So you’re looking for things to do in Paris this Thursday, May 21, 2026? OK, grab your calendar—your agenda is waiting! Every day we reveal the must-see outings and hidden gems to discover in the city and its region. As the weekend approaches, you’ll want to start your weekend on the right foot—and so do we! It’s time to make the most of the best plans in Paris and Île-de-France.
Here you'll find a roundup of the must-do events for this Thursday, with a carefully-crafted program from which you can pick your favorite concepts and activities before planning your day out. Theunusual, theunusual, and even secret nuggets... theParis Region has a knack for getting us out and about!
Ready for a great Parisian outing this Thursday, May 21, 2026? Without further ado, it's time to set out to conquer the awesome plans awaiting you in the Paris region as the weekend approaches. By the way, if you're also looking for ideas for this weekend, know that a general guide and a second dedicated to families are waiting for you on our site!
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Nature Festival 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: the free highlights for its 20th anniversary.
The Festival of Nature turns 20 in 2026! From May 20 to 25, Paris and the Île-de-France region will host hundreds of free activities to explore and celebrate local wildlife, plants, and biodiversity. [Read more]



Where to dance this Pentecost weekend in Paris? The evenings from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Looking for a night out to dance this Pentecost weekend? Head to the must-visit spots to party from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]



The most beautiful rose gardens to discover in Paris and Île-de-France, gems already in bloom.
Where are the finest rose gardens in Paris and its surroundings? This year, the blooms are coming early, so now’s the moment to go and admire them and breathe in their scent. Paris and its outskirts are turning life pink... literally! Calling all plant lovers, we’ll take you on a tour of the sublime rose gardens to discover in the capital and across Île-de-France for bucolic and magical moments. [Read more]



Luminiscence: The Celestial Odyssey in Paris, enjoy the show at Saint-Eustache Church before it ends.
The immersive sound-and-light show Luminiscence is nearing its end at Saint-Eustache Church. How about discovering this version, titled The Celestial Odyssey, before May 22, 2026? We unveil this 3D immersive experience that transforms the vaults of the Parisian landmark. [Read more]



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. [Read more]



Art Deco Spring 2026: An Architectural Immersion in Hauts-de-France
Sponsored - The Art Deco Spring returns to Hauts-de-France through May 31, 2026, with guided tours, exhibitions, workshops and festive events celebrating heritage. [Read more]



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. [Read more]



The dates for the 2026 Foire du Trône in Paris have been announced!
When will the Foire du Trône take place in 2026? Every spring, this legendary fair returns to the Reuilly meadow in Paris. This year, visitors of all ages can enjoy the rides and attractions from March 27 to May 25, 2026. [Read more]



Gael & Friends: Gael Monfils' farewell night at Roland-Garros with Martin Solveig and Franglish
On May 21, 2026, Roland-Garros' clay courts are set to tremble for the final encore of its greatest showman. For an extraordinary charity evening, Gaël Monfils brings together tennis and music for a truly memorable jubilee. [Read more]



AKA on TF1: the action film starring Alban Lenoir aired
AKA, Morgan S. Dalibert’s action film starring Alban Lenoir, Eric Cantona and Thibault de Montalembert, airs on TF1 on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:10 PM. [Read more]



Sunset Tea Rave: a free tea tasting at the Buttes-Chaumont as the sun sets
Buttes-Chaumont Park transforms into a giant tea salon on May 21, 2026. This collective tasting invites Parisians to savor a good cup of tea as they watch one of the capital’s most beautiful sunsets. [Read more]



Omar la Fraise on France 4 with Reda Kateb and Benoît Magimel
Omar la Fraise, Elias Belkeddar’s debut feature with Reda Kateb and Benoît Magimel, airs on France 4 on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:10 PM. [Read more]



Farewell Berthe, or Grandma’s Burial: A Funeral Comedy
Farewell Berthe or Grandma’s Funeral, Bruno Podalydès’s comedy starring Valérie Lemercier, Denis Podalydès, and Isabelle Candelier, is highlighted on Disney+ on May 21, 2026. [Read more]



Primordial Water: the Louvre’s exhibition exploring Mesopotamian myths — our photos
The Louvre Museum in Paris presents The Primordial Water, an exhibition on water in ancient Mesopotamia, running from May 20, 2026 to March 15, 2027. Archaeological artifacts, myths, and irrigation show how this resource shaped the region’s earliest societies. [Read more]



Why is the Pont-Neuf called that, even though it’s Paris’ oldest bridge?
In light of its name, how can the Pont-Neuf be Paris’s oldest bridge? We explain its history and the reason for this sobriquet. [Read more]



