Paris Events in May celebrate Mother's Day, music, and fun as flowers fill the city during this gorgeous late-spring month! 

Hear top musicians at the Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival in early March and the Le Chatelet Jazz Festival later in the month, sample local brews at the Paris Beer Festival, and attend concerts at Sainte Chapelle and other top venues.

Join Parisians across the city in celebrating art and culture at Night in the Museums on one special Saturday evening in May, and see the latest museum shows throughout the month. 

If you're into contemporary art by emerging creators, stop by the Open Studios in the Belleville and Pere Lachaise (Charonne) neighborhoods, chat with the artists, and perhaps purchase an original piece for your home - the perfect "souvenir" from Paris.

Fans of street art will flock to the Printemps des Rues Festival. 

If you're visiting Paris in May, get ready to enjoy warm weather and lots of fun activities and events!

Planning a Visit to Paris in May?

If you're planning to come to Paris this month, consider booking tours, cruises, and other activities as early as possible to get your top choices.

Top Paris attractions & experiences:

Most popular Paris destinations this month:


You should be aware that multiple public holidays (meaning a number of places will be closed) practically fill up the May calendar (as well as train stations)

May starts with a public holiday - Fête du Travail or Labor Day, always on May 1st. 

When this national holiday falls during the week, as it does this year, you can expect most museums, stores, and many restaurants to be closed as everyone enjoys a day of leisure.  A huge parade and rallies take place, usually at Place de Bastille, to mark this important occasion.

A second public holiday - Victory in Europe Day, on May 8 - soon follows.  A third public holiday - Ascension Day, a Catholic religious holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter - falls on May 29, which is a Thursday.  Sometimes (but not this year), the month of May even includes an additional holiday, Whit Monday,a religious/public holiday sometimes called "Pentecost Monday,"

Naturally, based on where in the week these holidays fall, every Parisian who can will also take a day or two off in order to enjoy a 4- or 5-day city break, which means that trains can be packed and tickets expensive and/or impossible to get.  So if you're planning a train excursion outside of the city to visit Versailles, Disney, or beyond, be aware of where these days off fall during the week, and be prepared to adjust your own travel plans if necessary.

Finally, Parisians usually celebrate Mother's Day on the last Sunday of May (or occasionally on the first Sunday in June) - the perfect time to do something special to honor your mom, yourself, or another important mom-like person in your life.  This year, the “Fête des Mères” takes place on May 25, and while it's not a public holiday (meaning most places will be open), some schedules may change.

Top photo:  Children sailing wooden boats on the pool in Luxembourg Garden, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Jazz Festival at Saint Germain des Prés in Paris

Sunset Sunside Jazz Club - Saint Germain des Pres Jazz Festival Venue
Sunset Sunside Jazz Club - One of the Saint Germain des Pres Jazz Festival Venues

Immerse yourself in jazz during the Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival when talented musicians perform in unique theaters, clubs, churches, and historical spaces in the Paris neighborhoods where jazz first blossomed almost a century ago. 

With multiple concerts and venues to choose from each evening, plus conferences and conversations, exhibits and Champagne, you'll get to celebrate the best of Paris jazz.

Artists this year include the Remi Panossian Trio, Fred Hersch, Shani Diluka, and others.

When:  May 13 - 20 (to be confirmed)
Where:   Odeon Theatre, the French Alliance, Eglise Saint-Sulpice church, Eglise Saint-Germain church, Town Hall of the 6th Arrondissement, Maison de l'Ocean, plus more clubs and other cool venues, mostly in the 6th arrondissement
Admission:   Many performances and other events are free; some concerts require tickets but prices are reasonable
More Information & Complete Schedule:   Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival website

May Concerts in Paris - 2025

Concert at La Madeleine Church
Concert at La Madeleine Church

Paris concerts during May 2025 include spectacular ballets and operas shown below.  Music by candlelight at Sainte-Chapelle, classical concerts in historical churches, and shows by top artists will be announced closer to the dates.

Get your Paris opera and ballet tickets now:

More Paris classical concerts in historic churches during May

More Paris rock, pop, jazz, etc concerts at concert halls during May 

Find Paris concerts for other months

May 1 Holidays in Paris (and France) 2025

Fun things to do and see at the Paris Throne Fair
Muguets decorate a special nut-crusted praline displayed in the window of famous Parisian chocolatier Foucher on Avenue de l'Opera

If you're visiting Paris during May, be aware of the many official and observed (unofficial) holidays taking place this month.  On official holidays, you should expect many places including stores and restaurants to be closed.  The most significant holiday is May 1.

