10 things to see and do in Paris in May

Whether you're in the mood for some excellent brunches or prefer a leisurely museum visit, both fit in this spring month that brings Paris' green period to an end.

The city of light always has plenty to offer throughout the year, but May is a month packed with fun, art and shows. La foire du Trone, May Day or the Bread Festival are just some of the many unique events of this month. Let's get started!

With everything in bloom and summer in Paris on its way, there is perhaps no better time to enjoy the Loire Valley without the crowds than in May. Remember that spring in Paris doesn't last forever, and taking in the beauty of the Loire Valley in May is not the same as doing so in the height of summer, and even less so if you go to Paris in winter.

Best known for its world-famous abundance of French castles, all the castles are actually open, while there are still far fewer tourists than in the true high season.

If you decide to book an excursion to the Loire Castles, you will see the three most popular Renaissance castles on the banks of the Loire River: Chenonceau, Chambord and Amboise, and also visit the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.

May 1st is a very special day in Paris when the Pelouse de Reuilly park is completely illuminated by fireworks. The fountains are not left out either and participate in this day with some water shows. Undoubtedly, the park becomes one of the best places to be at night in Paris. In addition, and given the proximity of the park to the Seine, you can take the opportunity to enjoy this celebration from one of the cruises on the Seine River.

Here is a list of all the options:

• Seine River Cruise, from 19.
• Cruise on the Seine River and St. Martin Canal in Paris, from $25.
• Seine river cruise with french crepe, from $25.
• Night cruise on the Seine River with music and aperitif, from $32.
• Seine river cruise with gourmet dinner, from $44.
• Seine river cruise with lunch and live music, from $81.

Today, La Fête du Travail is a public holiday, which means that almost everything is closed. In France, one of the most beautiful traditions that takes place on May 1 is the gift of lily of the valley flowers, which are known as 'muguet' in French. This tradition dates back to Celtic times where giving these flowers as a gift signified that summer in Paris is very near.

During this World War II Victory Day ceremony, the president of France lays flowers at the Arc de Triomphe to honor the liberation of France.

It was on May 7, 1945 that the Nazis officially surrendered to the Allies, and the final battle took place on May 8, marking the end of World War II.

Although celebrated for decades, it was in 1981 that President Francois Mitterrand declared Victory Day a French national holiday. So don't forget to book your tickets for the Arc de Triomphe if your trip coincides with May 8 and bring a sprig of flowers to symbolize peace.

The festival is located in the Paris of Notre Dame, there are live demonstrations, sampling stations and the opportunity to purchase award-winning bread throughout the duration of the festival.

Held annually during the first weekend in May, the Paris Bread Festival celebrates all things baguette, croissant and French bread.

If there is one thing the neighborhoods of Paris stand out for in the morning, it is for their beautiful smell of homemade bread, so imagine what it's like to wander those streets in the middle of the bread festival , you can't miss it! In addition, you can take the opportunity to take a tour of the pastry shops of Paris and commemorate the day in the sweetest way possible.

Elegant boutiques, historic cafes and world-famous hotels: Saint Germain des Prés is known for many things, but most of all for its annual jazz festival.

The annual event is usually held in mid-May and you can enjoy recitals by jazz legends at the Odéon - Théâtre de l'Europe, for more information on rates and schedules visit the event's official site. Without a doubt, this is one of the May events you should not miss. And if you love jazz music, regardless of whether you are in Paris for a single day, you should consider it.

Some of the concerts are free to enjoy, so don't forget to visit the event's website for more information.

The night in Paris is very special and if you have the opportunity to be in the City of Light coinciding with the night of the museums you will be amazed. On this day, the best Parisian museums open their doors for free. The event is held on May 18 and involves the participation of many of the most famous cultural centers.

If you love art and are looking for an inspiring night walk through some of the most interesting museums in Paris, do not hesitate to visit the website of the event to be always updated.

