10 Best Things to Do in Paris in May

Whether you’re in the mood for some excellent brunch or prefer a quiet visit to a museum, there’s room for both in this spring month that marks the end of Paris’s green season.

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 events exclusive to this month. Let’s get started!

With everything in bloom and summer in Paris on the 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 experiencing the beauty of the Loire Valley in May isn’t the same as doing so in the height of summer—and even less so if you visit 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 during the peak season.

If you decide to book a tour of the Loire Castles, you’ll visit the three most popular Renaissance castles along the banks of the Loire River: Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise, and you’ll also visit Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb.

May 1st is a very special day in Paris when the Pelouse de Reuilly park is completely illuminated by fireworks. The fountains also join in the fun with water shows. Without a doubt, the park becomes one of the best places to be at night in Paris. Plus, since the park is right by the Seine, you can take advantage of this celebration by hopping on a Seine River cruise.

Here’s a list of all your options:

• Cruise on the Seine River, starting at $20
• Cruise on the Seine River and the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, starting at $28
• Cruise on the Seine with French crepes, starting at $29
• Evening cruise on the Seine with music and appetizers, starting at $37
• Cruise on the Seine with a gourmet dinner, starting at $104
• Cruise on the Seine with lunch and live music, starting at $92

Today, Labor Day 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.

During this ceremony marking Victory Day of World War II, 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 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 small bouquet of flowers to symbolize peace.

The festival is held near Notre Dame in Paris, featuring live demonstrations, tasting stations, and the chance to buy award-winning bread throughout the festival.

Held annually during the first weekend of May, the Paris Bread Festival celebrates everything related to the baguette, the croissant, and French bread.

If there’s one thing that makes Paris’s neighborhoods stand out in the morning, it’s the wonderful 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! Plus, you can take the opportunity to go on a tour of Paris’s pastry shops and celebrate the day in the sweetest way possible.

Chic 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. Without a doubt, it’s one of the must-see events in May. And if you love jazz, even if you’re only in Paris for a single day, you should consider attending.

Some of the concerts are free to enjoy, so be sure to visit the event’s website for more information.

Nighttime in Paris is truly special, and if you have the chance to be in the City of Light during Museum Night, you’ll be amazed. On this day, the best Parisian museums open their doors for free. The event takes place on May 18 and features many of the city’s most famous cultural institutions.

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’s website to stay up to date.

Here are a few options to consider:

• Musée d'Orsay in Paris, starting at $45
• Louvre Museum, starting at $26
• Picasso Museum in Paris, starting at $19
• Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris, starting at $18
• Rodin Museum in Paris, starting at $18
• Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris, starting at $17
• Grévin Wax Museum in Paris, starting at $27
• Orangerie Museum in Paris, starting at $14
• Museum of Illusions in Paris, starting at $24

At the Foire du Trône, you can enjoy a variety of circus attractions, ranging from the most laid-back to the most energetic, from go-kart tracks to the most eye-catching Ferris wheels and roller coasters. Admission is completely free; however, you’ll need to pay to ride 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, you shouldn’t miss the highlight of the event, where you can enjoy the 350 attractions spread across more than 10 hectares.

The Foire du Trône is, without a doubt, 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 at the Pelouse de Reuilly (Bois de Vincennes) from noon to midnight. If you’re taking the metro, I recommend Line 8, and if you’re taking the tram, Line T3.

The Grand Palais will be transformed into a showcase for the best restaurants and artisanal food producers during four days of gourmet food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and meet-and-greets with France’s top chefs. The event usually takes place in mid-May.

You’ll be able to sample exclusive dishes in small portions, served by both young, up-and-coming chefs and Michelin-starred chefs in restaurants under the Grand Palais’ iconic glass dome.

Famous chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic, Frédéric Anton, Grégory Marchand, and Kei Kobayashi will be at the Théâtre des Chefs to lead master classes and special workshops. For more information, be sure to check out 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! Plus, if you’re traveling to Paris with kids, 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 this open-air event also spreads to the 18th and 19th arrondissements, especially near the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin—an area where Paris tourist buses also pass through. In any case, if you want more information, I recommend visiting the event’s website.

The Paris Yoga Festival 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.

Plus, they’ll have access to ninety free yoga classes offered at three studios! The schedule also includes talks focused on self-care and nutrition. There are also healing workshops and yoga masterclasses.

The program is amazing 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 range from 11 to 19 degrees Celsius, which means that while the temperature is pleasant, it’s not warm enough to walk around in summer clothes.

Just like the rest of 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 —make the most of your space! While temperatures can reach 20 degrees, the nights remain cool, so it’s essential to bring a warmer jacket so you don’t end up stuck inside your accommodation at night watching TV. Skirts with tights, T-shirts with light cardigans, and comfortable flat shoes are some of the most common outfits during this time of year in Paris.

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 fields.

While many people claim that Paris lacks parks compared to other European cities like London, you’ll see that this isn’t entirely true!

While it’s true that May isn’t the month with the lowest tourist traffic —since the lowest numbers occur in Paris during the winter—it’s nothing compared to the summer months in Paris, when tourist numbers skyrocket. Therefore, if you like to enjoy nice weather without the overwhelming crowds, May is undoubtedly a great option to enjoy all the must-see and must-do activities in Paris.