May 1 - Fête du Travail (International Workers Day - ie, Labor Day) - Except for essential services such as hospitals and public transportation (which will operate on a slower holiday schedule), most places including museums, stores, and restaurants will be closed as this is the one day of the year when employers legally must give all workers a paid day off. 

May 1 is also May Day (totally unrelated to Labor Day), a celebration of spring and love dating to the ancient Celtic people in western Europe.  In Paris, the Renaissance-era custom of giving Lily of the Valley (called Muguet in French) flowers to friends and loved ones to ensure good luck for the coming year continues to be popular.  You'll see the beautiful sprays of white flowers in all the florist shops and sometimes even decorating candies (see above photo) and cakes.

More for Jazz Lovers:  Le Châtelet Jazz Festival

The Théâtre du Châtelet, a beautifully renovated Second Empire theater dating back to 1862 in Paris's 1st arrondissement, hosts its second annual Jazz at Le Châtelet Festival from May 22 through 27.  (to be confirmed)

Look for an eclectic program featuring all styles of jazz, from swing to gypsy jazz and even klezmer music, with some performances designed to appeal to young audiences. 

Location:  2 Rue Edouard Colonne, Paris 1
Tickets:  Prices range from an affordable 6€ to 75€ (with most in the 6-20€ range - reserve online

French Bread Festival - Fête du Pain 

Bouquet of roses from Stéphane Chapelle Florist
Baguettes hot from the oven - Photo: istock.com/Baranova Valentina

The Fête du Pain (French Bread Festival) takes place in Paris from Tuesday May 6 to Thursday May 15 (to be confirmed) on the plaza in front of Notre Dame Cathedral.  This celebration takes place each year around May 16, the day that honors Saint-Honoré, patron saint of millers, flour merchants, bakers, and pastry chefs. 

You can see traditional bakehouses, ovens, and of course baguettes, and learn about the art, science, and rules of making these favorite treats.  And in case you're wondering:  yes, you can enjoy tastings and samples. 

The event is free, so stop by, or check the details on the sponsoring organization's website.

Want to learn how to make French baguettes and croissants? Take this class in a Paris bakery!

La Nuit des Musées (Night at the Museums) 2025

The Louvre and Pyramid at night from the Richelieu Passage
The Louvre and Pyramid at night from the Richelieu Passage

La Nuit des Musées Date:  Saturday, May 17, 2025

La Nuit des Musées is a magical evening when most museums in Paris, the rest of France, and 30 or so other European countries open their doors to visitors for free and stay open until very late into the evening.  Look for guided tours, workshops, special screnings, tasting, live shows, and other special events.

Whether you're visiting a new-to-you museum or making a return visit to an old favorite, join Parisians at the Louvre, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée du Quai Branly, Musée de l'Armée, Centre Pompidou, and about 80 other museums across the city in this celebration of art and culture. 

You can find all venues once they're officially announced, usually a few weeks before the event on the Cultural Ministry's website by entering "nuit des musees" in the search block.  Some require advance registration, and have limited places.

Find out more about visiting the Musée du Louvre

Paris Museum Shows - Top Events during May

Exterior view of Fondation Louis Vuitton
Fondation Louis Vuitton

Here are just a few of the many wonderful exhibitions you can see in Paris this month:

  • Centre Pompidou: Suzanne Valadon - About 200 paintings and drawings organized into five themes show the artistic development of this Montmartre model-turned-artist, known especially for her boldly realistic paintings of nudes.
    Dates:  January 15 - May 26    , 2025; Level 6
    Tickets:  15€ adults; book online (includes some shows plus permanent collections) or use your Paris Museum Pass for free entry; shows in several galleries require an additional ticket at (usually) an extra cost of 1-2€, so book the "permanent and temporary" ticket if you want to see one of these exhibits.  Or enhance your visit with a private tour by an expert guide.
    Getting there:  Rue Saint-Martin between Rue Rambuteau and Rue Merri, 4th;  Metro:  Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet; RER: Châtelet les Halles, lines A, B, D
  • Musee d'Orsay: Art Is in the Streets - A major exhibition of almost 300 illustrated posters by Bonnard, Grasset, Mucha, Toulouse-Lautrec, with an immersion in the 19th-century city’s visual world.
    Dates:  March 18 - July 6
    Book a reserved access ticket for skip-the-line access, or use your Paris Museum Pass for free entry
    Location:     1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Paris 7;  Metro: Pont de l'Alma; Invalides
  • Louvre Couture: Art & Fashion Statement Pieces - A major exhibition tracing decorative styles with 65 designs from Byzantium through the Second Empire on display.
    Dates:  January 24 - July 21
    Tickets: Book in advance with a reserved time slot and skip-the-line access; can also book in advance for free admission with a Paris Museum Pass
    Location:  Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1;  Metro: Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre

