More about: 10 Best Things to Do in Paris in May
Whether you're in the mood for some excellent brunch or prefer a visit to a quiet museum, both fit into this spring month that brings Paris' green season to a close.
The City of Light always has plenty to offer throughout the year, but May is a month packed with fun, art, and entertainment. The Foire du Trône, May Day, and the Bread Festival are just a few of the many unique events happening this month. Let's get started!
1. Take a day trip to the Loire Valley
With everything in bloom and summer in Paris on its way, there's 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 seeing the beauty of the Loire Valley in May is not the same as seeing it in the height of summer, let alone if you go to Paris in winter.
Best known for its world-famous abundance of French castles, all of the castles are actually open, while there are still far fewer tourists than in the true high season.
If you decide to book a tour of the Loire Castles, you will visit the three most popular Renaissance castles on the banks of the Loire River: Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise, as well as the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.
2. Enjoy the May Day festivities from a cruise on the Seine
May 1st is a very special day in Paris when the Pelouse de Reuilly park is completely lit up by fireworks. The fountains also get in on the action with water shows. Without a doubt, the park becomes one of the best places to be in Paris at night. Plus, given the park's proximity to the Seine, you can take advantage of this celebration from one of the Seine river cruises.
Here is a list of all the options:
- Cruise on the Seine, from $20
- Cruise on the Seine River and the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, from $29
- Cruise on the Seine with French crepes, from $29
- Night cruise on the Seine with music and appetizers, from $38
- Seine River cruise with gourmet dinner, from $94
- Cruise on the Seine River with lunch and live music, from $92
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, known as 'muguet' in French. This tradition dates back to Celtic times when giving these flowers meant that summer in Paris was just around the corner.
3. Visit the Arc de Triomphe on Victory Day
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 last battle took place on May 8, marking the end of World War II.
Although it had been celebrated for decades, it was in 1981 that President François 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 bouquet of flowers to symbolize peace.
4. Take a tour of Paris's bakeries during the Bread Festival
The festival is located in Paris' Notre Dame district and features live demonstrations, tasting stations, and the opportunity to purchase award-winning bread throughout the festival.
Held annually during the first weekend of May, the Paris Bread Festival celebrates everything related to baguettes, croissants, and French bread.
If there's one thing that makes Parisian neighborhoods stand out in the morning, it's the beautiful smell of homemade bread. Imagine what it's like to wander those streets in the middle of a bread festival . You can't miss it! You can also take advantage of the opportunity to tour Paris' pastry shops and commemorate the day in the sweetest way possible.
5. Enjoy music at the Paris jazz festival
Elegant boutiques, historic cafés, and world-famous hotels: Saint Germain des Prés is known for many things, but above all for its annual jazz festival.
The annual event is usually held in mid-May, and you can enjoy performances by jazz legends at the Odéon - Théâtre de l'Europe. For more information on prices and schedules, visit the event's official website. This is definitely one of the events in May that you shouldn't miss. And if you love jazz music, regardless of whether you're in Paris for just one day, you should consider it.
Some of the concerts are free to enjoy, so don't forget to visit the event website for more information.
6. Enjoy a Night at the Museums in Paris
Nighttime in Paris is very special, and if you have the opportunity to be in the City of Light during Museum Night, you will be amazed. On this day, the best Parisian museums open their doors for free. The event is held on May 18 and features many of the most famous cultural centers.
If you love art and are looking for an inspiring nighttime stroll through some of Paris's most interesting museums, be sure to visit the event website to stay up to date.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Musée d'Orsay in Paris, from $21
- Louvre Museum, from $26
- Picasso Museum in Paris, from $19
- Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris, from $18
- Rodin Museum in Paris, from $18
- Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris, from $17
- Grévin Wax Museum in Paris, from $33
- Orangerie Museum in Paris, from $14
- Museum of Illusions in Paris, from $24
7. Don't miss the Foire du Trone
At the Foire du Trône, you can enjoy a variety of circus attractions, from the most peaceful to the most energetic, from car tracks to the most eye-catching Ferris wheels and roller coasters. Admission is completely free, but you have to pay to go on the attractions, with prices ranging from €2 to €10.
The Foire du Trône takes place between April and May, so if you missed the opening in April, don't miss the peak of the event, where you can enjoy 350 attractions spread over more than 10 hectares.
The Foire du Trône is undoubtedly the oldest fair in France. Its history dates back to the time of Lothair in 957, but it wasn't until 1805 that a small amusement park appeared, which gradually gained fame until it became the fair we know today. It takes place on the Pelouse de Reuilly (Vincennes Forest) from noon to midnight. If you're going by metro, I recommend line 8, and if you're going by tram, line T3.
8. Add flavor to your trip with Taste of Paris
The Grand Palais will be transformed into a showcase for the best restaurants and artisan food producers for four days of gourmet food tastings, cooking shows, and encounters with France's top chefs. The event usually takes place in mid-May.
You can sample exclusive dishes in small portions served by young, up-and-coming chefs and Michelin-starred chefs in restaurants under the iconic glass dome of the Grand Palais.
Famous 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, don't hesitate to visit the event website. You're sure to enjoy it!
9. Take a stroll through the Paris Street Art Festival
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! Plus, if you're traveling to Paris with children, don't forget to bring them along 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-air event also spreads to the 18th and 19th arrondissements, especially near the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, an area also served by Paris tourist buses. In any case, if you want more information, I recommend visiting the event website.
10. Moments of peace at the Paris Yoga Festival
The Yoga Festival Paris is an annual event and one of the largest of its kind in France. Over four days, visitors can meet experts in yoga and related disciplines.
In addition, they will have access to ninety free yoga classes offered in three studios! There are also conferences focused on self-care and nutrition on the agenda. There are also healing workshops and yoga master classes.
The program is amazing and takes place at the Porte de la Villette Convention Center.
Weather in Paris in May
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 range from 55 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that while the temperature is pleasant, it's not warm enough to walk around in summer clothes.
As with the rest of spring, rain showers are always likely, so be sure to bring your umbrella!
What to wear in Paris in May
With warmer temperatures, it's best not to bring jackets or thick coats . Optimize your space! Although temperatures can reach 20 degrees, the nights remain cool, so it's essential to bring a warmer jacket so you don't get stuck in your accommodation watching TV at night. Skirts with tights, T-shirts with thin cardigans, and flat, comfortable shoes are some of the most common outfits in Paris during this month of the year.
Other things to do in Paris in May
You can't visit Paris in the spring without enjoying 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 green grassy plains.
While many people claim that Paris lacks parks compared to other European cities such as London, you'll see that this isn't entirely true!
Tourist crowds in Paris in May
While it's true that this isn't the month with the fewest tourists, as these tend to visit Paris in winter, there's no comparison with the summer months in Paris, when tourist numbers skyrocket. So, if you like to enjoy good weather without the excessive crowds, May is undoubtedly a good option for enjoying all the essential things to see and do in Paris.