Common Worlds: the Albert-Kahn Departmental Museum’s Contemporary Photography Festival.
From May 20 to September 20, 2026, the Albert-Kahn Departmental Museum shines a spotlight on contemporary photography for the new edition of its festival, Mondes en commun. [Read more]



The Young Ladies of Rochefort at the Théâtre du Lido in Paris until June 14, 2026
Sponsored - The musical Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, adapted from Jacques Demy’s film with music by Michel Legrand, has been extended at Paris’s Théâtre du Lido until June 14, 2026. The show brings together 36 performers on stage, with a live orchestra, vibrant sets, and English surtitles. [Read more]



Heritage in Resistance: From Timbuktu to Odessa, an Exhibition at the City of Architecture.
Sponsored - In Paris, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine presents the exhibition Patrimoines en résistance : de Tombouctou à Odessa, running from May 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a look at heritage in wartime, where destruction, safeguarding, and rebuilding come into play. [Read more]



Madame Arthur: transvestite cabaret and Parisian club
Sponsored - A true Parisian institution, Madame Arthur transports several generations into her musical world of drag and French chanson! [Read more]



The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]



Fashion in all its majesty: the Haute Couture exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs unfolds — our photos
The Decorative Arts Museum hosts Fashion in Majesty: Haute Couture and Tradition at the Thai court from May 13 to November 1, 2026. Through more than a hundred outfits, accessories, and textile pieces drawn from the royal family's collections, the exhibition shows how Queen Sirikit modernized Thai ceremonial dress while preserving its traditional codes, notably through her collaboration with Pierre Balmain and Maison Lesage. [Read more]



JUL: The rapper opens a new pop-up store in Paris for 10 days
Attention JUL fans! The Marseille rapper, who is set to headline the Stade de France this Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 2026, announces the opening of an exclusive new pop-up store in Paris. So when and where will this temporary shop open its doors? Here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]



Hilma af Klint at the Grand Palais: an exhibition weaving together spiritualism, the occult, and abstraction
Hilma af Klint, the Swedish visionary artist and a pioneer of abstraction, anchors a groundbreaking show at the Grand Palais, in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou, from May 6 to August 30, 2026. Her mystic works, nourished by Spiritism and the occult, are unveiled in France for the first time in a curatorial journey that brings together almost the entire body of the Temple Paintings cycle, her magnum opus. [Read more]



Claude Monet in Paris: Where to Discover the Works of the Renowned Impressionist Painter in the Capital?
He is undoubtedly one of France’s most beloved painters: Claude Monet left behind a stunning collection of masterpieces, many of which you can admire in the city’s top museums. Follow the guide! [Read more]



Musée Picasso in Paris: prices, access, opening hours... All you need to know about the Paris museum
If you're a fan of Picasso's work, head to the Musée Picasso to discover the museum's permanent collections, as well as numerous exhibitions on the artist's world. History, access, opening hours, prices... We tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful Parisian museum! [Read more]



Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, the highly anticipated comeback of the iconic duo to the big screen
Star Wars : The Mandalorian and Grogu hit theaters on May 20, 2026. The famous duo from The Mandalorian continues its adventure in a new Star Wars movie. [Read more]



Autofiction: Pedro Almodóvar in competition at Cannes 2026 with his new film
Autofiction marks Pedro Almodóvar's return to the Cannes Film Festival's official competition in 2026. The film is set for release in cinemas with an international cast. [Read more]



Maximilian Kolbe: A Life Given, the film about the Auschwitz priest hits cinemas
Maximilian Kolbe: A Life Given Away hits cinemas on May 20. The film traces the final days of the Polish priest, who died at Auschwitz after volunteering to take the place of another prisoner. [Read more]



Partouche Casino Club: the new temple of gaming has just opened its doors in the heart of Paris.
Sponsored - One of the spring’s most anticipated openings in Paris, the Partouche Casino Club has now opened its doors and has been welcoming visitors since May 12, 2026, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe. A spectacular new venue, built in the casino spirit, and determined to redefine the gaming club experience in the capital. [Read more]



The Edge: a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience in Paris!
Sponsored - The Edge takes you on a breathtaking virtual reality journey. Hop over to Ganymede, the galaxy’s most mysterious planet! Play as a robot-avatar, assemble your team, and set out to explore an abandoned space station in search of a mysterious alien monolith. Whether with friends or family, get ready to dive into this ultra-immersive futuristic adventure like never before! Fans of fun, sci-fi, and adrenaline-fueled experiences — are you ready to open the doors to another world and push the boundaries of reality? [Read more]



Club Pierre Charron: the best Poker and Blackjack in Paris
Sponsored - Just a stone's throw from the Champs-Élysées, Club Pierre Charron is the busiest gaming club in Paris. Created by a gambler for gamblers, the Club offers the most comprehensive range of poker and casino games (blackjack, etc.) in Paris, in elegant surroundings. Designed for epicureans, the Club also offers a bar, a restaurant open continuously until 5 a.m. and a cosy smoking room-library. [Read more]



