One of our 4 days in Paris falls on May 1. We are trying to figure out what might be open that is on our list of "must sees". I'm assuming all of the museums are closed. What about Notre Dame? How about Sacre-Coeur? I have also seen posted here something about avoiding a certain area on that day due to demonstrators??? Thanks for all the help. R.

Topping, as I really need your help.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is on May 1? I was there during a big holiday, so instead of the usual stuff, we went to Paris Chinatown. Only a few stores were closed. Being Chinese, myself, I knew that Chinese businesses rarely close! It was a neat experience.

I was in Provence France last year on May 1. I would think most of the tourist things would still be open that day and of course restaurants.

Most of the museums, churches, etc will be open. Most stores, however, will be closed.

May 1st is International Labor Day, which is observed all over the world in most countries, I think (the only major countries I know where it isn't are the US, Canada and South Africa--strangely, I guess the US thinks it too socialist). It is one of the biggest holidays of the year as far as things being closed because, of course, it is a holiday for workers, even in China. <BR><BR>I haven't been there, but I expect some tourist-dependent things will be open as they always want to make a buck (I mean small places that sell things to tourists and some restaurants).<BR><BR>Museums will not be open. I've never known one yet that was open on Labor Day; I know the major ones always list that as a closing day in their schedule (such as the Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, etc.). I would think churches would be your best bet as they don't really depend on labor much, if the doors are open, you just walk in and walk around, aside from organized tours, but I'm guessing. The Eiffel Tower is one place that I think is open literally every day of the year because it's a private enterprise; I imagine it will be packed because of that, but it's an option.<BR><BR>As far as demonstrators, I'm not sure the area you are thinking of, from what I've read in the past, I think they tend to be on the Right Bank in various areas because that has the most businesses, the big stores, the Bourse, etc., so that's where they demonstrate/protest for workers.

Most everything is closed - banks, stores, small shops, museums and government offices will be closed. However, there's all kinds of outdoor activities - street musicians, mimes, shows, parade - all kinds of fun stuff. The parks should be great. Some restaurants closed but many open. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

Actually, from reviewing some info for another post (on Giverny), it appears to me that some things (like monuments) outside Paris are more likely to be open than in Paris. Giverny appears to be open if you check the Parisvision tour date, so that's an idea (their web site doesn't say they are closed that day, either). I checked another place I like for an easy day trip and it seems to be open, also -- the Chateau de Chantilly. That would be a really nice day trip, it's easy to get to on the train. Versailles is closed, though, it appears from their calendar.

Thanks for all of the advice. We may just do all of our walking/looking that day. Maybe a picnic. I think we will try Sacre-Coeur.

I e-mailed Giverny and the Monet house and gardens are open May 1st.

R. You want to avoid the local culture?
Why travel?