May 1st, or Labor Day as it is commonly known, will see most public establishments and businesses closed for the holiday. However, some will remain open. In Île-de-France, public transportation will operate on a reduced schedule similar to Sundays, with disruptions expected due to demonstrations. On the other hand, outside of Île-de-France, public transport in cities like Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, Nice, Strasbourg and Rennes will be at a standstill.
Nationwide, there are no major disruptions expected in transportation on this day. Trains, planes and buses will run as usual. Additionally, car travel may be easier due to lighter traffic. While May 1st is the only mandatory non-working day according to the Labor Code , some employees in essential services may have to work and will be paid double for their time.
Shopping centers and most stores will be closed on May 1st , including major shopping centers in France and department stores in Paris . However , some small businesses may choose to stay open such as bakeries , butchers , florists . Restaurants , museums and cultural venues may also remain open depending on the location and individual circumstances .
Gyms will mostly be closed but some swimming pools and recreational facilities may be open so it’s advisable to check online or call ahead to confirm . Overall May 1st will be a mix of closures and openings in different sectors with the holiday affecting businesses