This Thursday, May 14, 2026 is marked by the Ascension. On this public holiday in France, Île-de-France residents get to enjoy another long weekend. Yes, May is the month of long weekends! But as with any public holiday, some places will be closed. Still, don’t panic—even on days off there’s plenty to do in Paris and in Île-de-France. Better yet, to have a great time without breaking the bank, you can take advantage of numerous free outings waiting for us in the Paris region, including on public holidays!
Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in France? Origins and history
Ascension Day is one of the major religious celebrations for Christians. But do you know why this day, which falls on May 14 this year, is a public holiday in France? Here's the story and the origins of Ascension. [Read more]
So, what to do in Paris and Île-de-France this Thursday, May 14, 2026 ? We’re sharing here the best deals so you can put together a great plan without breaking the bank. You’ll love this public holiday even more! Between cultural outings, outdoor strolls, and awesome activities, we’re stacking up plenty of great free ideas proving you can have a blast without spending a dime. No need to deprive yourself!
By the way, stay tuned as this page is updated with new announcements and discoveries, so be sure to check back regularly for more free holiday deals!
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
La maison de Victor Hugo à Paris, une immersion artistique dans l'univers du célèbre écrivain français
La Maison de Victor Hugo is hidden in Place des Vosges, in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to the most famous of French authors lets visitors step into the apartment where the artist and his family lived, as well as into his artistic universe. [Read more]
All you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, tours, reservations, events
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world. [Read more]
Ascension Weekend: 10 fantastic free outings to make the most of the May 14–17, 2026 long weekend
Pont de l'Ascension 2026 à Paris: we're unveiling 10 exceptional free outings to make the most of this long weekend, available in Paris and the surrounding areas. [Read more]
The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]
The City of Paris' Museum of Modern Art (MAM): An artistic journey from the 20th to the 21st century
The Paris Museum of Modern Art, opened in 1961 and tucked in the heart of the City of Light, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, invites visitors to discover more than 15,000 works that reflect the richness of 20th- and 21st-century artistic creation. Open Tuesday to Sunday, this museum whisks us into the world of contemporary art. Go check it out—admission is free! [Read more]
The Collège des Bernardins: one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris to visit free of charge
Let's discover the Collège des Bernardins - one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris. Be sure to visit this 13th-century gem, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and open to the public free of charge. Open all year round, this cultural space offers a variety of exhibitions and events, and even a café-restaurant. [Read more]
The Petit Palais in Paris and its hidden treasures, the free museum, opening hours and exhibitions
The Petit Palais, home to the Musées des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, is a true architectural masterpiece. Designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this museum is a treasure trove. And since admission is free, you'd be wrong not to take advantage of it. [Read more]
The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower
The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café. [Read more]
Musée Cernuschi: the free museum, the jewel of Asian arts in Paris
The Musée Cernuschi is the museum of Asian arts in Paris, tracing the history of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese peoples since Neolithic times. The collection includes works acquired by the city, including 5,000 bequeathed by Henri Cernuschi in the 19th century. The museum's centerpiece is a large bronze Buddha, which dominates the immense, high-ceilinged hall housing the permanent collections. [Read more]
Good plan: health trails for free exercise in Paris
Does exercising require a substantial monthly budget? Not if you take advantage of the free facilities, such as the fitness trails in Paris, that are just waiting for you! [Read more]
The Jardin du Luxembourg, an exotic setting in the heart of Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is a popular park with Parisians, who call it "le luco", and tourists alike. A bucolic and lively garden, it's a delight for those who choose to stroll here, especially with the arrival of fine weather! [Read more]
Discover the treasures of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris
Paris's Jardin des Plantes is home to a number of historical and unusual sights that are well worth a visit. We reveal 8 treasures to discover in this 24-hectare haven of peace, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. [Read more]
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
The Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris! This 23-hectare green space runs alongside the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, linking the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Classified as a historic monument in 1914, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. It features magnificent historical statues, accompanied by works of art. [Read more]
The gardens of the Palais-Royal in Paris, a favorite of Parisians
The gardens of the Palais-Royal are one of the most popular spots for Parisians when the sun shines on the capital. We explain why. [Read more]
What to Do in Paris in October 2026: Guided Tours by Explore Paris
Sponsored - What is there to do in Paris and the Greater Paris area in October? Guided tours, urban walks led by specialist guides or residents passionate about their neighbourhood, and cruises on the Marne are still on offer. There’s plenty on the programme, and some activities are free. [Read more]
October in the parks of Seine-Saint-Denis: autumn makes its way to the great outdoors!
