Open or closed? That’s the question for Friday May 1, 2026. Labor Day is a special occasion when it comes to going out, so to help you plan, we’re sharing the great tips accessible for this particular day.
May 1st is the perfect opportunity to explore the charms of Paris and the Ile-de-France region, away from the usual hustle and bustle of working days. Whether you're drawn to green spaces, fascinated by cultural exhibitions or simply looking for a new experience, this day offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes. From picnics in majestic gardens to a lively day at an amusement park, there's something for everyone.
Enjoy a historical stroll through the castles of the Île-de-France region, or take advantage of the many special events planned for this public holiday. Here's a practical guide to making the most of May 1st in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.
What to do on May 1, 2026: museums and monuments open on this public holiday in Paris and Île-de-France
May is the month of public holidays in France! It kicks off on May 1, 2026, with Labour Day. So why not use this extra time to explore the museums and monuments of Paris and the Île-de-France region? Find out which cultural venues are open this Friday. [Read more]
The "Vivre Ensemble" exhibition by Yann Arthus‑Bertrand at Place de la Concorde: free studio and activities.
This spring, Yann Arthus‑Bertrand invites you to discover the beauty and diversity of today’s France through a groundbreaking event called "Living Together." What’s on the program? A photo exhibition, a photo studio, not to mention encounters to be discovered on Place de la Concorde from April 11 to May 10, 2026. More details to come. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Paris Fair 2026: download your free invitations to the Spring show.
Sponsored - Paris Fair 2026 returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from April 30 to May 11, offering 12 days of discovery, shopping, and entertainment, plus a unique KeBlack concert. A family outing blending explorations, shows, great deals, gastronomy, and activities for young and old. Download your free invitations now! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
11 medieval villages near Paris you simply must visit in Île-de-France
Discover the medieval villages of the Île-de-France region, real heritage gems less than 1h30 from Paris. From Provins to Moret-sur-Loing, these historic towns transport you back to the Middle Ages all year round. [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]
Where to spot stunning rhododendrons and azaleas in Paris and the Île-de-France region this spring 2026?
Calling all flower fans: after the cherry trees and wisteria, the lush season of azaleas and rhododendrons has arrived, bursting into a riot of blooms. Want to see them in every hue? Here are the spots in Paris and Île-de-France that delight both enthusiasts and photographers in search of a splash of color. [Read more]
Accrobranche in Île-de-France: the best tree courses to discover around Paris
It's that time of year again: accrobranches (tree climbing) courses are reopening their doors to the general public in Paris and the Île-de-France region, with adventures in the trees for all ages. [Read more]
A guide to zoos, aquariums and menageries in and around Paris
Want to get away from it all and meet animals in their natural environment? We visit the various zoos and menageries in and around Paris, and if you don't know where to go, don't panic! We've put together a great guide to help you make your choice. Vincennes, Thoiry, Jardin des Plantes... So many opportunities to discover more about nature. [Read more]
Amusement Parks and Funfairs in Paris and Surrounding Areas: 2026 Schedule and Information
Looking to enjoy some rides and indulge in new experiences and sensations? Whether with family or friends, amusement parks and fairs are classic outings that everyone loves, and there are several to explore in Paris and nearby. Check out their lineups for the 2026 season, packed with exciting new attractions that promise plenty of fun. [Read more]
Walking through Paris and Île-de-France: explore the most stunning parks, gardens, and squares
Paris is bursting with stunning parks and gardens, lush green retreats perfect for relaxing away from the city's hustle and bustle. Quickly uncover the most beautiful green spots in the capital and Île-de-France for a refreshing nature escape right in the heart of the Paris region! [Read more]
Where to walk in Paris and Ile-de-France? The best hikes for a change of scenery
Feel like going for a hike or a walk just with your Navigo pass? There is no lack of long walks in the capital or in the vast Ile-de-France region, here is a selection of our favorites! [Read more]
