May Day In Lyon

May first is Labor Day (Fête du Travail) in France.  It is a public holiday and the only day of the year when employees are legally obliged to be given leave (with the exception of some professions that cannot be interrupted, hospitals, police and fire departments for example).  In Lyon there is no public transport today - no buses, no metro, no tram, not even the funicular to get up Fourviere hill. 

The large commercial centers near us, Les Halles Paul Bocuse and Le Centre Commerical, are closed, and most restaurants, cafes, and boulangeries are also closed. David and Roger decided to take advantage of the quiet, largely deserted streets and bike paths to go for a bike ride.  It is incredibly quiet in our neighborhood!

In the past local trade unions in Lyon have organized parades to celebrate the day. I haven’t heard anything yet, but it’s early in the day.  

Our Muguets

In France, May Day is also referred to as La Fête du Muguet (Lily-of-the-Valley Day), as people traditionally give bouquets to loved ones. Why? Well, this tradition goes back to 1561 when King Charles IX of France was given lily-of-the- valley flowers as a present on May 1st. Legend has it that he liked them so much that he decided to present lily-of-the-valley flowers to the ladies of his court each year on May 1st.  Leading up to May 1st, les Muguets can be found for sale in many, many places from grocery stores to street corners. It's a lovely tradition, and we make sure to get some every year when we're in Lyon.  This time we bought ours at our favorite flower and plant stall in our local marché.

So, although les Muguets have no relationship with labor and workers, the French make the tradition work.  It's a delightful combination!