May in Paris is the sweet spot. The flowers are blooming, the days are growing longer, and the sun starts to set past 9pm. The city begins stirring in April, with scattered warm and sunny days. But by May, you’re pretty much guaranteed gorgeous weather. (Still, we always recommend a light layer and an umbrella!) Whether you're visiting to museum-hop, picnic like a local, or eat and drink your heart out, Paris in May will deliver.
If you're wondering what to do in Paris this May, especially if you're into local experiences, we’ve got you covered. And if you want even more off-the-beaten-path gems, grab our full guide to Paris. It’s like having a true Parisian friend with excellent taste in your back pocket - best wine recs with a side of sass.
First things first: The Magic of May’s Bridges
As a general rule, France loves a public holiday. Even better, France loves a public holiday on a Tuesday or a Thursday. Why? The magic of le pont, or the “bridge”. When a public holiday falls on either of these days, many people will take off the respective Monday or Friday to “bridge” into the weekend. Some years are better than others for this… And this year?
May is chalk full of them. In 2025, here’s what we’re working with:
May 1 (Labor day) - Thursday
May 8 (Victory day for World War II) - Thursday
May 29 (Ascension) - Thursday
Even better? In what we like to call “French math”, nab those extra days between May 4th and May 8th and get a solid 11 days off! Now that’s a bridge to rival the Golden Gate!
But only a lucky few will do that. In reality, in Paris many places will stay open during these ponts. After all, it’s tourist season, and lots of local businesses are still trying to recoup from last year’s low turnover due to the Olympics.
Additionally, many top museums stay open, even on public holidays. You can check the updated list here. For your favorite cafés and restaurants, many will update their google hours, or post on Instagram. So be sure to check before you go, and keep our guide at hand. Our map of recs can can help you get oriented and find the nearest great coffee shop
And now, what else to do in Paris in May?
Our Top Picks for Music Lovers
Dua Lipa at La Défense Arena (May 23 & 24)
The pop queen lands in Paris for two nights of glitter, choreography, and nonstop hits. Big energy, even bigger crowds. Tickets are already sold out, but we want to flag it anyway. You never know!
Eric Clapton at the Accor Arena (May 31)
Guitar genius, rock legend, pure vibe. If you want something iconic to end your May (or start your June), this is it. Tickets are still available at the time of writing this, but going fast, so be sure to grab yours ASAP. Do you think he’ll play his guitar solo from - wait - name that Beatles’ song!
Eurovision Final Fan Zone (May 11)
Get this - Place de la Bastille will turn into an open-air Eurovision screening. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s going to be a fête. Expect cheers, costumes, wine in plastic cups, and very passionate fans. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, it’s Eurovision. It’s also a first, so we’d love to know what you think if you check it out.
Our Top Picks for Art Lovers
Centre Pompidou
Before it shuts for renovations until 2030 (whaaat), be sure to head to the Pompidou Centre to see an exhibition of Suzanne Valadon’s bold and under-celebrated works. She was the muse of several artists, and the mother of Maurice Utrillo - but most importantly, she was a renowned artist herself and the first female painter to be entered into the National Society of Beaux-Arts in Paris.
David Hockney at Fondation Louis Vuitton (through August)
Not to be missed, this Hockney exhibition lights up the ultra-modern Frank Gehry building. The bright, joyous, and pondering paintings somehow suit this venue perfectly. Bonus: The Bois de Boulogne nearby makes for a perfect post-museum stroll.
Nuit des Musées (May 17)
One of the best nights of the year (along with Fête de la Musique and Nuit Blanche), Nuit des Musées is not where museum exhibits come to life at night… but the ambiance sure lights up! Expect free late-night (often all night) access to museums across Paris—plus live performances and special exhibits. Go museum-hopping with a glass of wine in hand. Congrats, you’re Parisian!
Our Top Picks for May Festivals
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival (May 12-19)
How could you not want to experience jazz in the neighborhood where it first found a foothold in Paris? This jazz festival is a must if you love music - catch concerts in tucked-away churches, courtyards, and cozy venues. It’s a great way to explore the city while getting your live music fix. See what’s on.