Sponsored - Looking for a scenic outdoor stroll near Paris, a free outdoor activity, or a peaceful spot to exercise away from the city's hustle and bustle... There's definitely a park in Seine-Saint-Denis that's perfect for you! [Read more]
Le Paris Élysées Club: Paris’s stronghold for casino gaming.
Sponsored - Craving the casino buzz right in central Paris? Head to the Paris Élysées Club. The city’s premier gaming club, tucked away on Rue Marbeuf in the Golden Triangle. Fans of Ultimate Poker, Punto Banco, and Blackjack flock to this venue with its intimate, hushed atmosphere. Don’t miss the big Moon Festival night on October 3. [Read more]
Street workout: where to train free of charge in the open air in Paris's 18th arrondissement?
Looking for a free, open-air street workout in Paris's 18th arrondissement? Here's a selection of the best places equipped with equipment available 24 hours a day, for all levels. [Read more]
The Villarceaux Estate and Its Two Castles
The Villarceaux estate, open to the public free of charge in Chaussy, Val d'Oise (95), houses two classified châteaux set in a 70-hectare park and offers, through November 2026, a program of free activities: concerts, night-time strolls, performances and nature. We went to explore the site and here’s everything. [Read more]
Lélia Demoisy at Domaine de Chamarande: an exhibition exploring forest narratives — our photos
At the Domaine départemental de Chamarande in Essonne, Lélia Demoisy presents a contemporary art exhibition devoted to the forest, to living beings, and to the traces left by matter, running from May 10 to August 30, 2026. With Récits de forêts, the artist unfolds sculptures and installations within a sensitive journey around the memory of woods and landscapes. [Read more]
Everyone's chasing their cat: the exhibition exploring the many facets of the feline at Fluctuart — our photos
"Everybody’s Searching for Their Cat," that’s the name of the new free exhibition at Fluctuart. Mark your calendars from May 7 to August 23, 2026, to admire works by about ten artists rooted in urban art. For the occasion, Madame, Kraken, Ardif, and Wenna explore the many facets of the feline that fascinates us. [Read more]
The Boucles de Seine leisure island (78): swimming, beach, treetop adventures, and water sports
Near Moisson, in the Yvelines department, the leisure island offers a beautiful beach where you can swim all summer long. There, you’ll also find a wide range of sports and nautical activities, plus a treetop adventure course to discover. [Read more]
A stroll tracing Victor Hugo's footsteps in Paris: discover the places linked to the famous writer!
He wrote Les Misérables, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and The Last Day of a Condemned Man: today it’s his story we pause to explore. Take a stroll through Paris tracing the footsteps of the great French writer Victor Hugo, and discover the many places that shaped his life. [Read more]
Brittany Festival 2026: Breton dances, crêpes, fest-noz and cinema in the 14th arrondissement
La Fête de la Bretagne returns to Paris's 14th arrondissement from May 14 to 24, 2026. Thanks to the Breton Mission, enjoy a lineup of activities—music, dance, cinema, storytelling and gastronomy—that lets you dive into the heart of Brittany. [Read more]
The Bread Festival 2026: the pop-up bakery returns to the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
The Bread Festival returns to Paris from May 8 to 17, 2026, on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. On the menu? Bakehouses, a host of artisan bakers, contests, and plenty of opportunities to sample these excellent breads! [Read more]
Yvelines: have you heard of this temple of love, a romantic kiosk-bridge set in a lush green haven?
