On May 1, 2025, the celebration of Labor Day in France resulted in a variety of closures and limited openings across several cities, including Rennes, Lyon, Le Mans, and Caen. As the nation honors workers' rights, many businesses adhere to the tradition of shutting their doors on this significant public holiday, making it a day of rest for most.
In Rennes, only a handful of shops opened their doors for urgent needs. Among the tobacco shops, Bar Tabac Le Saint-Hélier, located at 83, rue Saint-Hélier, was open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Bar Tabac Le 23, at 24, rue Saint-Hélier, welcomed customers from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Tabac Le Chiquito, situated at 16, place Sainte-Anne, operated from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, many other tobacco shops, including Reinitas and La Havane, remained closed all weekend, with some like Le Marigny and La Savane scheduled to reopen on Friday, May 2.
Bakery options were similarly sparse, with only Boulangerie Miravel at 132, rue de Fougères (open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and Boulangerie Feuillette at 35, rue de Bray in Cesson-Sévigné (open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM) serving customers. Most other bakeries, including those under the Augustin and Grand-Père Jules brands, were shuttered for the holiday.
Meanwhile, Carrefour Express on rue de Nantes was one of the few supermarkets operating, open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. In contrast, major shopping centers like Alma and Les Longs-Champs remained closed, as did stores like Leroy Merlin and Decathlon.
Moving to Lyon, the situation mirrored that of Rennes, with many professions seeking the ability to work without facing fines. Since 1946, May 1st has been a mandatory day off, prohibiting salaried work except in certain sectors. Florists, for example, are required to close unless managed by the owner, as seen with the "Jérôme B. Fleuriste" kiosk on Place de la République, which will remain open with only the owner working. "We want to work, but we comply with the rules," an employee noted.
On the other hand, bakeries like "Le pain des Jacobins" chose to remain closed, as they have traditionally done on this holiday, citing a lack of profitability. The law stipulates that employers cannot deduct pay for employees not working on May 1st, with fines of up to 1,500 euros for violations involving minors.
While gas stations with direct payment options remained operational, Lyon's public transport network completely shut down for the day, with no buses, metros, or funiculars in service.
In Le Mans, the majority of businesses also opted for closure on Labor Day. The Auchan hypermarket and Aushopping gallery were among those closed, alongside the Jacobins shopping center and several other major retailers. However, some Carrefour City stores remained open, including those on rue du Port (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and place Washington (9:00 AM to 12:45 PM).
For leisure activities, the Cityglace ice rink opened its doors for a few hours in the afternoon, while the 24 Hours of Le Mans museum welcomed visitors from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Parks and traditional markets, however, continued to operate, providing limited options for those looking to enjoy the holiday.
Caen also experienced widespread closures, with swimming pools, ice rinks, and waste collection centers all inactive on May 1, 2025. The Mondeville 2 shopping center and the Ikea store in Fleury-sur-Orne were completely closed, leaving only restaurants and leisure facilities at Rives de l’Orne open for business.
As for Paris, the trend of closures persisted, with major department stores and shopping centers like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette shutting their doors for the day. Museums, including the Louvre, also closed, while parks and gardens typically remained open for public enjoyment.
Despite the widespread closures, some businesses found ways to operate. Fast-food chains and amusement parks, such as Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, remained open, catering to those looking for entertainment on Labor Day. The Groupement des hôteliers et restauration de France confirmed that employees in restaurants and cafes were permitted to work, allowing for some dining options.
Labor Day in France serves as a reminder of the importance of workers' rights and the ongoing discussions regarding the balance between tradition and the needs of modern society. As many businesses choose to close, the day remains a significant occasion for reflection and recognition of the contributions of workers across various sectors.
In summary, while May 1st is a day of rest for most, some businesses adapt to the holiday's restrictions, providing limited services to those in need. From tobacco shops to select bakeries, the landscape on Labor Day in France is a mix of closure and opportunity, showcasing the complexities of labor laws and cultural practices.
