We have learned over the years that May is a perilous time to be traveling in France. May Day, VE Day, Mother's Day, and, depending on the Judaeo-Christian foodie (feast) calendar, Assumption Day,* maybe even Pentecost, all can occur in May, all national holidays: no buses, no trams, no trains, not even taxis in some places. The French love May: as many as four or even five faires les ponts--bridge days, where a national holiday is appropriated to make a three-, four-, or five-day weekend. We have learned to plan ahead, including meals (closures) and tours (crowds), to schedule around them, and, to the extent possible, to enjoy them. Such was May Day here in Nice. Traditionally associated with the world's communist parties, it is now simply Labor Day, a day for the unions, a spectacle not to be missed, especially the May Day parade. We headed for the Place de Massena, the parade starting point, and, while not impressed, we were not disappointed.
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| Nice day for a parade |
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| OK, it's not the Tournament of Roses... |
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It's about a 2 hour walk from central Nice to the airport; almost entirely
along the Promenade des Anglais, so at least it's scenic, and there are
refreshments along the way...here and there... |
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| Sign of the times |
*or possibly Ascension Day
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