Find more Paris museum exhibitions for May

Interested in a Louvre Museum guided tour?  Find out how to choose the best one to match your interests

Paris Museum and Attractions Passes

Get free admission and skip-the-line access to 60+ museums in and near Paris when you have a Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days.  More info

Musical Fountains & Musical Gardens Shows at Versailles

Fountain at Versailles spraying water during Musical Fountain Show - Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Fountain at Versailles spraying water during Musical Fountain Show - Photo credit: Adobe Stock

Palace of Versailles:  Musical Fountains & Musical Gardens Shows - Watch the beautiful gardens and fountains at the Palace of Versailles come alive!  Shows (fountains or gardens) vary based on the day of the week when you visit, but both are magical!
Dates:  Through late October

These two highly-rated guided tours of Versailles include transportation from Paris and entrance to Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains (on days when they take place):

Prefer to travel to Versailles and explore on your own?  Get a Versailles Palace & Gardens "Full Access" Ticket that includes the shows on days when they are available, as well as other special spots such as Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, and the Petit and Grand Trianon palaces.

Find out about best ways to tour Versailles Palace from Paris

More Ways to See Versailles:


More about Paris in May


Belleville Artists' Open Studios 2025

Open Studio in Paris's Belleville neighborhood
Open Studio in Paris's Belleville neighborhood

Numerous emerging and established artists live and work in Paris's vibrant Belleville neighborhood, which includes parts of the 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements.  During four days each May, Belleville's painters, sculptors, photographers, print-makers, and other artists open their studio doors to welcome the public.

    Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to browse original art, chat with the artists, and perhaps purchase a favorite piece direct from its creator. 

    Visiting the Open Studios also gives you also an opportunity to explore this less-known authentic Parisian neighborhood, where you'll find many of the artists' studios located between the gorgeous Parc des Buttes Chaumont and Parc de Belleville.  Consider including a stroll through one or both parks, and perhaps a meal in one of Belleville's excellent restaurants.

    Stop for a meal in one of the neighborhood's many cafes, and once you've had your fill of art, walk over to Pere Lachaise cemetery and admire all the quirky tombstones.

Admission:  Free
Admission:  May 23-26, 2pm-8pm
Reception point:  AAB Gallery, 1 rue François Picabia, Paris 20; Metro: Couronnes/Line 2
More information, including a detailed map showing studio locations:  Belleville Artists' Open Studios website

Where to Stay (Cheaply!) near Belleville's Open Studios

Check out these fun and very affordable places to stay within easy walking distance of Belleville's Open Studios:

  • Novotel Paris 20 Belleville - Recently renovated 4-star hotel popular with business and leisure visitors - cool industrial-chic vibe, onsite bistronomic restaurant plus many other appealing restaurant options nearby, and across from a metro station.  The bargain rates for a 4-star property in Paris are well-known to savvy travelers - so book well in advance of your dates.  Check out other new hotels in Paris
  • Hotel Scarlett - Attractive 3-star boutique hotel very close to Parc de Belleville, with (usually, except during times of peak demand) cheap rates.  Book a couple of months in advance to get the cheapest rates.
  • The People Paris Belleville/Les Piaules - With a game room, theme parties each evening, and lounges for relaxing, this popular hostel offers cheap rates and 2 types of booking options: 1) reserve a bed in a room shared by others, or 2) "privatize" a double, quadruple, 6-bed, or 8-bed room - perfect for just you and one other person, or for friend or family groups up to 8 people.  Cheap rates
  • Generator Paris Hostel - This hostel near Canal Saint-Martin is known for its gorgeous public spaces, including a rooftop bar.  Accommodations include both private rooms and shared rooms, most with ensuite bathrooms but a few with shared facilities.  Cheap rates
  • Hipotel Paris Buttes Chaumont Belleville - Recently renovated guestrooms with simple contemporary furnishings and inexpensive rates close to Parc de Belleville; this 3-star hotel is part of the growing budget-friendly Hipotel chain in Paris.