L’Abandon hits theaters: Vincent Garenq revisits the Samuel Paty affair
The Abandonment, a drama by Vincent Garenq starring Antoine Reinartz and Emmanuelle Bercot, opens in cinemas on May 13, 2026. The film recounts the last eleven days of Samuel Paty. [Read more]



Cannes Film Festival 2026: Discover the full DJ lineup at Silencio in Cannes
Le Silencio returns with its chic minimalism and razor-sharp programming for Cannes 2026. Electrifying evenings and top-notch DJ sets are on the agenda, from May 12 to 21. [Read more]



Obsession : a chilling horror tale about a wish that spirals out of control hits theaters.
Obsession, a horror film from Curry Barker starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, hits theaters on May 13, 2026. The feature centers on a seemingly harmless wish that slowly drags its characters into a troubling spiral. [Read more]



Roland Garros 2026: Tickets go on sale for Opening Week, the week of qualifiers
Roland-Garros is back from May 18, 2026! With affordable prices accessible to everyone, you can attend the Qualifying Week for male and female tennis players during Opening Week. Ticket sales open on March 31. [Read more]



Stray: transform yourself into a cat with this BlueTwelve Studios software coming soon to Nintendo Switch
It caused a sensation on its release, and swept up numerous awards: the game Stray, developed by BlueTwelve Studios and Annapurna Interactive, lands on Nintendo Switch during the winter of 2024. [Read more]



Abstinence: Mother's Day 2026 brunch in Paris's 15th arrondissement
For Mother's Day, Sunday, May 31, 2026, Abstinence presents a special brunch in Paris with a 48-euro package, a children's menu, and a Billecart-Salmon champagne option. [Read more]



Hollywood Savoy: Mother's Day 2026 Brunch with Champagne and Kids' Activities
For Mother's Day, Sunday, May 31, 2026, Hollywood Savoy is offering an all-you-can-eat brunch with Billecart-Salmon champagne, a kids' menu, and supervised activities in its gaming room, in the heart of Paris's 2nd arrondissement. [Read more]



La Fontaine Gaillon: Mother's Day 2026 brunch at an elegant Paris address
For Mother's Day, Sunday, May 31, 2026, La Fontaine Gaillon is offering a family-friendly brunch in its elegant setting on Place Gaillon, with an all-you-can-eat sweet-and-savoury buffet, a kids' menu, supervised activities, and a Billecart-Salmon champagne package. [Read more]



Streaters: Crowned France’s Best Kebab of 2026
Sponsored - After being crowned the best kebab in Île-de-France in 2023, Streaters takes the ultimate leap forward by winning the Best Kebab in France award for three consecutive years: 2024, 2025, and 2026! Head over to Rue des Pyrénées in the 20th arrondissement of Paris to enjoy their signature sandwiches and hearty plates at Streaters! [Read more]



Miami Boulevard: a festive restaurant-club with an all-you-can-eat brunch on weekends and public holidays.
Sponsored - Miami Boulevard, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is expanding its unlimited brunch offering with a new menu featuring fresh recipes and a wider selection of grilled dishes and barbecue, while keeping its all-you-can-eat, all-inclusive package at €29 per adult, available Saturdays and Sundays. [Read more]



Cléo, the fine-dining restaurant with a beautiful hidden terrace in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Sponsored - Just a stone's throw from Les Invalides and the Pont Alexandre III, Cléo offers contemporary gastronomic cuisine by Alexandre Semperé, with a hidden, leafy patio and a speakeasy bar. A discreet address to discover in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. [Read more]



All-you-can-eat healthy brunch at Hotel Grand Powers in Paris
Fancy a Sunday brunch in Paris? Head to the Grand Powers Hotel to discover an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring fresh, exceptional produce and healthy dishes to delight your taste buds. [Read more]



Onor, Michelin-starred Thierry Marx's committed gourmet restaurant
Onor is Thierry Marx's committed and supportive gastronomic restaurant, which makes no concessions on quality. At 258 du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the 8th arrondissement, we set off to discover this new culinary temple of sustainability and commitment, which now boasts a Michelin star. [Read more]



L'Auberge Aveyronnaise, a warm and traditional restaurant in Paris where you can enjoy authentic Aligot
Not far from Bercy station in the 12th arrondissement, the Auberge Aveyronnaise serves up classic dishes from the Aveyron region on its checkered tablecloths, with the legendary aligot taking center stage, all in a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. [Read more]



