 Ascension Day is celebrated all over Europe and NOTHING is open, with the exception of some pubs and restaurants. Last year is was on May 13th, and while in Brugge with friends, they took the fast train to Paris for the day. They were quite disappointed to find everything was closed. They particularly wanted to see the Louve, and by the way, it is always closed on Tuesdays, that was the one day we were there several years ago.

May 1 is Fete du Travail (May Day, or equivalent to our Labor Day). May 8 (not 6) is Fete de la Liberation, which is a war memorial day (someone with better knowledge of history can help me out). Most attractions and many stores will be closed on those days. Phone ahead.

Bob; May 1st is celebrated with lillies of the valley everywhere for sale and on display. I was there last year and while many stores had shortened hours many were open along with many restaurants and cafes. May 1st is on a monday this year and many museums and monuments are closed anyway. A good resource to determine which monuments and museum might be open is the fodors guide to Paris. May 8th is a much bigger deal being labor day so expect only some small neighborhood stores to be open like our conveniences stores. WE usually stock up for a picnic early am. You can also acess www.paris.org for official tourist info.

May 8th is VE day ... Victory in Europe for WWII.

John- Yikes!!! I am embarassed at my date faux pas!! My dad would crucify me for confusing labor day with VE day.Thanks for the correction.

Hi Bob, <BR>We were in Paris May 1 1999 and it was a wonderful experience!! Everyone in Paris was out enjoying the holiday.Buskers & artists were on every corner and in most carriages of the Metro. Very entertaining!! However the Louvre and other sites were pretty crowded. Sacre Coeur and the Artists Square were packed. I'm not sure what museums will be closed in 2000 but restaurants etc. were doing a marvellous trade in '99. We had a great day.

On May 1st morning, there is a nice military parad on the Champs Elyses.