Belleville Artists' Open Studios (May 15-18)
Since 1990, artists of Belleville have annually opened their studios for viewing. Wander through studios and private courtyards during this artsy weekend in one of Paris’s most creative (and underrated) neighborhoods. And in the evening? Check out Kissproof Belleville for a tasty cocktail.
Paris Beer Festival (May 19–25)
Proof that Paris does not live on wine alone. Breweries, tap takeovers, and special events will be happening in bars across the city, plus a banging closing weekend at Ground Control. Our rec? On the 21st of May, for example, try the pairing evening of Pintxos (spanish nibbles) and beer at Les Cuves de Fauves, one of our favorite local breweries on the. Find the full agenda and book tickets here.
Pssst is this your vibe? Then you’ll love the multiple breweries we recommend in our guide to Paris.
Our Top Pick for Sports:
Roland Garros (May 19–June 8)
From the very end of May, the French Open brings big tennis energy to Paris, both at Roland Garros and in your local café (if you didn’t nab tickets). Whether you're a tennis fan or not, attending a few matches at Roland Garros is a pretty amazing experience.
Like to Cycle?
Unfortunately the Tour de France doesn’t start until July, but that’s no reason not to go for your own ride! If you’re looking for a tour of the city, check out tours with Le French Way to ride a retro Solex bike! There’s also Bike About Tours (say that Jay Swanson sent you for a warm welcome!) and their sister café, Le Peloton’s cycling club. They’ll rent you a road bike, and the weather for riding in May is the best.
Our Top Picks for Getting Fresh Air On and Off the Beaten Path
Canal Picnics
Our advice? Start at the Marché de Bastille (Thursday and Sunday mornings). Nab some fresh strawberries, a wedge of brie, and a bottle of wine and wander up to the Canal Saint-Martin. Settle in for a picnic like a local, legs dangling over the edge of the canal, people watching for hours. Need a cup of coffee after? Don’t miss out on a flat white and a cookie from Radiodays.
Montmartre in Bloom
It’s wisteria season! The photographer in you will love this; your allergies will not. That’s too bad for your nose - head up to Montmartre anyway. Our favorite view? Definitely not off the beaten path, but sometimes the path is beaten for a reason - check out the beautiful Rue de L’abreuvoir. Nervous about navigating Montmartre? Our guide has a full day itinerary walking through the prettiest corners and stopping for the best places to eat and drink.
Rose Festival in Chédigny (May 24 & 25)
Okay, we know - we’re here for Paris. But we couldn’t resist this one. Hop on a train to this fairy-tale village in the Loire Valley, where over 1,000 rose bushes line the streets. Over 1,000! It’s like wandering through a floral dream. Even outside the festival weekend, it’s a worthy trip. (You might need a car for this, or to tack it on to your pre-existing Loire Valley road trip plans)
Pro tip: A glass of rosé while taking a walk in roses is not overrated. Do it, and tag us on Instagram. We love to see you having fun.
Bonus Food & Drink
Fantastic Spots That Aren’t in Our Guide (Yet)
- Try seasonal spring dishes at Martin Boire & Manger. They source their veg from local farms and change their menu regularly. And their wine list is top notch. Be prepared - Martin has a very casual, local vibe. And they don’t take reservations. Arrive early, be prepared to wait a little, and thank us later.
- More comfortable getting a reservation, but without sacrificing any of the fresh, seasonal goodness? Check out Jones. Perfect for a special occasion, or just a regular night out.
- Not hungry at all? Not a problem. Head to Les Oeillets. Like Martin, this is a super local joint. The owner seems to know everyone, and it’ll be packed later in the evening. They have nibbles, but the point is the wine. Tell them what you want and they’ll surprise you with something great.
We’ll stop there, because you get the picture: Paris in May is a dream, plain and simple. The light, the flowers, the festivals, the food—it’s all happening, and it’s just the beginning of what proves, year after year, to be some of the best summer vibes in Europe.
Want even more amazing recommendations? Check out our guide for all of our favorite places to eat and drink, and our guide+ for full-day itineraries, and even access to virtual walking tours.
