As the saying goes,"in May, do as you please". And what we love most of all is discovering and visiting the museums and monuments of Paris and theÎle-de-France region! And thanks to the many public holidays in May, it's even easier to plan our outings, discovering the capital's cultural heritage.
So this Wednesday, May 1, 2024, we're taking advantage of our free time to tour the region's museums and monuments. Don't worry: even on Labor Day, there's plenty to keep you entertained and cultured in Paris! Admittedly, the offer is less dense than usual: many museums and monuments are closed on May 1, a major public holiday in France. Nevertheless, there's always plenty to keep you entertained and amused. Here are the places that are keeping their doors open on May 1st, to the delight of art lovers and the curious.
The Eiffel Tower: Paris's most iconic monument
The Eiffel Tower has established itself as the most emblematic monument in Paris. Since 1889, it has watched over Paris and its inhabitants, astonishing visitors and those who see it from afar. Want to find out more? Click here! [Read more]
Sacré-Coeur de Paris, the must-see basilica at the top of Montmartre Hill
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris's must-see monuments. But how much do you know about its history and treasures? We'll take you on a tour of this edifice perched atop the Butte Montmartre, and take a look at what's happening there at the moment! [Read more]
The Lutetia Arena, a Gallo-Roman amphitheater in the heart of Paris
Did you know the Arènes de Lutèce? This very well preserved Gallo-Roman amphitheater is located in the heart of the Arènes de Lutèce square in Paris and is a true symbol of the Parisian way of life! [Read more]
Domaine de Saint Cloud, a festive venue just a stone's throw from Paris
The Domaine de Saint-Cloud is the magnificent park of the now-defunct Château de Saint-Cloud. Even today, this magical place remains synonymous with festivities in the daily lives of local residents and Paris lovers alike. [Read more]
The Château de Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens, a fabulous estate in Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 50 km from Paris, is one of the jewels of the Île-de-France region: its beauty even inspired the Château de Versailles. Come and visit this French heritage treasure, and its gardens, which offer great walks and activities for children. [Read more]
Photos of the Château de Breteuil, its sublime gardens, stories and events
Château de Breteuil, at Choisel in the Chevreuse valley, is a must-see castle in the Yvelines region. A jewel of the 18th century, the château boasts sublime gardens to discover: a remarkable garden, century-old trees and a labyrinth await you. It also offers young and old alike the chance to plunge into the heart of Perrault's fairy tales. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard and its Remarkable Garden
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard, located in Essonne in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, is a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century château classified as a historic monument. Visitors flock here to discover the grounds, and in particular the Potager, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label. [Read more]
The Castle of Monte Cristo, the hidden and unusual home of Alexandre Dumas
Discover the Castle of Monte Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. In an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, near Saint-Germain-en-Laye, you can see a castle with an exuberant style from the 19th century and its small Yew Castle. We take you to discover this hidden heritage, classified as a historical monument. [Read more]
The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Impressionist treasure and its program
Discover the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and its sublime English gardens. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events focusing on Impressionism await you. [Read more]
Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [Read more]
L'Atelier des Lumières, a digital art center and immersive museum in Paris
For total, magical immersion in the works of the greatest artists, head for Atelier des Lumières, the digital art center in Paris's 11th arrondissement. Find out all the latest news from this museum like no other. [Read more]
The Musée de Montmartre in Paris: discover a historical and artistic treasure trove
The Musée de Montmartre, a jewel nestled in the heart of Paris, awaits you for a tour of the area's famous artists. Explore the fascinating history of this museum in the 18th arrondissement, home to works by artists such as Auguste Renoir and Suzanne Valadon. With over 100,000 visitors a year, this museum offers an unforgettable journey through the art and culture of Montmartre! [Read more]
The Musée Grévin, the wax statue museum where you can meet stars in Paris
The Musée Grévin has a lot to offer the whole family. The famous museum on Boulevard Montmartre awaits you with its ever-growing roster of stars. The constantly redesigned scenography offers an enriched, modern and more interactive visit than ever before. [Read more]
The Musée en Herbe, a child-sized cultural venue in the Marais district of Paris
In the Marais district of Paris, the Musée en Herbe offers the youngest visitors a chance to discover art, through fun, interactive exhibitions for young and old alike, aged 3 to 103. [Read more]
Espace Dali Paris in Montmartre
Based in Montmartre, the Espace Dali Paris has been home to the largest private collection of works by Salvador Dali for 25 years. After 4 months of closure for works, the Espace Dali is once again visible since April 13, 2018 with a new itinerary, a new proposal that will reinvigorate the museum. [Read more]
The Maillol Museum
Le musée Maillol est un lieu chargé d’histoire qui offre aujourd’hui quelque 4 250 m² de superficie et abrite la plus grande collection d’œuvres de Maillol au monde ainsi que les collections d’art du XXe de Dina Vierny. En plus de cette riche collection permanente, le musée propose régulièrement des expositions temporaires inédites et surprenantes, mettant à l'honneur des artistes de tout genre, venus du monde entier. [Read more]
The vast majority of museums are closed on May 1, 2024, but don't hesitate to take advantage of the day to get out and about. And don't worry: all our favorite museums will be back on May 2, with programs and exhibitions that are as exceptional as ever!
