Question on National Holiday in France

[Ron & Kristy]

We will be in Le Havre on May 8, 2024 on the Pearl. This is a national holiday, VE Day. Does anyone know how this will affect businesses, transportation, etc? Thank you.

[KeithJenner]

I don’t have recent first hand experience of being in France during public holidays, but I think your biggest issue would be around transportation as services are likely to be running on reduced levels. Usually Public holiday services are similar to Sundays. Most services should be running but they will likely be a lot less regular (ie services that may run every 30 minutes usually may only be one an hour). It is possible that some less used services may not run at all.

 

Most tourist areas are likely to be open, but may be busier due to locals being off work. Shops are likely to be a bit hit and miss, with those in tourist areas more likely to be open for the same reason as those places are busy,

 

if there is something you specifically want to do then check whether it is open, whether they are holding any special holiday events that may make them particularly busy, and what your transport services are running.

 

Basically, planning is more important. You are much more likely to run into reduced services or bigger crowds, and you don’t want to find that the train that would normally get you back to the ship just in time isn’t running.

[marazul]

@Ron & Kristy

There will be parades in the morning and laying of wreaths at the soldiers' memorials. Sreets will be closed for the parade.  Everything will return to normal after that or follow a Sunday schedule. Some towns may have special events in the afternoon, especislly on big anniversary years of important events.

Google "[name of town] tourism" to find the tourist office. They will have a calendar of events foe the year.