The month of May is a favorite for its holidays and the returning softness in the air. This Thursday, May 14, 2026 marks Ascension Day, the perfect excuse for many to enjoy some great outings. And you know outings are our specialty. For this holiday, what about sticking to well-trodden paths and taking the opportunity to discover a quirky activity or unusual event.
Come on, royal, let's take an original break and discover Paris in a different way. From artistic discoveries to life-size games, unexpected strolls and playful adventures, the capital offers a wide range of unusual outings for young and old, the curious and the dreamers.
Imagine yourself strolling through an immersive museum, taking part in an unfamiliar activity, or exploring the hidden corners of Paname. This holiday is the perfect opportunity to break with routine, get some fresh air, enjoy new experiences and, above all, savor the charm of a city that never ceases to reinvent itself.
Not going away for a long weekend, or just visiting Paris for a few days on purpose? All the more reason to take an original break without leaving the Paris region. Whether you're with your family, looking for a romantic getaway or a special moment with friends, you'll find everything you need in our selection.
Colors Festival, the 700-square-meter street-art exhibition Colors Light,
Colors Festival is back in Paris after a three-year hiatus, landing in the 15th arrondissement with Colors Light, a new immersive show exploring black light and urban art, to be discovered on this public holiday. [Read more]
Luminiscence: The Celestial Odyssey in Paris — catch the show at Saint-Eustache before it ends
The immersive light-and-sound spectacle Luminiscence is nearing its finale at Saint-Eustache Church. Why not experience this holiday edition dubbed The Celestial Odyssey? Here’s a look at this 3D immersive experience that transforms the vaulted ceilings of the iconic Paris monument. [Read more]
Kicking off the Ritz Paris' Starry Nights: opera and dance in the Grand Jardin.
We tested the Ritz Paris’s Starry Nights during its inaugural edition—the very first opera and dance festival hosted by the hotel in its Grand Jardin on Place Vendôme. Three exceptional evenings: June 13, 14 and 15, 2026. [Read more]
Gashapon: a pop-up featuring 300 Japanese capsule toy machines (figures and gadgets) in Paris
Heads up, a new craze is on the horizon. A pop-up on Rue de Rivoli will host 300 gashapon machines, each ready to dispense its surprise capsule. Nearly 3,000 items — manga figurines, mini gadgets and pop culture trinkets — await eager collectors. [Read more]
Passion for Japan: Immersive Exhibits and Installations at La Villette in Paris – Review & Photos
Craving a trip to Japan without leaving Paris? From March 19 to August 23, 2026, Passion Japon transports you from the timeless streets of Kyoto and the bustling energy of Tokyo to serene Zen gardens—all set inside the Espace Chapiteaux at La Villette. Samurais, tea ceremonies, manga, fashion, and cuisine come to life in an immersive exhibition that awakens all your senses. [Read more]
A hidden guinguette on a farm opens in the Yvelines
Nestled in the heart of the Gally Farm’s nursery in Saint-Cyr-l'École, the Guinguette de Gally reopens for the 2026 season. Homemade waffles, refreshing drinks and a lush garden are on the program, from late April to autumn. We’ve tested it, and here’s the full story. [Read more]
Bacotte Donkey Farm, for family-friendly donkey hikes in Bois-le-Roi
In Bois-le-Roi, bring the whole family for an offbeat stroll, in the company of donkeys, at Bacotte Donkey Farm. [Read more]
Jardin21, season 2026: a week of celebration, nature and cultural discoveries at the heart of Parc de la Villette
Sponsored - In August, Jardin21—the festive, greenery-filled community hub perched along the Ourcq Canal in Paris’s 19th arrondissement—extends the season with a rich and varied lineup. Use this time to fully enjoy these sunny days: bold initiatives, gardening workshops, youth activities, lively evenings, a yoga session... Everything is in place for a quick escape without leaving Paris. Free admission. [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]
Here you are with lots of good, original ideas, and a happy holiday to you!
And throughout the weekend and beyond, more unusual discoveries:
What to do this Thursday, May 14, 2026, Ascension Day holiday in Paris & Île-de-France — ideas for outings
Looking for ideas for a day out in Paris on Thursday, May 14, 2026, a public holiday for Ascension? Museums, restaurants, strolls, terraces, exhibitions and smart tips: we’ll help you plan your day. [Read more]
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What to do this Thursday, May 14, 2026, Ascension Day holiday in Paris & Île-de-France — ideas for outings
