May 1st holiday guide

May 1st: how to sell lilies of the valley and where to source them around Paris in Île-de-France?

May 1, 2026, Labour Day and a public holiday, also brings the tradition of lily of the valley. Selling or picking these tiny lucky bells in the forests of Île-de-France is a long-standing custom, but it comes with a few rules to know.

Le Parc Saint Paul, a family-friendly amusement park in Oise: what's new and reopening in 2026

Parc Saint Paul awaits us from April 4, 2026 for a new season of fun and joy! In the very heart of the Oise, come and discover this charming amusement park tucked into its natural and authentic setting. A decidedly family-friendly park to explore as soon as possible.

Nigloland: Family-friendly amusement park reopens with 2026 innovations

Nigloland, the famed amusement park just a short drive from Troyes, kicks off its new season, running from Saturday 4 April to 11 November 2026.

May 1, 2026: Bison Futé’s traffic outlook for this long weekend.

In France, May Day is a public holiday. This year it falls on a Friday, offering the prospect of a long weekend. But beware—traffic jams could spoil the short break. Here are Bison Futé’s forecasts for the May 1–3, 2026 weekend.

Versailles: the palace closed, but the gardens and park open free on May 1, 2026.

This Friday, May 1, 2026, the gardens of the Château de Versailles, its park, and the Marly estate will be open to the public free of charge. A prime opportunity to enjoy the Sun King’s landscaped heritage, while the château and the Trianon estate remain closed for the holiday.

Stores and shopping centers open or closed on May 1, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France

Looking for a shopping mall or department store that will be open on Friday, May 1, 2026? Here is the list of places open or closed for your shopping in Paris or Île-de-France on this public holiday.

Live the Eiffel Tower's epic saga with a unique virtual reality experience

Discover the immersive virtual reality guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, brought to you by Viality Tour. Relive the construction and inauguration of the Iron Lady during the 1889 World’s Fair. A new edition, more faithful to the tower’s history than ever before, was released on March 31, 2026. To celebrate, we’ve got a promo code for you!

Flea markets and garage sales on Friday, May 1, 2026 — a public holiday — in Paris and the Île-de-France region.

Labor Day in Paris and Île-de-France on May 1, 2026 goes hand in hand with May Day and sprigs of lily of the valley as lucky charms. It’s also a day when a handful of flea markets and garage sales pop up across the region. Here’s a look at which ones are on.

26 charming villages and strolls to discover near Paris, the treasures of Île-de-France

Get away from Paris with these 26 must-see getaways within 100 km of the capital.

Where to swim on May 1, 2026? Pools open in Paris and their hours for this public-holiday Friday.

What if we hit the pool this May 1, 2026? It’s a holiday, the pools are closed… and no, not all of them! While most places take a breather, a few exceptions remain open for a swim and a splash.

The Lily of the Valley Race 2026: two races of 5 km and 10 km on May 1 in Cergy-Pontoise (95)

Fancy a little spring run? The Lily of the Valley Race has what you need, on May 1, 2026, with routes of 10 km and 5 km, through the streets of Cergy and Pontoise!

May 1st: Did you know? Lily of the valley is toxic to your pets.

On May 1st, it’s Lily of the Valley Day! While the fragrant flower is lovely to have at home during the sunny days, make sure your pets don’t come into contact with it—it's highly toxic to them.

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.

Where to see the most beautiful wisteria in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? A few tips

Are you fascinated by the beauty of wisteria? From April to May, they reveal all their beauty. To make the most beautiful discoveries and take the most beautiful photos of these famous blue-purple flowers, we reveal the must-see and sometimes hidden and secret spots.

Rambolitrain Retro 2026: a big toy and garden train fair at Rambolitrain, on May 1.

It's an annual tradition at Rambolitrain, the museum dedicated to the toy train in Rambouillet, to hold a festive day on May 1st. This year, discover this family event with the kids!

May 1st, a public holiday in Paris: An update on metro, tram and RER stations closed this Friday

This May 1st, Labour Day, a public holiday for the French, to help you get around the capital, whether you’re taking part in or observing the inter-union demonstration, we take stock of which RATP stations will be closed this Friday, May 1, 2026. Construction work, exceptional closures—here’s what to expect on the public transport network.

Sherwood Parc: France's largest adventure park marks its 20th anniversary.

Sherwood Parc is adventure on a grand scale as it marks its 20th anniversary! More than just a treetop adventure park, Sherwood Parc is a multi-activity themed park. Discover treetop courses for all ages, a giant inflatable play area, Archery Tag, electric scooter rides, archery, and the Explor Game!

Aventure Floreval: treetop adventure, paintball and multi-activities 30 minutes from Paris

Only 30 km south of Paris, in Essonne (91), Aventure Floreval opens its doors for a new season dedicated to adventure and the great outdoors. Nestled in the heart of the forest, this expansive leisure park has become a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, whether with family or friends. On the agenda for your day: treetop adventure courses, zip lines, Jurassic Mini-Golf, paintball, outdoor Escape Game, an animal farm… enough to keep you entertained from morning to night.

Opening of Parc Astérix: What's new for 2026, including the new Egypt zone

The Parc Astérix in Oise is set to reopen on April 4, 2026, boasting some exciting new features. This season's highlights include transforming the Egypt area, introducing new rides, and offering a packed program full of fun for visitors of all ages.

Atout Branches: the adventure park featuring treetop courses, climbing walls, laser tag, and escape rooms in Essonne (91)

In Milly-la-Forêt, Essonne, Atout Branches Park offers a variety of activities including tree climbing, rock climbing, escape rooms, laser tag, andUpcoming new additions in 2026 such as mini golf and forest treasure hunts. Opening on March 14, 2026, the park welcomes visitors from the age of 2 and up.