Might 1st (Fête du Travail- Labor Day), Might eighth (Fête de la Victoire de 1945, V-Day), Might 14th (Ascension) and Might twenty fifth (Pentecost Monday) are official “financial institution holidays” in France. Except for some smaller eating places and outlets, most locations can be open as regular besides on Might 1st, when most museums and shops are closed.
April Thirtieth – Might 11
The 122nd annual Foire de Paris (Paris Honest) is likely one of the greatest occasions of the yr, occupying your entire Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (fifteenth arrondissement) takes over your entire Paris Expo Porte de Versailles with 1,200 exhibitors, 3,500 manufacturers, and greater than 1,000 hours of free occasions, concert events, workshops, demonstrations, and performances. France’s largest honest combines 4 main sections below one roof: house and inside design, French gastronomy and craftsmanship, world cultures and journey, and vehicles and mobility. Count on every part from meals and wine tastings to artisan items, house renovation concepts, innovations from the well-known Concours Lépine, dwell music, and cultural performances tied to this yr’s tropical-themed pageant ambiance. It’s chaos, it’s fascinating, and there’s all the time one thing fascinating to study (or purchase, or eat). Simply don’t go on the weekend until you want being trampled! Open 10am-7pm (till 10pm the ninth). Purchase your tickets prematurely and keep away from strains; entry €14 (€16 on the door); €7 at evening (€9 on the late evening opening Might ninth).
Might 1-17
Espace Notre-Dame des Artistes (6 rue Corot, sixteenth) is internet hosting “Hommage à Claude Monet”, a collective exhibition by 40 members of the Seizièm’Artwork affiliation marking the centenary of Claude Monet’s loss of life. Painters, sculptors, photographers, mosaic artists, and textile artists current works impressed by the theme of the backyard, in tribute to Monet’s enduring affect on trendy artwork and panorama imagery. Opening reception Might 5 from 6pm. Open each day 11:00am–6:00pm. Free entry.
By means of Might 3
The Théâtre du Châtelet presents High Hat, the stage musical tailored from the beloved 1935 Hollywood movie starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, for a restricted run of simply 20 performances. That includes Irving Berlin’s iconic songs (“Cheek to Cheek,” “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”) and a big dwell orchestra with spectacular tap-dance numbers, this lavish stage adaptation recreates the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age; it’s carried out in English with French surtitles and runs 2h40 (with intermission). Tickets €12–€119. Théâtre du Châtelet, 1 place du Châtelet, 1st.
Might 3 (and each 1st Sunday)
For this primary Sunday of the month, many Paris museums and monuments are open free to the general public, together with the Musée du Quai Branly, Musée d’Orsay, Arts-et-Métiers, La Cité de l’Structure et du Patrimoine, Musée Guimet, Musée Picasso, Cluny Museum, gardens of the Musée Albert Kahn, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, La Monnaie de Paris, and l’Orangerie. However be forewarned: reservations are a should. Three chateaux don’t require reservations: Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Malmaison, and Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Might 5, 12, & 19
Misplaced in Frenchlation is internet hosting screenings of the award-winning Nineties triptych, Trois Couleurs, in French with English subtitles. The primary, Bleu, starring Juliette Binoche, can be Might fifth; Blanc starring Julie Delpy on Might twelfth; and Rouge starring Irène Jacob on Might Nineteenth, all displaying at L’Epée de Bois cinema (100 Rue Mouffetard, fifth) with drinks on the Tournebride Bar subsequent door from 7pm, the movie screening at 8pm. Tickets €9.90.
Might 7
Guitarist and vocalist Romain Vuillemin returns to the JASS Membership (141 rue de Tolbiac, thirteenth) with a quartet dedicated to the Nice American Songbook, buying and selling his regular jazz manouche repertoire for traditional American requirements from Broadway’s golden age of swing to the sounds of New Orleans. An everyday on the Paris jazz scene and an distinctive dwell performer, Vuillemin is joined by a stellar lineup together with pianist Amaury Faye, bassist Edouard Pennes, and drummer David Grebil. Two one-hour units at 7:30pm and 9:30pm; tickets €19 on-line, €22 on the door. Restaurant or bar seating/standing.