In the Yvelines, at the heart of the Bonnelles pond nature reserve, a charming bridge-kiosk nicknamed the “Temple of Love” still bears witness to an 18th-century parc à fabriques—an elaborate garden of follies. Open to the public for discovery in 2026. [Read more]
Yvelines: discover the Bonnelles Ponds Nature Reserve and its beautiful treasures
In the Yvelines, the Bonnelles Ponds Regional Nature Reserve offers a free, year-round nature and heritage stroll around two ponds, featuring diverse wildlife and charming 18th-century factories. [Read more]
The Bridgertons arrive in The Sims 4: discover the new event to win rewards
A limited-time event is landing in The Sims 4 to help you score free new content. Step onto the dance floor and enjoy Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball, kicking off May 12, 2026. [Read more]
The Deuil-la-Barre Greenway: a leafy walk in the heart of Val-d’Oise
Nature is coming to Deuil-la-Barre! This spring, the town in the Île-de-France region is opening the third section of the “Coulée Vert”, its flagship project to create a green corridor running through the town from north to south. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a lovely, leafy walk in the heart of Val-d’Oise. [Read more]
Where to see farm animals? Educational farms and livestock farms in and around Paris.
A day at the farm is the sure-fire outing everyone agrees on: so this weekend, this Wednesday, or during the holidays, it's the perfect chance to (re)discover the area’s farms and educational farms. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
In the footsteps of Inception: where in Paris was Nolan's film shot?
With Oppenheimer becoming one of the biggest box-office successes of Christopher Nolan's career, we take a look back at one of his best-known films, Inception, and the neighborhoods where it was shot in Paris. [Read more]
Did you know? This is the last of Hector Guimard's original Type B metro station aediculae.
Did you know? Hector Guimard's last surviving type B kiosk, nicknamed La Libellule, is located at Porte Dauphine station in Paris. This exceptional Parisian metro entrance is one of the last original vestiges, and we tell you all about it. [Read more]
History of Paris: the Cemetery of the Innocents and what remains of it today
Did you know? In the Halles district of Paris, there was once a well-known cemetery in the capital: the Cimetière des Innocents (or Saint Innocents' Cemetery). Discover its fascinating history and the few remaining vestiges. [Read more]
Louis Vuitton Art Deco: LV Dream’s Free & Immersive Exhibition in Paris Extended — Our Photos
The 1920s are making a comeback at Louis Vuitton. LV Dream unveils a free exhibition about Art Deco and its links to the House, running until August 30, 2026. [Read more]
ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Did you know? Why are the Champs-Elysées so named?
Do you know the origin of the name of the Champs-Elysées, the famous Parisian avenue? Created in 1674 by André le Nôtre and officially named in 1698, this royal thoroughfare takes its name from Greek mythology, we tell you. [Read more]
Tip: our top 5 family activities at the Jardin du Luxembourg
A must-see garden in the capital, the Jardin du Luxembourg is an essential green space in Paris. A paradise for runners and strollers, who like to spend long afternoons there, it's also a favorite spot for families: to let off steam or take advantage of the kid-friendly activities on offer in the garden. [Read more]
Free platforms for watching films and series without spending a penny
With the number of platforms multiplying, it's sometimes hard to stay financially reasonable. Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Canal+, and many others, how do you choose? Today, we're offering you an alternative that's just as good quality, but much cheaper: free streaming platforms. Here's a quick overview. [Read more]
Montfort l'Amaury: discover the charming village, a medieval treasure of the Yvelines region
On the edge of the Rambouillet forest, Montfort l'Amaury reveals 1000 years of history. Discover this medieval village, its historic monuments and the charm of its cobbled streets. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On May 14, 2026
Prices
Free
Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in France? Origins and history
