You must have many many stories waiting to be told! This information is new to me but I have never travelled in France on May 1st. Very interesting and styled with your humor makes it memorable ! Merci😊
The bakery issue has sure been in the news a lot this year. We have one semi-industrial bakery chain based in Aveyron that is always open every single day of the year, but I see they will be closed tomorrow.
I generally agree with that -- people can do without their bread -- but I do feel rather sorry for the florists.
As for family and friends helping, as a legal assistant I would not recommend that! Depending on who is helping and the type of business, that could be illegal as well.
Things are a little bit different this year. They should try and change the legislation even if only to help out bakers and florists.
As for business owners getting help from relatives or friends, it's tolerated and referred to as "entraide familiale." Of course this only works if the business owner's relatives help out only occasionally, voluntarily and don't get paid. -- My comment in the story was un peu facetious too. ;-)
I think entraide familiale works if you are an “entrepreneur individuel” but if you are incorporated, unless your spouse is declared as a “conjoint collaborateur”, having anyone work for you onsite won’t stand up in court, in case of an accident especially. At least that’s what my lawyer husband always tells his clients! However he works in agriculture, so these rules may be part of the “code rural” only.
I should know better after visiting Paris almost annually for over 20 years but…my sister and I are arriving tomorrow evening, May 1. We should get to our rental off rue Cler around 6pm. I’m guessing no restaurants will be open so maybe I’ll pick up a couple of sandwiches at the airport, and I’ll be bringing some Nespresso pods from home because one needs coffee first thing in the morning after that flight (I’m coming from the West Coast). Oh well, maybe I’ll be able to snag a bouquet of muguet on Friday, 5/2, at a discount?
A few years ago I was in charge of organizing a trip to France with my husband and a friend. I scheduled us to arrive and have our first fun-filled day on … May 1. I didn’t remotely factor in everything being closed! Thankfully the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a lovely, peaceful stroll through the very quiet streets of Lyon. Finding restaurants was more of a challenge, but it all worked out. And I will always remember May 1. So will my travel partners!
Enjoyed the history lesson on your May lst rules and regulations. If you are a traveler, it's a day you plan to walk around your neighborhood in Paris. If you need public transportation, sounds like it could be an issue for 24 hours. Thanks for sharing....always!
Public transportation will work in Paris. Fortunately for me I can walk from Gare Montparnasse to my hotel when I arrive in the morning and will keep busy in the neighborhood most of the day.
A little break for the tour guide!
You must have many many stories waiting to be told! This information is new to me but I have never travelled in France on May 1st. Very interesting and styled with your humor makes it memorable ! Merci😊
81 degrees Fahrenheit in Paris today!?
Same in Tours and warmer tomorrow
I love all of France, and all of the holidays, but most of all, May 1.
For any of the reasons listed in this story? All of them?
All of them that you listed and I am glad the stores are closed...for one day. :)
The bakery issue has sure been in the news a lot this year. We have one semi-industrial bakery chain based in Aveyron that is always open every single day of the year, but I see they will be closed tomorrow.
I generally agree with that -- people can do without their bread -- but I do feel rather sorry for the florists.
As for family and friends helping, as a legal assistant I would not recommend that! Depending on who is helping and the type of business, that could be illegal as well.
Things are a little bit different this year. They should try and change the legislation even if only to help out bakers and florists.
As for business owners getting help from relatives or friends, it's tolerated and referred to as "entraide familiale." Of course this only works if the business owner's relatives help out only occasionally, voluntarily and don't get paid. -- My comment in the story was un peu facetious too. ;-)
I think entraide familiale works if you are an “entrepreneur individuel” but if you are incorporated, unless your spouse is declared as a “conjoint collaborateur”, having anyone work for you onsite won’t stand up in court, in case of an accident especially. At least that’s what my lawyer husband always tells his clients! However he works in agriculture, so these rules may be part of the “code rural” only.
let them eat cake but bring me my lilies of the valley. :)
Funny. I thought about the infamous "Let them eat cake!" expression while writing the story Bonnie.
merci!
Thank you for this info presented with style & humor🌟
Thank you for reading my little story and taking the time to leave a comment.
I should know better after visiting Paris almost annually for over 20 years but…my sister and I are arriving tomorrow evening, May 1. We should get to our rental off rue Cler around 6pm. I’m guessing no restaurants will be open so maybe I’ll pick up a couple of sandwiches at the airport, and I’ll be bringing some Nespresso pods from home because one needs coffee first thing in the morning after that flight (I’m coming from the West Coast). Oh well, maybe I’ll be able to snag a bouquet of muguet on Friday, 5/2, at a discount?
Paris is not France. You might find more eateries open there. :-)
J’espère trouver un petit supermarché ou un restaurant qui sont ouvert; on va voir. Mais je serai à Paris et en France, tout s’arrangera.
Your writing is a nice vacation
Awww. That's a nice compliment. Thank you.
Ah, muguet…. That brings back great memories when that perfume was so popular in the 70s. Lovely phrase, brin de muguet. Merci, Véro!
It is a lovely phrase, Marcelle, you are right. The Lily of the Valley scent is a bit old-fashioned. My grandmother used to love it.
In Belgium, we always gave un brin de muguet to loved ones. As far as the boulangeries, I’m guessing they would make good money if they were open… 🥖
That's precisely why some boulangers might try and stay open tomorrow (and risk a fine.)
A few years ago I was in charge of organizing a trip to France with my husband and a friend. I scheduled us to arrive and have our first fun-filled day on … May 1. I didn’t remotely factor in everything being closed! Thankfully the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a lovely, peaceful stroll through the very quiet streets of Lyon. Finding restaurants was more of a challenge, but it all worked out. And I will always remember May 1. So will my travel partners!
I am sure you will Betsy. They say there are two months in France when no business deals stand a chance of going through: May and August.
Enjoyed the history lesson on your May lst rules and regulations. If you are a traveler, it's a day you plan to walk around your neighborhood in Paris. If you need public transportation, sounds like it could be an issue for 24 hours. Thanks for sharing....always!
Public transportation will work in Paris. Fortunately for me I can walk from Gare Montparnasse to my hotel when I arrive in the morning and will keep busy in the neighborhood most of the day.