November 11th: Which Stores and Services Can Open on this Public Holiday?

This Tuesday, November 11th, the day of commemoration of the armistice of 1918, is a public holiday. Although most administrations are closed, some stores are opening their doors. We take stock.

This Tuesday 11th November is a public holiday in France. In many cities, commemorations of the armistice of 1918 and the end of the First World War are held and most shop curtains are closed. Who can open this day? Who stays closed? We take stock.

Shops

During the eleven public holidays in France each year, businesses can sometimes be closed, even if they are not necessarily unemployed (except for May 1). Non-working days are generally defined by a company agreement, a convention or a sector agreement. However, many department stores decide to open their doors. Thus, in Paris, many department stores are open, such as Galeries Lafayette, BHV or Samaritaine. In Rennes, the Alma center is open, as well as the Colombia center. In Nantes, the Atlantis and Beaulieu centers are opening their doors.

Food establishments (supermarkets, bakeries, etc.) can open this Tuesday. The same goes for cafes and restaurants, which can open on public holidays. To avoid finding yourself in front of a closed door, it is however advisable to contact the establishment by telephone in advance.

Pharmacy hours may vary during public holidays and some may choose not to open. Like Sunday, you can find the on-call pharmacy closest to you as well as its opening hours on the Health Insurance website.

Schools and administrations

Schools and universities are closed this Tuesday. The same goes for libraries. As for administrations, many do not open their doors. For example, the prefectures are mostly closed this Tuesday, as are the family allowance funds (Caf).

Transportation

Unlike May 1, most transport services operate. In some metropolises, however, they operate with reduced hours. Thus, in Rennes, Bordeaux or Lille, the timetables for buses, trams or metros are similar to those set up on Sundays: they start later and end earlier. On the other hand, in Île-de-France, metros and RERs operate without changing timetables.