Up to 160,000 expected in marches across France on May 1
Around 320 demonstrations are set to take place in major towns and cities across the country
The majority of May 1 gatherings are scheduled to take place in the morning
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Between 110,000 and 160,000 people across France are expected to take part in marches on la fête du Travail (May 1).
This day has been a public holiday since 1947 and is typically marked with workers’ marches to celebrate workers’ rights.
Some 20,000 to 40,000 people are set to gather in the streets of Paris, reports Le Figaro, with around 320 demonstrations being held across the county in most major towns and cities.
This comes in response to a call from several trade unions including the CGT, who in a press release stated: “This May 1, we are calling on all workers to protest against the high cost of living and to demand that our work be properly remunerated.”
The CGT also listed demands for peace in solidarity with those in Ukraine, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Sudan, and for progress regarding the transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies.
Marches are typically peaceful - however an increased police presence is expected to help diffuse any potential conflict.
The majority of gatherings are scheduled to take place in the morning, except in Paris where protestors will meet at place de la République at 14:00, with the march ending at place de la Nation.
A gathering will also be taking place in Mâcon (Saône-et-Loire) in response to far-right party the Rassemblement National organising their annual May 1 'big meeting' at the city's Le Spot venue. Marine Le Pen and party leader, Jordan Bardella, will be speaking at the event.
The counter event is being planned by environmental collective Les soulèvements de la terre. The group will be hosting debates, concerts, games and conferences on Mâcon's Esplanade Lamartine.
Reports of May 1 demonstration turnout levels tend to differ between the interior ministry and the CGT, however this year’s estimations are in line with the average of previous years and sits well below the 780,000 people who gathered in 2023 to protest against the pension reform.
May 1 protests planned in France
Below is a list of some of the protests organised on la fête du Travail 2026 :
Bordeaux – place de la République at 10:00
Dijon – place Wilson at 10:30
Lille – Porte des Postes at 10:00
Lyon – place Jean-Macé at 10:30
Marseille – Vieux Port at 10:30
Montpellier – place Albert 1er at 10:30
Nantes – Cité des Congrès at 10:30
Nice – Jardin Albert 1er at 10:00
Toulouse – place Esquirol at 10:30
Rennes – place Jean-Normand at 11:00
Strasbourg – place Kléber at 10:00