    • Find more hotels in Paris's 20th arrondissement, including Belleville

Circus Shows at Jardin d'Acclimation

Amusement ride at Jardin d'Acclimatation
Amusement ride at Jardin d'Acclimatation

Looking for a fun family-friendly activity for April? 

Head over to the Jardin d'Acclimatation next to Fondation Louis-Vuitton in the Bois de Boulogne where you'll find a big-top circus tent and a troupe of artists and clowns performing acrobatics, juggling, and other entertainment during the school holiday period in April and early May.

You'll find a lot more to enjoy in this hidden gem created by Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie back in 1860:  a small zoo and Normandy-style farm, beautiful gardens and walking paths, food pavilions, and 40+ amusement rides.

Showtimes:  2:30pm and 4:30pm on April 6 - May 12 (but no shows on April 22, 23, 29, 30 or May 6, 7) (to be confirmed) 
Admission:  Entrance to the park costs 7€ for adults and children 80 cm (31.5 inches) and taller; entrance to the circus show requires 2 attraction tickets per person.   Get your entry & attraction tickets in advance to skip the ticket line.  You can also enter free when you visit Fondation Louis Vuitton - get your FLV skip-the-line tickets here.
Where:  Corner of Boulevard des Sablons and Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16
Nearest metro:  Les Sablons - about a 7-8 minute walk, with plenty of signs pointing to the park

Spring Street Festival (Le Printemps des Rues)

Street Artists creating a giant mural across from Canal Saint Martin
Street artists creating a giant mural across from Canal Saint Martin

The Printemps des Rues Festival celebrates emerging artists and performers each spring with events centered around the Saint-Martin canal and other locations in the 10th, 18th, and 19th arrondissement.  

Look for lots of innovative music, dance, comedy, theater, and art.

The festival takes place on May 24-25 this year.  (to be confirmed)  Check the Festival website for specific events, times, and places.  All performances and events are free. 

Paris Beer Festival 2025

The bar at Ground Control, Paris Beer Fest venue
The bar at Ground Control, Paris Beer Fest venue

Although wine usually overshadows beer as the beverage of choice in Paris, rising stars among 60 local and international craft microbrewers may change your loyalties once you explore what's on offer.  There's no better way to do that than stopping by the Paris Beer Festival and savoring the lineups on tap.  It's also the perfect excuse to visit Ground Control, the fun venue site near Gare du Lyon.

The first three days of the festival focus on events hosted by local bars, gastro pubs, and breweries located mostly in the Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and other eastern arrondissement neighborhoods. 

The last two days take place in Ground Control, a former rail depot repurposed as a popular theater, dining and drinking, music venue, and community space with restaurants, food kiosks, outdoor seating, and shops plus a large outdoor terrace behind the Gare de Lyon train station in the 12th arrondissement, where you'll have the chance to do a lot more sampling.  

When:  May 19-25  
Where:  Days 1-3, various locations; Days 4 & 5: Ground Control, 81 Rue de Charolais, Paris 12
More information & tickets:  Event website

Want to visit Ground Control at other times?   It's open Wednesday through Sunday (see their website for hours and events)

Mother's Day in Paris 2025

Bouquet of roses from Stéphane Chapelle Florist
Bouquet of roses from Paris florist Stéphane Chapelle (29 Rue de Richelieu, 1st arrondissement)

Mother's Day (La Fête de Mère) in France normally takes place on the last Sunday in May, which falls on May 25 this year.  (Occasionally, the event occurs on the first Sunday in June - but not this year!)

Traditional French celebrations for Mother's Day involve flowers, food, and perhaps an outing - anything from a picnic in a park to a river cruise to a special day trip.

Buying spectacular flowers is easy to do in Paris.  Florists in every neighborhood offer lovely choices ranging from simple pots of blooming bulbs to lavish bouquets.

Mother's Day brunch, lunch, or dinner in a restaurant takes more planning, as they'll be packed.  Make reservations in advance, or if you're visiting and not sure where to go, ask your hotel concierge for help.

Future dates for Mother's Day in France: May 31, 2026

More about how to celebrate Mother's Day in Paris

Aura at Les Invalides - 2025

Les Invalides - Site of a spectacular night show
Les Invalides - Site of a spectacular night show

The Aura immersive show takes place during evening hours and brings to life the architecture and history of the Invalides Dome with spectacular lighting effects, imagery, and music designed to showcase the site's beauty and heritage.

