The French love the month of May above all because it's punctuated by so many public holidays! It's also a time when the days are getting longer, and the temperatures are rising: in short, it's the perfect time to go for a walk. And there's a public holiday coming up: Wednesday May 8, 2024, commemorates the Victory of May 8, 1945, and gives us an extra day off.
You want to use this day to visit a castle, a monument or an exhibition, and you're right to do so. But are there any cultural venues in France open on a public holiday?
The good news is that many of the region's museums and monuments are open this Wednesday, May 8, 2024! In fact, almost all art and culture venues are open on this public holiday. Rather than list the hundred or so sites available on this day, we've chosen to point out those that are closed, and therefore best avoided. All the others open their doors wide to you, and often feature some great exhibitions.
The little-known Musée Jacquemart-André and its fine art collection in Paris
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a beautiful, little-known museum in Paris. It holds many treasures, including Rembrandt's Pilgrims to Emmaus, Sandro Botticelli's Virgin and Child and Donatello's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, all collected by Nélie Jacquemart and her husband Edouard André in the 19th century. [Read more]
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris: an exploration of the human-animal relationship
Nestled in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a unique insight into hunting, nature and the complex relationship between man and animal. This unusual museum invites visitors to discover an exceptional collection, while encouraging reflection on our relationship with flora and fauna. [Read more]
La Monnaie de Paris: an unusual cultural and historical institution in Paris
Do you know how coins are made in France? Come and find out by visiting the Monnaie de Paris, the institution that teaches us more about the history of silver and the minting of medals, in a place steeped in history. [Read more]
The Musée de la Carte à jouer, a unique collection dedicated to our card games, in Issy (92).
Just south of Paris, in Issy-des-Moulineaux (92), you'll find a museum that's unique in France: the Musée de la Carte à jouer, a cultural venue devoted entirely to card games, from the first models to appear in the 15th century, right up to the present day. [Read more]
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument on the Champs-Élysées that sits at the center of the Place de l'Étoile, is a must-see on your visit to Paris! [Read more]
All we have to do now is cross our fingers that the weather is on our side! To help you choose between all these options, take a look at the museum program for the month of May. Looking for more ideas on how to spend the holiday? Check out our guide to activities in Paris on May 8, 2024!