Might 8
In the present day commemorates the top of WWII on Might eighth, 1945, aka “Victory Day” all through Europe. In Paris, two ceremonies are organized annually: the President of the Republic lays a wreath on the foot of the statue of Common de Gaulle, Place Clemenceau (Champs-Elysées) then rekindles the flame of the unknown soldier below the Arc de Triomphe, each broadcast dwell on French TV 2 from 10am (and information web sites like FranceInfo). Every arrondissement’s mayor may even lay a wreath or different memorial ceremony at a monument of their district.
Might 8-17
The twenty ninth annual Fête du Ache returns to the sq. in entrance of Notre-Dame Cathedral to honor the French baguette and the artwork of conventional baking. Organized by the Boulangers du Grand Paris, this free 9-day celebration contains dwell demonstrations, tastings, baking competitions, and awards. Skilled bakers, retirees, and apprentices from throughout Île-de-France can be readily available to share their abilities and fervour. The pageant highlights the baguette’s standing as an icon of French tradition, acknowledged by UNESCO as a part of the world’s intangible heritage. Open each day.
Might 9
The annual Fête de l’Europe takes place at Place de la République from 10am to 10:30pm. This festive, family-friendly day options debates, meals vans, interactive video games, and concert events celebrating European solidarity, democracy, and tradition. Highlights embrace roundtables on EU careers, local weather coverage, and world politics; meals vans from completely different international locations; and free night concert events that includes artists from throughout Europe, together with Valeria Stoica, Postman, and Solann.
Might 9
For the annual Tous à l’Opéra occasion, the Palais Garnier (Place de l’Opéra, ninth arrondissement) opens its doorways to the general public without cost self-guided visits from 10am to 5pm (final entry 4pm). It’s a uncommon probability to go to this Nineteenth-century architectural masterpiece by Charles Garnier — together with its marble grand staircase, gilded foyers, and richly adorned salons — without cost. The catch? You will need to get one of many reserved time slots (which open Might fifth). Or pay the €15 entrance charge (€25 should you dwell outdoors the EU) to go to another day.
By means of Might 10
Photographer and activist Yann Arthus-Bertrand takes over the Place de la Concorde for a month-long free outside occasion“Vivre Ensemble” (Dwell Collectively) combining a large-scale images exhibition, talks, concert events, movie screenings, workshops, and extra. The centerpiece is 185 outside prints from his venture France, un album de famille, a portrait of latest France constructed from almost 90 images studios arrange throughout the nation between 2023 and 2026. A public images studio designed by Renzo Piano may even be on web site, the place guests might be photographed by Arthus-Bertrand himself. The packed each day program ranges from concert events and stand-up to meditations, cooking demos, and talks by figures together with François Hollande, Erik Orsenna, and Christophe André. Free, no ticket required. Full program at goodplanet.org.
Might 16
Floor Management is internet hosting “La Grande Brocante du Multivers #5”, a secondhand board recreation market devoted to giving used video games a brand new life, with curated picks, cut price finds, and recommendation from the Multivers crew. Informal gamers and critical collectors alike can browse full, good-condition video games or promote their very own forward of the occasion. Saturday 2:00pm–8:00pm. Free entry. Floor Management is a “third house” with a superb meals courtroom at 81 rue du Charolais, twelfth.
Might 21
FFRandonnée Paris’s month-to-month “Panamée” city stroll is an interesting method to see the town with the locals. The Might stroll is a free, three-hour cultural stroll devoted to the town’s “balcons” (balconies). These walks usually appeal to giant teams (generally just a few hundred folks), however it’s not a good tour format: the group naturally spreads out, there’s no obligation to work together, and many individuals come alone merely to pay attention and stroll. Consider it as a transferring, open-air lecture (en français!) via the town quite than a small guided tour. The stroll departs at 7pm from Place du Père Teilhard de Chardin (4th, metro Sully-Moreland) and ends round 10pm at Place Salvador Allende, seventh, metro La Tour – Maubourg. Free, no registration required, and open to everybody: simply present up, gown for the climate, and be prepared for an extended night stroll, totally en français.
