May is a month with many public holidays in France. There's May 1st, of course, whose origins are well known, but there's also May 8th. And here, you'll have to go back to your childhood memories to recall exactly why this day is so historic in France, but also a public holiday.
May 8 refers to May 8, 1945, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. On that day, the Allies won the war and Nazi Germany capitulated. At 3 p.m. on May 8, 1945, bells began to ring throughout the country. " The war is won. Here is victory..." announced General de Gaulle in a radio message.
Representatives of the German High Command signed a new act of surrender in Berlin at 11:01pm on May 8, 1945, in the presence of representatives of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the United States, the United Kingdom and France.
May 8 was declared a public holiday on March 20, 1953. However, on April 11, 1959, the famous General de Gaulle decided to abolish the public holiday in the context of Franco-German reconciliation. It was not until 1981, with the arrival of François Mitterrand as President of the Republic, that May 8 was reinstated as a public holiday, with a law dated September 23, 1981.
As with November 11th, commemorations and tributes to the victims of this war follow one another in France on May 8th. The President of the Republic usually drives up the Champs-Élysées avenue to the Arc de Triomphe, escorted by the Republican Guard. Surrounded by military leaders and representatives of World War II veterans, resistance fighters and deportees, the head of state also lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
8 May 2026: Metro, RER, Transilien, Tram — update on closed stations and disruptions this public-holiday Friday
This Friday, May 8, 2026, is a public holiday in France. Here’s a briefing on disruptions and closed stations across the entire RATP public transport network in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]
Which Paris museum or monument to visit this Friday, May 8, 2026? On this fine public holiday in France, many art and culture venues are keeping their doors open to the public, to our great delight. Let’s take advantage of it! [Read more]
Craving a bit of shopping on Friday, May 8, 2026? Numerous shopping centers and department stores in Paris and Île-de-France will stay open even on this public holiday—here’s which ones. [Read more]
A public holiday for the French, May 8, 2026 is a chance to enjoy the capital and carve out a moment for yourself. Yet closures can throw a wrench into a foodie’s plans. But no need to panic: many restaurants will stay open on May 8 in Paris. Here are some great picks! [Read more]
8 May 2026: Metro, RER, Transilien, Tram — update on closed stations and disruptions this public-holiday Friday
May 8, 2026: Museums and monuments open this Friday, a public holiday, in Paris and Île-de-France
Department stores and shopping centers open on May 8, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France — opening hours.
Restaurants open on May 8, 2026 in Paris, our top picks for the public holiday
