Dear Guests,
Welcome to Studio Paris 16! We hope you will have an unforgettable stay in our beautiful capital.
If you happen to be in Paris on Friday, May 1st, 2026, we have a very important "shopping red alert" for you.
In France, Labor Day (May 1st) is a highly respected public holiday. This means that almost all major shops, department stores, and large shopping centers will be closed.
To save you from facing closed doors, we have summarized the situation and prepared your host's best recommendations for experiencing a "true Parisian" May 1st.
❌ These major stores will all be CLOSED
According to information from Sortiraparis, the following popular shopping spots will not be open on May 1st:
The 4 historic department stores: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Printemps Haussmann, La Samaritaine, and Le Bon Marché.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées: Most stores, including the Galeries Lafayette flagship.
Major shopping centers: Le BHV Marais, Westfield Forum des Halles, Passage du Havre, Bercy Village, and Beaugrenelle (the closest shopping center to our studio).
Your host's tip: This day is absolutely not the right time to plan a major shopping spree!
✅ Our suggestions for a "French-style May 1st"
Since the stores are closed, why not take this day to slow down, just like the Parisians? Here are the alternatives carefully prepared by Studio Paris 16:
1. Buy a sprig of "Lily of the Valley" (Muguet)
This is THE big French tradition for May 1st! You will see many private sellers and vendors on the streets of Paris selling these small, highly fragrant white bell-shaped flowers. Tradition says that Lily of the Valley brings good luck. Buy a sprig to scent the studio or give it to your travel companion, and taste the purest French romance!
2. Stroll through Parisian parks
While stores close, parks remain open. The 16th arrondissement, where our studio is located, is full of beautiful green spaces. You can head to the famous Bois de Boulogne for a walk, row a boat, and enjoy the spring sun, or choose a smaller, more intimate square to recharge.
3. Find an open neighborhood cafe
Although major restaurant chains might be closed, in lively or touristy areas (like Montmartre or around Notre-Dame), some charming corner cafes or local brasseries may remain open with adjusted hours. Sitting on a terrace, sipping a coffee, and watching the Lily of the Valley vendors animate the streets is a unique Parisian experience.
4. Buy your groceries the day before (Very important!)
To ensure your comfort at the studio on the holiday, we highly recommend doing some grocery shopping the day before, on Thursday, April 30th. Remember to pick up your breakfast, snacks, and drinks at a nearby supermarket (like Monoprix or Franprix), as most grocery stores will also be closed on May 1st.
The entire Studio Paris 16 team wishes you a unique, relaxing, and authentic Labor Day holiday! If you have any questions or need specific walking route ideas, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Wishing you a wonderful stay in Paris!
The Studio Paris 16 Team