Also, I leave you some options in case you want to take them into account:

• Orsay Museum in Paris, from $23.
• Louvre Museum, from 45.
• Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris, from $16.
• Picasso Museum in Paris, from 21.
• Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris, from $17.
• Rodin Museum in Paris, from $20.
• Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris, from $15.
• Grevin Wax Museum in Paris, from $33.
• Orangerie Museum in Paris, from $18.
• Museum of Illusions in Paris, from $23.

At the Foire du Trone you can enjoy various circus attractions from the quietest to the most energetic, from car rides to the most striking Ferris wheels and roller coasters. Admission is completely free; however, you have to pay between 2 and 10 € to get on the rides.

The throne fair takes place between April and May, so if you missed the opening in April, you should not miss the peak of the event, where you can enjoy the 350 attractions that populate more than 10 hectares.

La Foire du Trône is undoubtedly the oldest fair in France. Its history dates back to the time of Lotario, in the year 957, but it was not until 1805 when a small amusement park appeared that has been gaining fame to become what is the fair we know today. It takes place in the Pelouse de Reuilly (Vincennes Forest) from 12 to 24 hours. If you go by metro I recommend line 8, and if you go by streetcar line T3.

The Grand Palais will be transformed into a showcase for the finest restaurants and artisanal food producers for four days of gourmet food tastings, cooking shows and meetings with France's top chefs. The event usually falls in mid-May.

You will be able to sample exclusive dishes in small portions and served by both young and emerging chefs as well as Michelin-starred chefs in restaurants under the iconic glass dome of the Grand Palais.

Celebrity chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic, Frederic Anton, Gregory Marchand and Kei Kobayashi will be present at the Theatre des Chefs to give master classes and special workshops. For more information, feel free to visit the event's website. You're sure to enjoy it!

This annual festival celebrates the art of street performance along the Canal Saint Martin and throughout the 10th arrondissement. The wonderful performances and festive atmosphere make this a fantastic way to spend the day. If you're in Paris at the end of May, be sure to take a detour to check out this event! Also, if you're traveling to Paris with kids, don't forget to bring them with you to this event.

This free festival features street performers of all kinds: clowns, circus acts, magicians, puppet shows, music, theater and more. Near the canal there are several places to eat, including Parisian creperies.

The energy of the open event is also transmitted to the 18th and 19th arrondissements especially near the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, an area where the Parisian tourist buses also pass. In any case if you want more information I recommend you to visit the event's website.

The Yoga Festival Paris is an annual event and one of the largest of its kind in France. For four days, visitors will be able to meet experts in yoga and similar disciplines.

In addition, they will have access to ninety free yoga classes offered in three studios! Also on the agenda are conferences focusing on self-care and nutrition. There are also healing workshops and yoga master classes.

The program is quite a blast and takes place at the Porte de la Villette Convention Center.

Summer is finally on the horizon, the days are getting longer and the weather is finally warmer. Average temperatures in the French capital for the month of May fluctuate between 11 and 19 degrees Celsius, which means that while the temperature is pleasant, it is not warm enough to walk around in summer clothes.

Like the rest of the spring, rain showers are always likely, so be sure to bring your umbrellas!

With warmer temperatures, it's best not to bring thick jackets or coats . While temperatures can reach 20 degrees, the nights remain cool, so it is imperative to bring a warmer jacket so you don't stay cooped up in your accommodation at night watching TV. Skirts with tights, t-shirts with thin cardigans and comfortable flat shoes are some of the most usual outfits in this month of the year in Paris.

You can't visit Paris during the spring and not enjoy a Parisian picnic, or two, (Or three!). And when it comes to Paris in May, there's no shortage of good weather to make the most of the late spring flowers and grassy green plains.

While many people claim that Paris lacks parks compared to other European cities like London, you'll find that's not an entirely accurate statement!

While it is true that it is not the month with the lowest tourist influx as these are framed in Paris in winter, there is no color if we compare it with the summer months in Paris, where the tourist influx soars. Therefore, if you like to enjoy good weather without the exaggerated crowds, May is a good choice without a doubt to enjoy all the must-see and must-do plans in Paris.