May Day 2026 protest in Paris: here’s the route.

Every May 1st, there are numerous demonstrations across France to mark Labour Day and International Workers' Day.

Why is May 1st a public holiday in France? History and origins
This year, May 1st falls on a Friday! But do you know why this day is a public holiday in France? Are you familiar with the history and origins of Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day? Here’s the story. [Read more]

This year, the trade union front (CGT, FSU, Solidaires, the student union Unef, and the Union of Students) plans a united demonstration under the banner of "peace" and "freedom." " May 1st is OUR day, the International Workers’ Day, the only public holiday that is paid, celebrated in 163 countries. It’s the mobilization that won it for us more than a century ago and kept it alive just a few days ago, even as Macronist allies on the right and the far right tried to push through a law to force 1.4 million workers to work that day. Our protests this year will be an opportunity to celebrate this victory and to solemnly warn politicians and employers: we will not TOUCH May 1st", the unions state in a press release published on April 23.

Moreover, the unions also plan to take advantage of this May Day to "protest against the cost of living, to demand that our work be properly compensated", but also "for peace, in solidarity with the millions of workers who are under bombardment", and finally to "demand prospects for progress".

Remember, last year’s May Day protests drew about 157,000 participants across France, including 32,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry. The CGT, for its part, put the turnout at 300,000, with 100,000 in the capital.

• To be read
• Why is May 1st a public holiday in France? History and origins
• News and information from this web Monday May 11, 2026 s in Paris and the Île-de-France region
• Metro and RER updates: closures, work, and demonstrations in Paris this Monday May 11, 2026

May Day 2026 protest in Paris: here's the route

The procession is set to kick off this Friday, May 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. from the Place de la République in the 11th arrondissement of the capital, before taking the Boulevard Voltaire, crossing the Place Léon Blum, turning back onto Boulevard Voltaire, and heading to the Place de la Nation, the final gathering point of this large event.

Moreover, to ensure the smooth running of this demonstration, the Paris Police Prefecture has issued a provisional order temporarily modifying parking on certain roads in the 10th, 11th and 12th arrondissements of the capital. metro stations are also closed this Friday from 12:00.

The May Day demonstration in Paris is not only an annual tradition but also a focal point for expressing current social and political concerns. This new unified march promises a large turnout, reflecting the tensions and aspirations of French society.

May Day march in Paris: 11 metro stations closed this Friday from noon.
This May 1, 2026, Labor Day, a large demonstration organized by the inter-union coalition is under way in the streets of Paris. The consequence? RATP has announced the closure of several metro stations. Here’s more on the four metro lines involved and the 11 stations affected by these disruptions. [Read more]

May Day demonstration in Paris: parking restrictions in the capital
Each year on May 1, Labour Day, an inter-union demonstration takes to the streets of Paris. To ensure the smooth running of this major gathering, parking restrictions are announced along the route. Here’s the update. [Read more]