Might 21–June 28
Foire Saint-Sulpice returns to Place Saint-Sulpice (sixth arrondissement) with six weeks of rotating cultural and inventive gala’s, from uncommon ebook sellers and antiques to ceramics and modern printmaking. Every themed week options artisan stalls, demonstrations, roundtables, and actions, all with free entry. Highlights embrace the Salon de la Bibliophilie (Might 28-31), Salon des Antiquaires (June 11-21), Journées de l’Estampe (June 8-9), Marché de la Poésie (June 3-7), and Saint-Sulpice Céramique (June 25–28). Open each day from late morning to night. Entrance at 78 rue Bonaparte. Free entry.
Might 22-24
Ok-Plus Pageant returns for its fourth version on the Esplanade Pierre Vidal-Naquet (Campus Grands Moulins, thirteenth arrondissement), open from 11am to 7pm every day. This free, two-day celebration affords a deep dive into Korean tradition, with a bustling Korean market, meals tastings (Ok-food), magnificence tendencies (Ok-beauty), popular culture, conventional arts, dwell performances, and interactive workshops. Talks and demos will spotlight sustainable practices and ancestral know-how. Entry is free. Full program at kplusfestival.com.
Might 22-24
Journées des Plantes de Chantilly returns to the gardens of the Château de Chantilly. This famend backyard honest options over 200 main European exhibitors providing uncommon crops, gardening instruments, outside decor, and knowledgeable recommendation. The spring 2026 theme, A Thousand and One Crops, celebrates botanical gems equivalent to Auricula primroses from the Nationwide Primrose Assortment, sudden succulents like Haworthia ‘Iceland’ with translucent leaves, and weird citrus fruits such because the ‘Cara Cara’ orange tree which may stand up to under freezing temperatures. Get pleasure from free workshops, biodiversity-themed actions, and family-friendly occasions in a shocking historic setting. Open 10am to 7pm, tickets €14. Chantilly is simply 40 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord by practice. Free parking and shuttle service from Chantilly practice station. Extra data at domainedechantilly.com.
Might 23
Le Rendez-vous Grand Siècle returns to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (about an hour southeast from Paris). Step into the seventeenth century for a day of baroque pageantry, together with costumed promenades, carriage rides, falconry, stilt artists, historic dance, water shows, and a candlelit backyard. Costumes inspired however not required for basic entry; night “After Status” occasion (costume necessary) affords unique entry and leisure. Entry €17-€23, “After Status” an extra €60. Youngsters’s costume rental, meals stalls, and stylish eating out there. Château opens 11am with occasions beginning at 3pm, final entry at 9:30pm and a fireworks finale at 11pm. Advance reserving required.
Might 23
The twenty second annual Nuit Européenne des Musées (European Museum Evening) takes place on Saturday, Might twenty second, providing free night entry to museums throughout Paris and Europe. Some venues require reservations, whereas others provide open visits with potential lengthy wait instances. Listed below are my ideas and suggestions for profiting from the night. https://secretsofparis.com/featured-events/european-museum-night/
Might 24
U.S. Memorial Day Ceremonies organized by the American Battle Monuments Fee happen throughout France on Sunday, Might twenty fourth. When you’re within the Paris space, you possibly can attend ceremonies honoring fallen U.S. service members at Suresnes cemetery at 2:30pm, and on the French-US Lafayette Escadrille monument in Garches at 10am. Every location will function flyovers, navy bands, and wreath-laying ceremonies. Free and open to the general public. You may learn extra about visiting the Lafayette Escadrille on this article, The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial: A Tribute to French-American Solidarity Close to Paris
Might 25-31
The thirteenth annual Paris Beer Pageant takes place this week in pubs round Paris every night, however the massive occasion is the weekend of Thirtieth-Thirty first at Floor Management (twelfth arrondissement) to have fun native, craft and impartial beers, with 60 breweries from Paris, France, and Europe. There’s dwell music, conferences, and tastings (in fact). Entry €7, and all beer tastings are payable via a “cashless” bracelet system. Open from midday till 11pm Saturday and 7pm Sunday (entry solely assured should you come earlier than 4pm, in any other case if it’s too crowded you possibly can’t are available, even with a ticket…which appears a bit odd).