For about 50 minutes, brilliant video projections inside the interior of Les Invalides will take you through the creation of the dome and the panorama of events associated with this important monument. 

Please note:  This is walking experience as you move to different parts of the dome; you will need to take stairs outside and inside the dome, so not accessible for wheelchairs; also, please know that no restrooms are available onsite.

Book your Aura tickets

Dates: Through 2033
Location: Invalides Dome, 2 Place Vauban, 7th arr;  Metro: Ecole Militaire, Tour Maubourg, Varenne, Saint-François Xavier

Want to visit Les Invalides, Napoleon's Tomb, and the Army Museum during regular visiting hours?  Book priority entry tickets online.

Foire de Paris (Paris Fair) - 2025

For 120 years, Foire de Paris has been the show to attend if you want to see a vast array of the latest and greatest products and demonstrations related to home renovations, fashion and personal care products, crafts and decor from around the Francophone world, plus fine wines and food. 

What to expect?  A festive environment with more than 1,250 exhibitors, numerous concerts, parades, workshops, children's activities, and lots of delicious food.

When:  April 30 - May 11

Where:  Paris Expo at Porte de Versailles, 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 15th arrondissement; Metro: Porte de Versailles (Line 12) or Balard (Line 8); Tram: Lines T2 and T3 - Porte de Versailles; Bus - #80 (Porte de Versailles) and #39 (Desnouettes)

More information & tickets:  Foire de Paris website  (you should definitely get your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in the ticket lines)

Biggest Paris Sports Events - May 2025

Don't miss this top Paris sports event taking place during May:

If this date doesn't work for you (or even if it does), consider a behind-the-scenes tour of Stade de France, Paris's largest stadium and home to many of France's top championship games such as Fifa World Cup.

Victory in Europe Day in Paris

Arc de Triomphe ceremony
Arc de Triomphe ceremony

Victory in Europe Day (le Jour de la Victoire en Europe) on May 8 celebrates the surrender of the Nazis in East Berlin on May 8, 1945, a day after their surrender in Reims, France, and almost 9 months after the Liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944. 

The event is always celebrated on May 8 and is a public holiday, which means banks, most businesses including stores and restaurants, and all schools will be closed, public transportation will run on a holiday schedule, and most bakeries and supermarkets will close early (if they're open at all).

In Paris, official ceremonies take place at the Arc de Triomphe with the French President and other officials laying wreathes on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  During some years, a parade marches down Champs Elysees, but so far, no announcements about that occurring this year.

Find out more about visiting the Arc de Triomphe and its rooftop terrace

Open Studios: Pere Lachaise Neighborhood in Paris

Open Studio in Paris's Belleville neighborhood
Open Studio in Paris's Belleville neighborhood

Numerous artists live and work in the leafy 20th arrondissement neighborhoods near Pere Lachaise Cemetery, including Charonne and parts of Menilmontant, which in some ways resemble what Montmartre was like 100 years ago.

In early May, 33+ of these painters, sculptors, engravers, and photographers will invite you into their studios to see their newest works. 

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to browse original art, chat with the artists, and perhaps purchase a favorite piece! 

Visiting the Open Studios also gives you also a great opportunity to explore lesser-known but picturesque part of Paris, discover some of its flower-filled passages, and even stop by Pere Lachaise cemetery to admire the artistic and sometimes quirky memorials.  It's one of our favorite ways to spend a spring afternoon.

Date:  May 2 - 4 (to be confirmed)
Admission:  Free
More information:  Artists of the APLA website  (APLA = painting, sculpture, engraving, photography, and mixed media)

One of the many hidden garden-lined passages in Paris's Charonne neighborhood in the 20th
One of the many hidden garden-lined passages in Paris's Charonne neighborhood in the 20th

More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in May


Want to Save on Your Paris Hotel?

Check our tips on how to find discounts, deals, and bargains for Paris hotels.  Whether you're looking for cheap accommodations or want to pay less for luxury, we'll show you how to save on hotels in Paris. 

Here are some shortcuts: 

  • Booking.com: Need last minute reservations?  Check out Today Deals on their website
  • Trip Advisor: Use their Best Value Deals & save BIG on your Paris hotel
  • Priceline: Find the lowest prices on Paris hotels with their Express Deals

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