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10 parks and gardens in Paris and Île-de-France you simply have to visit in May 2026

In May, the parks and gardens of Paris and the Ile-de-France region are decked out in their most beautiful colors. The abundant blooms of this period offer the opportunity for beautiful discoveries, ideal for springtime strolls. So, to help you find your way around, here are 10 parks and gardens to discover at this time of year.

Unusual sight: horses settle on Place de la Concorde for a day dedicated to equine therapy

On May 1, 2026, Place de la Concorde trades the city’s bustle for the soothing rhythm of horses’ hooves. As part of the installation “Living Together,” the HOPE association invites Parisians to discover equine therapy at a free event.

Sant Jordi: a book-and-rose market with free activities, Catalonia’s festival.

On April 25, 2026, the spirit of Catalonia takes over the 14th arrondissement for a celebration centered on literature and roses to mark Sant Jordi. A wide range of free activities, from human-tower displays to Catalan language workshops, awaits at Place de Catalogne.

Montereau Fair 2026 is free, the Saint-Parfait Fair celebrates Canada in Seine-et-Marne

The Saint-Parfait Fair kicks off again at the Parc des Noues in Montereau-Fault-Yonne, Seine-et-Marne, for its 185th edition. With over 200 exhibitors, a host of activities, and Canadian cuisine on the menu, the event runs from April 17 to 20, 2026.

Songkran Festival 2026 at Wat Pho Paris in Essonne: the free Thai New Year program

Heading to Breux-Jouy, in Essonne, to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year, at the Wat Pho Paris temple. A free, festive, immersive day to enjoy this Sunday, April 19, 2026 — let’s go!

Colors Festival returns to Paris with the street-art exhibition Colors Ligth, spanning 700 m², featuring the photos

The Colors Festival returns to Paris after a three-year hiatus and sets up in the 15th arrondissement with Colors Light, a new immersive exhibition exploring blacklight and urban art, opening from April 16 to July 26, 2026.

10 top free outings in Paris to make the most of the Spring and Easter holidays 2026

Spring break, more commonly known as the Easter holidays, is here! Are you looking for the best outings without spending much, or even for free? Here are 10 smart tips for going out in Paris and the surrounding areas.

Hanami at Parc de Sceaux 2026, the program and free-access activities - photos and video

Hanami, the famed cherry blossom festival, returns this season to the Domaine de Sceaux in the Hauts-de-Seine, from April 4 to 19, 2026. This year, note that you must reserve to access the lawns. That won’t stop you from admiring the blossoms along the avenues and from the viewing platform that overlooks the trees. We unveil the program available throughout the estate.

Winnie the Pooh turns 100: free activities for children at a shopping mall

Winnie the Pooh lands at a Paris shopping mall from May 7 to 9, 2026. What’s on the agenda? Free activities around the famous yellow bear.

10 free outings to enjoy the Easter weekend in Paris and Île-de-France

Chasses aux œufs, musées gratuits, Hanami à Sceaux... The Easter weekend from April 4 to 6, 2026 is packed with free options in Paris and Île-de-France. We round up the possibilities to enjoy a long weekend without blowing the budget.

Yvelines: 50 free nature walks to discover the Sensitive Natural Areas in 2026

In the Yvelines department (78), the local authority is offering 50 free nature outings in its Espaces Naturels Sensibles from 4 April to 29 November 2026. Guided walks, family workshops, wildlife and flora discoveries... registration is mandatory, so keep that in mind!

Tulips and poppies, extraordinary blooms for the 400th anniversary of the Jardin des Plantes

To mark its 400th anniversary in 2026, the Jardin des Plantes is unveiling two waves of extraordinary blooms along its Grand Perspective, pairing tulips, anemones, and poppies from spring into summer. Already in bloom, the parterres are stunning right now and deserve a quick visit.

La Mail de Bièvre and its flowering cherry trees, the hidden Hanami spot in Paris’s 13th arrondissement

In the 13th arrondissement of Paris, the Mail de Bièvre is a quiet, tucked-away stroll lined with blooming cherry trees. A discreet Hanami spot to discover in March and early April 2026, as the sakura fashion a pink-tinted avenue, far from the crowds.

The cherry trees of Trocadéro are blooming early this spring of 2026.

The cherry trees in the gardens of Trocadéro, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, are already bursting into bloom, with at least a ten-day head start this March 2026. Their fleeting pink spectacle against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold—timing is everything before the petals drift away.

The 2026 Cheese and Wine Fair in Coulommiers: The Premier Event for Local Produce

From March 27 to 30, 2026, the Coulommiers Cheese and Wine Fair (Seine-et-Marne) returns for its 57th edition. This beloved event showcases the best of local produce, regional farming, and innovative agriculture from Île-de-France through four days packed with activities, tastings, and convivial encounters.

Montfermeil Arboretum: An Unconventional Natural Retreat in Seine-Saint-Denis

In Seine-Saint-Denis, the Montfermeil municipal arboretum stretches over 11 hectares of greenery, featuring a unique botanical trail, open to visitors free of charge year-round. It's a perfect nature getaway to the east of Paris, especially during this sunny season.

Launay Botanical Garden and Paris-Saclay Arboretum: A Global Journey Through Plants in Essonne

We head to Essonne to explore the botanical garden of the University of Paris-Saclay, sprawling across 90 hectares of plant collections on the Orsay campus. Home to nearly 3,000 species from around the globe, it offers free guided tours and features a conservation arboretum, making for a perfect green getaway just a short train ride away from Orsay station.

Reuilly Garden transforms into a sakura paradise: cherry and apple trees in full bloom, free to enjoy in Paris

The Reuilly-Paul-Pernin Garden in the 12th arrondissement of Paris is blossoming in shades of pink as spring 2026 kicks off. Its ornamental apple trees are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to enjoy this Parisian hanami and soak in the vibrant, rosy hues of the season.

Arboretum of Vallée-aux-Loups, the stunning free park in Hauts-de-Seine renowned for its remarkable trees

In Châtenay-Malabry, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the Vallée-aux-Loups Arboretum offers 12.5 hectares of picturesque natural scenery just a short 15-kilometer drive from Paris. Best of all, entry is completely free, making it a perfect year-round escape into nature.

A farm dedicated to education, offering free workshops and a miniature train, has set up shop in front of a town hall in the 92nd district.

Ready to swap concrete for mud and the melodies of birds? On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 2026, Asnières-sur-Seine transforms its city hall square into a pop-up farm, offering a weekend completely immersed in nature and discovery for visitors of all ages. Animal encounters, fun workshops, and traditional trades await, promising an urban escape that sparks curiosity and raises awareness about the environment.