Might 28
Le Meals Market is a month-to-month open-air meals pageant on Boulevard Belleville (between metro Ménilmontant and Couronnes) with over a dozen stands serving up tasty dishes of all types at inexpensive costs (form of like a gathering of static meals vans, however with out the wheels) from 6pm-10:30pm. This month’s theme is “BBQ”: “Glazed pork ribs, smoked sausages, marinated drumsticks, braised greens, melting eggplants, grilled mushrooms, roasted fruit and even fire-toasted bread… this version explores all of the richness of the barbecue”. It may possibly get fairly crowded, so get there early to keep away from ready (there are enormous tables to take a seat and eat).
Might 28-31
The thirty seventh annual Artists’ Open Studios in Belleville takes place for 4 days in over 100 ateliers in Belleville (centered on the 19th and 11th arrondissements). It’s an excellent probability to see some sometimes Parisian neighborhoods that haven’t been utterly gentrified, meet native artists, and naturally buy some beautiful artworks! See a map of all of the open studios, or go to the HQ at Galerie des AAB (1 rue Picabia, 19th, metro Couronnes). Free entry. Studios are open 2-8pm over the 4 days of the occasion. Secrets and techniques of Paris Neighborhood members can learn extra about visiting the main open studio occasions round Paris in 2026 on this unique article: Portes Ouvertes : Visiting Artist Studios in Paris
Might 29-31
Paris Gallery Weekend transforms the town right into a free open-air museum, with greater than 70 galleries throughout Paris and Île-de-France (together with the Marais, Saint-Germain, Matignon, Belleville, and Romainville) welcoming guests from 10am to 7pm each day. With over 150 artists featured, this festive three-day artwork occasion contains thematic “Zoom” routes (images, feminine artists, rising voices), artist meetups, shock performances, workshops, brunches, and free guided excursions. An opportunity to discover modern artwork with out the pretense—or the value tag.
By means of Might twenty ninth (probably longer)
LV DREAM (26 Quai de la Mégisserie, 1st) is internet hosting “Louis Vuitton Artwork Deco Exhibition,” a free, reservation-only exhibition tracing the home’s function within the 1925 Worldwide Exhibition of Fashionable Ornamental and Industrial Arts. Unfold throughout eight rooms and that includes over 300 archival items, it explores the model’s connection to the Artwork Deco motion via uncommon objects and immersive shows. Prolong your go to with pastries or cocktails at Le Café Maxime Frédéric, and cease by the Present Retailer for limited-edition gadgets. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-7pm.
By means of July 14
The Nationwide Archives Museum presents Lafayette: Between France and America, a free exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and exploring the lifetime of the Marquis de Lafayette, the “hero of two worlds.” By means of uncommon paperwork, caricatures, and memorabilia, the present traces his function within the American Revolution and the political upheavals of France, highlighting his enduring — and generally controversial — legacy. Textual content in French and English, free entry. At Le Musée des Archives Nationales – L’Hôtel de Soubise (60, rue des Francs-Bourgeois, third). Closed Tuesday.
By means of September 6
The Picasso Museum ‘s latest exposition is The Metamorphoses of Guernica, a 15-minute digital actuality expertise exploring the creation and legacy of Guernica by Pablo Picasso. This immersive journey strikes from the 1937 Paris Worldwide Exposition and the bombing of Gernika to Picasso’s studio and the portray’s later travels to Madrid, narrated via the voices of Juan Larrea and Dora Maar. Designed as each a sensory and historic expertise, it affords a brand new method to perceive one of many twentieth century’s defining anti-war works. Tickets €7, within the museum auditorium throughout opening hours (Tue–Solar 10am–6pm).
Planning Forward
June 5–11
Writer Stephen Clarke leads a week-long residential inventive writing course on the Château de Missery in Burgundy, designed to assist contributors develop their voice via each day writing classes, readings, and discussions. This system contains six nights’ lodging and meals on the château, a go to to the wine capital of Beaune, and a live performance, with a most of 10 contributors. Contact organizers for pricing and registration particulars.
June 6-7
Lézarts de la Bièvre: The artists’ studios on this Portes Ouvertes are usually situated between the Rue Mouffetard within the 5th and the Butte aux Cailles and Gobelins districts of the 13th.
June 13
Inspirelle Journal’s 10-Yr Anniversary Soirée “a decade of inspiring connections, daring conversations, and constructing a vibrant group of worldwide ladies in Paris.”
June 21
Fête de la Musique!