Balcon Paris: Julien Sebbag's new bistro, perched atop the Galeries Lafayette rooftop.
Paris is also enjoyed from the plate at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. With Balcon, Julien Sebbag sets up his bistro perched on the rooftop of the grand department store. A sunny, convivial table where French classics take a breather, with the capital’s rooftops as the backdrop. [Read more]



A summer rooftop bar with an unbeatable view of Paris reopens atop an iconic museum.
Spring–summer 2026, the Musée d’Orsay takes to the skies… and to new heights. Its terrace reopens with a panoramic view of Paris, an arty-chic vibe, and a bar inspired by Art Nouveau. A discreet rooftop, but not for long. [Read more]



Nouilles Ban Ban, the restaurant that puts noodles in the spotlight
Nouilles Ban Ban is the name of a new Asian restaurant that has opened on rue des Petits Champs in the 2nd arrondissement. In a Chinese market atmosphere, you can enjoy all kinds of noodles and delicious ravioli. [Read more]



Madame Brasserie by Thierry Marx, the restaurant on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower unveils itself
Madame Brasserie is the name of Thierry Marx's new restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris, while savoring creative French cuisine with a focus on local produce. [Read more]



What to do with the little ones in Paris? The ideal outings for children aged 0 to 3 years
Before heading back to school, finding outings tailored for the little ones can be tricky—the so‑called “toddler” age range. Yet Paris has plenty of spots designed specifically for families, places where every visit is a gentle invitation to awaken the senses and let the youngest ones marvel at their own pace. [Read more]



Avon'Ânes, stroll and stroke donkeys just steps from Fontainebleau-Avon station.
In the beautiful Domaine de Bel Ebat, the Avon'Ânes association cares for rescued donkeys and invites you to go for a ride with them. [Read more]



Cocorico, the free educational farm in Herblay-sur-Seine (95)
In Herblay-sur-Seine, don't miss Cocorico, the town's educational farm: free and open to all, it's a great opportunity for a family outing to the farm. [Read more]



Science Experiences, the concept between museum and theme park at Bercy Village
Science Expériences is a unique concept combining museum and amusement park to bring science to life for children. With scientific experiments, virtual reality and video mapping, it uses the latest technologies to bring science to life for children... [Read more]



What to do with children at the Louvre? Activities and visits for the whole family
It's the most visited museum in the world, and we're lucky enough to be able to count it among Paris's cultural highlights: the Musée du Louvre. For families, the program is particularly diverse: we take stock before your visit. [Read more]



La Cité des Bébés, HQ for toddlers at the Cité des Sciences: discover the new space
Under construction for a few years now, the Cité des bébés was a place for toddlers to touch, look at and play with their parents, while learning. From now on, the Cité des Bébés has a reopening date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024! [Read more]



Le Jardin du Dragon: the must-see children's playground at Parc de la Villette
The Parc de la Villette is one of the capital's largest parks: combining sport, large lawns and ruby-red infrastructures, the park is the playground of families and children, who have a blast in the outdoor play areas. [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]



The Rodin Workshop, a creative space for children, is back for a new season at the Rodin Museum.
Learn the art of sculpture firsthand in the world of one of France’s most renowned artists! From April 11 to September 6, 2026, the Rodin Museum opens its Atelier Rodin, offering young art enthusiasts the chance to explore sculpture. Discover the exciting new features of the 2026 season. [Read more]



What to do with children at the Musée de l'Armée, des Plans-Reliefs et de l'Ordre de la Libération?
Located in the Hôtel des Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération offer a complete visit to a historic monument in Paris. For the whole family, the program includes events, guided tours and workshops. [Read more]



Metro and RER updates: closures, work, and demonstrations in Paris this Thursday May 21, 2026
In a flash, get all the latest updates on traffic and transportation in Paris, refreshed in real time. Whether it's the Metro, RER, or Transilien services operated by RATP, construction work, ongoing circulation, major events, or demonstrations — we provide all the essential information you need before heading out in Paris this Thursday May 21, 2026. [Read more]



Weather this week in Paris and Île-de-France, May 18–25, 2026.
The week of May 18–25, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France, including the Pentecost weekend, is shaping up to be broadly pleasant with a noticeable improvement. Temperatures will rise gradually from 16°C to 27°C, with drier, sunnier skies expected from Thursday. [Read more]



Weather in Paris and Île-de-France today, this Thursday May 21, 2026, and tomorrow
What’s the weather like right now in Paris and Île-de-France? Check the forecast daily before planning your activities. Rain or snow, sunshine or clouds—whether it’s cold or warm, good weather or bad—the city is yours to enjoy! Here’s your weather update for Paris and Île-de-France for Thursday May 21, 2026 [Read more]
For more ideas, check out our comprehensive guide to this week's events and our curated selection of family outings.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 21, 2026