The public holiday of May 1 in France sees wide extended stops, which means that it can be a good idea to supply in advance. This is what will be open and what will remain closed.
May 1 is one of the 11 holidays that France marks every year (or 13 for those who live in the historical region of Alsace -Lorraine), but it is the most likely that companies are closed.
For some great institutions, May 1 and December 25 are the only holidays for which they close.
Also read what on May really means for the French
The reason for this is simple: because May 1 is Fête du travail or workers’ holidays, the bosses are obliged to pay twice as much staff if they work on this day. In all other holidays, employees who work are legally entitled with the right only to an additional free day instead.
The only exceptions to this rule as ‘essential workers’, such as hospital or prison staff and emergency workers.
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Companies, especially independent companies, often choose to close the day, and you are likely to find options if you want to buy or eat or drink.
Stores
Most independent stores close on May 1, which this year falls on Thursday. Supermarkets too, often close completely, although some stores can be opened with shorter hours than normal (only in the morning, for example).
Some Boulangerías Open only in the morning, although you can see less open this year after the authorities made some repression last year and fined Boulangerías It was discovered that they were open on May 1 without paying their staff more.
In summary, it is better to make sure to have at least a little food, just in case.
One thing you will see for sale is MUGUET Flores: The small white flowers are sold widely on May 1, since they believe they bring good luck. Often, these will be in temporary street stalls, to which the government gives a special dispensation to operate on May 1, of them are led by beneficial organizations of left -wing organizations with procedures that go to the organization.
Bars, restaurants and cafes
Hospitality companies in popular tourist areas or large cities can decide that it is worth opening and taking advantage of tourists on May 1, while those in smaller places are more likely to remain closed.
In summary, see in advance if you have plans for a meal or to meet with friends to have a drink.
Tourist attractions and leisure activities
Leisure centers and pools generally close on May 1 and many tourist attractions also do so. The Louvre will close, but this year the Eiffel and Disneyland tower remain open, in summary, verify before going anywhere.
If you are worried about being bored, you could join one of the demonstrations that take place in the city of the city and the cities of May 1, marking the roots of the holidays as a political event of the left.
Offices, banks and schools
Almost all offices close on May 1, just like banks. Public administration offices also close.
If on May 1 it falls on a Thursday, as this year, the offices can decide “close” the holidays and close on Friday too.
Schools also close and, once again, some schools decide to give their students (and teachers) on Friday too.
Public transport
Public transport works as normal, Althehegh in cities there are less common services, more like a Sunday schedule.
Buses, trains and airplanes work normally, although railway unions are currently blocked in a salary dispute, they are currently directed to the weekend of May 8 for strike actions, so May 1 services should be normal.
Emergency services
Most doctors and dentists’ Cabinets It will be closed on May 1 and if you have any children’s or non -urgent medical procedure for May 1, it is worth verifying with the clinic before making the trip, in case the date of the appointment is an error.
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Emergency services function as normal, with hospitals that are open. There are also medical services outside your medical services, such as urgent care centers and the call system of the SOS Médecins house.
How to obtain non -emergency medical treatment in France
French pharmacies operate the Garde Pharmacie The system, whereby a pharmacy in each area remains open to fill the recipes and allow people to obtain medical advice: find their place doing a search on the Internet ‘Garde Pharmacie‘In addition to the name of his commune.
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