A new bill will allow bakeries and flower shops to stay open on May 1. Although the new rule is unlikely to enter into force before the end of April, bakers and florists who choose to stay open on May 1, 2026, will not be penalized, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

They will also be allowed to hire people to work on this day, on the condition that they are paid double and are offering their availability on May 1.

The Federation of Bakery Entrepreneurs supported the regulation to clarify working on May 1, arguing that 74% of French people were in favor of bakers staying open (source: OpinionWay poll for the CPME – Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises).

“Working on May 1 for bakeries? A no-brainer. Bakers have always worked on May 1st: it’s a historical reality of the profession. Customers flock to their bakeries every year on that day. Employees are exclusively volunteers. Pay is doubled.

There is no justification for blocking legislation that would provide essential clarification for all bakeries and their employees, while also meeting the expectations of the French people.

Enough inconsistencies, enough ideological gridlock,” FEB said in a statement, in which it had called on the parliament to vote in favor of the legislation.

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