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! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [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]
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! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Foire de Paris and the 2026 Lépine competition: the must-see trade show at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
The Paris Fair is back at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from April 30 to May 11, 2026. This flagship event on the Paris trade show calendar promises a great time, great deals, and innovative discoveries, thanks in particular to the Lépine competition. Find out what's in store for you. [Read more]
Travel through the centuries at the Louvre: we tested the virtual reality experience
Step back in time at the foot of the Louvre thanks to a unique virtual reality tour. An immersive journey, combining historical reconstructions, guided tours and sensory experiences, to (re)discover the Louvre like never before. We've got a promo code for you! [Read more]
8 beautiful waterfalls to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
In Paris, and particularly in the Paris region, well-known but also hidden waterfalls offer havens of freshness and escape. From the Grande Cascade in the Bois de Boulogne to the verdant waterfalls of the Vaux de Cernay, these sometimes unsuspected spots seduce with their charm and bucolic setting. Accessible all year round, except during construction work, they become popular refuges when temperatures rise. [Read more]
The Hangar Y's contemporary open-air exhibition is back! An artistic stroll in the green
The Hangar Y, which conceals a 10-hectare natural area planted with trees, offers a year-round open-air art walk, free on weekdays and €3 with access to the Hangar on weekends. Since April 28, 2025, new works have been added to the circuit. From Erwin Wurm and Lionel Sabatte to Pauline Tralongo and Odile Decq, it's time for an unusual, unplugged stroll through the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine. [Read more]
Free rooftop, the Philharmonie Belvedere once again accessible with its exceptional view
Fancy a free rooftop? Head for the roof of the Philharmonie de Paris, overlooking the Parc de la Villette, which is once again open to us, from April to October, Wednesday to Sunday. This is your chance to enjoy a 360° view without paying a penny. [Read more]
The free Arbor&Sens walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, the Franchard Arboretum
Arbor&Sens is the name of this free, easy-to-use walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, near the Château. Free, accessible to all and educational, this walk takes us on a discovery of tree species, their origins and their uses. [Read more]
Le Sentier des Maréchaux, the educational forest walk in the Chevreuse Valley
How about exploring the Sentier des maréchaux in the Vallée de Chevreuse? Just an hour from Paris, we're off on an educational walk through the Rambouillet forest, where nature and history meet. [Read more]
Colvert, the German-Pratin restaurant of chef Baptiste Borderie
In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the bistrot Colvert has a new chef, welcoming Baptiste Borderie behind the stove. [Read more]
Mây Hồng 2, the excellent Vietnamese restaurant in Paris's 13th arrondissement
May Hong has opened a new address at 111 avenue d'Ivry in Paris's 13th arrondissement. We're off to discover this Vietnamese cantine, where you can enjoy pho and gourmet bo bun. [Read more]
Hwaro Grill, the authentic Korean barbecue in the 15th arrondissement, awakens our taste buds
Like a craving for grilled meats with good Korean flavors? We take you to discover Hwaro Grill, this new Korean restaurant which has just opened its doors in the 15ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. An authentic Korean barbecue, run by Koreans and warmly decorated, we run. [Read more]
Fu, the coffee shop and brunch pastry shop in the 13th arrondissement, takes you on a journey to Asia
Are you tempted by a new pastry and coffee shop with Asian flavors? Matcha, sesame and pandan, as well as durian and kimchi, enliven the cakes and dishes in this new spot opening in Paris's 13th arrondissement. From breakfast to lunch and afternoon tea, of course, it's all about unusual treats and brunch every day. We take you on a discovery tour. [Read more]
Bêp Viêt, the delicious vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant in Paris 13th arrondissement
Bêp Viêt is the name of a new Vietnamese restaurant that has opened near Avenue d'Italie in Paris's 13th arrondissement. The menu features a short selection of Vietnamese cuisine's flagship flavors and specialties, but without the meat. We've tested it and we'll take you on a tour... [Read more]
Q Bar, the excellent Thai restaurant and cocktail bar in the 11th arrondissement.
