May Day in Paris, what to expect.
 

Hi! We arrive via train into Paris on May 1 and can't wait!! Does anyone know if I should expect large crowds that day? Are all stores closed, we'd like to get a bottle of wine, some cheese and such for the fridge! Are the usual tourist sites open, museums etc.<BR>Thanks for all of your help!

that is one of the biggest holidays of the year in terms of things being closed because it is Labor Day. I don't know about small corner grocery stores, but museums etc are closed, and larger stores. The Eiffel Tower may be open, I think it always is.

I arrived on May 1, 2001 and by the time I got out of my apartment at noon, the shops were closed (on rue Cler) and the grocery store was closing at 1:00pm. I was able to pick up a few items at the grocery but the Cafe du Marche on rue Cler was open for dinner. I assume you will be able to find a cafe open. I did not check out tourist sites, just wandered around my area.

Lots of things will be closed, but small grocery stores that sell wine will probably be open, depending on what neighborhood you're in.<BR><BR>The wonderful thing is that there will be many people on street corners selling muguet (lily of the valley). Buy some and take it back to your room--it will make the room smell divine!<BR>

Elle:<BR>May 1st and Muguet!!! ahhhh!! I remember all the places that I have bought Muguet and one Chateau that gave us a bunch on May Day!<BR><BR>irishdame: Many stores will be closed and all governmernt offices.

what are suggestions for things to do on May Day?

We also were looking for things to do on May 1 a couple of years ago while in Paris, Sacre Coeur was open as were any of the churches in Paris, we just wandered around the Monmartre area which was in a very festive mood that day, we had a great time but were almost a victim of a pickpocket so be very careful. Paris will indeed be very crowded especially if the weather is nice so be even MORE aware of what is going on around you. Have a great time, Deborah

I think a walking tour of Montmartre is a good suggestion. I recommend the tour in Thirza Vallois' Around and About in Paris, Volume Three.

Last May 1, I took the Paris Walks tour of Pere Lachaise cemetery. I really enjoyed it. <BR><BR>I'm not usually a fan of tours, but it helped so much in the huge cemetery. If I'd have gone on my own with a map I'd of looked around a bit, not seen anything and left frustrated after an hour of seeing nothing. With a tour I was able to see a whole lot more.<BR><BR>http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ParisWalking/

ttt

This thread has some more suggestions for things to do on May 1:<BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...earchText=May+