There are three holidays in France in May: Fête du Travail (May 1st, almost everything is closed); V-Day 1945 (May 8, most places remain open); and Ascension (May 17th, most places remain open).
May 1
It’s the annual Fête du Travail in France, one of the biggest national holidays when almost every museum and shop and department store is closed (and it’s also a Monday this year, so many things are closed anyway). Some monuments and private/national museums are still open, like the Tour Eiffel and Atelier des Lumières. Traditionally there are parades by French workers’ unions, although this year there will be massive protests against Macron’s pension reform, and should be avoided (in Paris it starts at Place de la République at 2pm and goes to Place de la Nation). Whatever the case, call ahead to make sure the places you’re going are open and count on several public transport disruptions (Metro stations in the vicinity will be closed: République, Oberkampf, Saint-Ambroise, Voltaire, Charonne, Rue des Boulets, and Filles du Calvaire).
April 27-May 1
Bercy Beaucoup, the tiers-lieu (“third space”) on the edge of the 12th arrondissement, is having their seasonal reopening party this weekend with cocktails, food and live concerts at La Javelle guinguette, and a plant and gardening supplies exchange at Plant B. This is an inclusive , open-air space (dress accordingly for the weather), free entry, everyone welcome of all ages. Check the FB event page for the schedule of events.
May 5–7
The 16th annual “Tous à L’Opéra” is a nationwide festival to bring everyone to the opera who might not normally visit. In Paris the Palais Garnier public spaces (which are stunning) will be open free to the public on May 6th from 10am-5pm, space allowing (there will likely be lines). Be sure to get there before 1pm if you want to be able to see the stage and viewing boxes.
May 8
Today commemorates the end of WWII on May 8th, 1945, aka “Victory Day” throughout Europe. In Paris, two ceremonies are organized each year: the President of the Republic lays a wreath at the foot of the statue of General de Gaulle, Place Clemenceau (Champs-Elysées) then rekindles the flame of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, both broadcast live on French TV 2 from 10am (and news websites like FranceInfo). Each arrondissement’s mayor will also lay a wreath or other memorial ceremony at a monument in their district.
Through May 8
The annual Foire de Paris (Paris Fair) is one of the biggest events of the year, occupying the entire Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (15th arr.) with hall after hall of food and wine, home and garden, fashion and accessories, travel and world cultures, arts and crafts, the famous Inventions Contest, and a street art competition. It’s chaos, it’s fascinating, and there’s always something interesting to learn (or buy, or eat). Just don’t go on the weekend unless you like being trampled! Buy your tickets in advance and avoid lines; entry €11 (€15 at the door).
May 11
Le Food Market is a monthly open-air food festival on Boulevard Belleville (between metro Ménilmontant and Couronnes) with over a dozen stands serving up tasty and affordable dishes of all kinds (kind of like a gathering of static food trucks, but without the wheels) from 6pm-10:30pm. This month the theme is “Italy” in close collaboration with the Italian culinary genius, Ilaria Brunetti. It can get quite crowded, so get there early to avoid waiting (there are huge tables to sit and eat).
May 11
The Ukulele Boudoir is back with their monthly Cabaret du Uke de Paris tonight on the peniche Anako (Bassin de la Villette, across from 34 Quai de la Loire) from 7:30pm, free entry. Bring your uke and play along, or just watch and eat and drink and sing along.
May 13
Check out your favorite Paris museum at night during the 16th annual Nuit Européenne des Musées, when all over Europe museums stay open until midnight…for free! Special flashlight tours, live music, installment arts, film screenings, costumed museum guides, and other fun events throughout the evening at each museum (you’ll need to auto-translate as the site’s English version doesn’t seem to be working).
May 24-29
The 14th annual Fête de la Nature is a five-day festival celebrating nature with a full program of 5000 free events in parks, gardens, nature preserves and forests all over the country, with two dozen events in Paris alone.
Through June 3
CAPITALE(S) is a free exposition at the Hôtel de Ville (4th) celebrating 60 years of Paris street art, featuring the most influential artists, including Invader, Miss Tic, André, Swoon and Banksy. In the Salle Saint-Jean at 5 rue de Lobau, free entry with reservations online, Mon-Sat 10am-6:30pm (Thursdays until 9pm).
Through July 8
Murmuration is a mesmerizing performance choreographed by Sadeck Berrabah at the 13e Art theatre. “More than 40 dancers will make you travel and dream for 75 minutes.” Tickets €20-59. Get a sneak preview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9IxogvCvxo&t=119s
Through November 5
Immerse yourself in the art of the iconic Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha at the interactive digital show at the Grand Palais Immersif (110 rue de Lyon, 12th). Tickets €6-€20. Reserve your time slot online.
