In a few days time it will be May 1st . If you are travelling in France you need to be wary that this is a very “public holiday”. Shops are closed, transport could be compromised and if you are in Paris particularly you may even encounter a few student protests (if you are on the Left Bank).
Last April Mike and Sue from Christchurch were staying at our apartment in the Latin Quarter and having an enjoyable time touring Paris and visiting the shops. Mike would be termed a middle aged man with impeccable taste in clothing whose wardrobe often reflects journeys to international destinations or at least stylish menswear shops! Rodd & Gunn, Zara, French Connection etc. Staying in our apartment he enjoyed the proximity of Boulevard St Germain and the menswear shops that are prolific. Over the course of the week Mike checked out all the latest fashions, and was lining up an impressive wardrobe to take back home to New Zealand. He had worked out some key items of clothing that were going to become the centre piece of life back home – suede loafers matched with a light blue linen jacket, and an ideal matching shirt (probably with double cuffs knowing him!).
Great Sue, I’ve got my wardrobe sorted now, I’ll shoot out tomorrow morning (our last day in Paris) and buy it all in one fell swoop – they might even give me a discount! Then I’m done. Perfect!
Sadly for Mike shopping day arrived and it was 1st May. Not one shop open! No chance to buy his new season’s wardrobe, and Sue too missed out on some well sourced shoes! But you still look pretty good Mike parading around the edge of the cricket grounds of Christchurch despite it! You’ll just have to go back to Paris when the shops are open!
So if you happen to be in Paris for 1st May please be mindful that the shops are closed, but also getting taxis will be more difficult, so if you are leaving from the airport plan your travel carefully.
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