We'd like to take you on a tour of Q Bar, a Thai restaurant featuring homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients, and historically the first Thai bistro to open in Paris. Exotic cocktails, astonishing pad thai and superb, flavorful plates await you in a pretty, unique decor. [Read more]
French Kiss, the rooftop restaurant, bar and all-you-can-eat brunch
A new Eiffel Tower-view rooftop bar, restaurant, terrace and all-you-can-eat weekend brunch? We'll take you on a tour of French Kiss, the new spot on the outskirts of the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles, where you're sure to want to relax. [Read more]
Caillebotte, the affordable, gourmet bistro in Paris's 9th arrondissement
Caillebotte is the Bistrot Gourmand in Paris's 9th arrondissement, combining good food and conviviality with inventive, affordable cuisine. It's the kind of address that gets whispered about under the mantle, ideal for its excellent value for money, with a menu at €23 lunchtime and €43 evening. The quality of its dishes makes it a Parisian word-of-mouth favorite. [Read more]
Didi Saïgon, the Vietnamese and Thai restaurant that awakens the taste buds in Val-de-Marne
Looking for a delicious Vietnamese and Thai restaurant in Val-de-Marne (94)? We've set out to discover Didi Saïgon, this new temple to Southeast Asian gastronomy which has opened its doors in Villiers-sur-Marne. With its spacious dining room and generous, authentic dishes, Didi Saïgon is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. [Read more]
Le Tout-Paris at Cheval Blanc Paris
Le Tout-Paris, the sublime restaurant that rules the capital, wins its first Michelin star. Located on the 7ᵉ floor of the Cheval Blanc Paris, with a terrace boasting breathtaking views of the Seine and the capital's iconic monuments, you'll discover William Bequin's beautiful contemporary French cuisine, generous and well mastered. [Read more]
La Bauhinia restaurant, awakened by Quentin Testart's marine cuisine at the Shangri La Paris
La Bauhinia is the name of the sublime Shangri-La Paris restaurant named after a tropical flower. Under the leadership of new chef Quentin Testart and pastry chef Maxence Barbot, the menu is inspired by the sea, from Sri Lanka to Brittany, all under the sublime glass roof designed by architect Maurice Gras. [Read more]
Langosteria at Cheval Blanc Paris: Italy invites itself with treasures from the sea
A Langosteria restaurant is set to open at Cheval Blanc Paris in September 2021, with the desire to offer the best of Italian fish, seafood and shellfish in one of Paris's finest hotels. [Read more]
Dinner on a bus from Saint Germain to the Eiffel Tower!
One of the most original experiences the capital has to offer is eating in a bus with Paris as a backdrop. Discover the Bus Saint Germain 1920, the imperial bus that treats you to a Roaring Twenties atmosphere while admiring the most beautiful monuments the City of Light has to offer. [Read more]
Brasserie des Prés, charming and affordable, the hidden gem of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Carefully tucked away in a bucolic courtyard in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Brasserie des Prés proves to be the neighborhood's best address, as delightful and charming as it is affordable. [Read more]
Au Pied de Cochon, gourmet cuisine at Les Halles day and night
Day or night, the brasserie Au Pied de Cochon delights Parisians and tourists alike with its traditional, generous French cuisine. A legendary address to try at least once in your life. [Read more]
Bonnie : the bar-restaurant and club perched in the SO/Paris hotel
A new spot with a perched terrace opened in Paris on September 6, 2022. Here is Bonnie, the restaurant-bar and club signed Paris Society which takes its quarters on the 15th and 16th floors of SO/Paris, the trendy hotel on the quays of the Seine in the Marais district. [Read more]
L'Escarpolette, the coffee shop with crazy cheap tea times
L'Escarpolette is the name of a new restaurant-coffee shop-tea room that has opened in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. A welcoming gourmet spot, offering a crazy brunch and a tea time that's as affordable as it is delicious! [Read more]
Baobar, the delicious bao counter in the Marais
Baobar is the name of the MAMAHUHU team's bar serving gua bao and other Taiwanese specialties. Take a seat at the counter to savor the richly flavored tapas-style plates. [Read more]
The Coq & Fils restaurant and its beautiful poultry
Le Coq Rico, Montmartre's iconic restaurant, is changing its name to Le Coq & Fils. On the menu is a redesigned menu where pedigree poultry is more than ever in the spotlight thanks to three-star chef Antoine Westermann. [Read more]
Qui Plume La Lune, Jacky Ribault's prodigious Michelin-starred restaurant
Jacky Ribault's Qui Plume La Lune restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. An opportunity to discover the chef's first Michelin-starred address, opened before the equally Michelin-starred L'Ours in Vincennes, and to be guided by chef Jean-Christophe Rizet on a gastronomic journey that focuses on goodness, beauty, short circuits and seasonality. A fabulous table. [Read more]
Why is May 1st a public holiday in France? History and origins
This year, May 1st falls on a Friday! But do you know why this day is a public holiday in France? Are you familiar with the history and origins of Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day? Here’s the story. [Read more]
Why do people give Lily of the Valley on May 1st? The history and origins of this tradition
You’ve probably noticed it—the plant that pops up all over France on May 1, the famous lily of the valley. But why have we made it a habit to offer a sprig of lily of the valley every May 1? Here’s the backstory on the origins and history of this tradition. [Read more]
In short, you're all set for a great day out in Paris on Thursday, May 1, 2025!
Dates and Opening Time
On May 1, 2026
Recommended age
For all
