Open or closed? That's the question we're asking ourselves on Thursday, May 1, 2025. With Labor Day upon us , it's a special day in terms of outings. So, to help you in your search, we're giving you the lowdown on what 's available on this special 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.
May 1st 2025 in Paris: museums and monuments open today, a public holiday in France
May is the month of public holidays in France! And it all starts on May 1, 2025, with Labor Day. How about taking advantage of this free time to visit the museums and monuments of Paris and the Île-de-France region? Find out which cultural venues are open this Thursday. [Read more]
Stores and shopping centers opening or closing on May 1, 2025, in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Looking for a shopping center or department store open on Thursday, May 1, 2025? Discover the list of places open or closed to do your shopping in Paris or Île-de-France on this public holiday! [Read more]
May 1st: How to sell and where to find lilies of the valley in Paris and the Ile-de-France region?
Giving lilies of the valley as gifts on May 1st is a time-honored tradition, as these little bells are considered good luck charms. For this special day, you have two options: improvise as an amateur lily of the valley seller in exchange for a small sum of money, or take to the forests around Paris with your family in search of the precious sprigs of good luck. [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 and around Paris, program and information 2025
Would you like to take a ride on a merry-go-round and discover new sensations? Whether with family or friends, amusement parks and other funfairs are a must for the whole family, and there are plenty of them in and around Paris. Discover their programs for this 2025 season, rich in new attractions for our greatest pleasure. [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]
Beautiful parks, gardens and squares in Paris and the Ile-de-France region to stroll in
Paris is overflowing with magnificent parks and gardens, verdant settings that invite you to relax, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover the most beautiful green spots in the capital and Ile-de-France for a lovely stroll in the Paris region! [Read more]
Leisure centres: sports and relaxation spots in the Paris Region in 2025
How about a leisure park around Paris? These sports and leisure parks, which also include artificial beaches, are the ideal solution for sunbathing, picnicking and swimming just like at the seaside, with fun activities to boot. Parisians, here's a pleasant and inexpensive way to take a vacation close to the capital! [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]
10 free or inexpensive rooftops for the best views in Paris
A great rooftop, free or almost? Whether you're looking for fresh air on sunny days, or simply in search of one of the best vantage points for admiring Paris without emptying your wallet, we've got 11 great ideas for the best spots overlooking the capital without breaking the bank. [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]
Sherwood Parc: family adventure park with tree climbing and zip lines, in Val-d'Oise, France
Accrobranche, paintball, archery... With over 25 activities on 15 hectares in the Parc Régional de l'Oise, Sherwood Parc is France's largest activity park. With family or friends, it's the perfect fun and sporting outing, less than an hour from Paris. [Read more]
Versailles: the château closed but the gardens and park open free of charge on May 1, 2025
This Thursday, May 1, 2025, the gardens of the Château de Versailles, the park and the Marly estate will be open to the public free of charge. A great opportunity to enjoy the landscape heritage of the Sun King, while the Château and the Trianon estate will remain closed for this public holiday. [Read more]
May 1st public holiday in Paris: Update on metro, streetcar and RER stations closed this Thursday
This May 1, marked by Labor Day, is a public holiday for the French. To help you get around the capital, whether on the job or on the sidelines of the inter-union demonstration, we take a look at the RATP's closed stations this Thursday, May 1, 2025. Work, exceptional closures, here's what to expect on the public transport network. [Read more]
Which pools in Paris will be open this Thursday, May 1, 2025?
How about a trip to the pool this May 1ᵉʳ, 2025? It's a public holiday, so the pools are closed, you may ask... Not necessarily, since the majority of pools are closed, but there are still a few exceptions where you can swim and splash around in the water. [Read more]
La Nuit des Monuments: the program for discovering France's heritage by night
Nuit des Monuments takes place this year from May 1 to 3, 2025. Following on from the Nuit des Châteaux and the Nuit des Musées, this is a new event that you're sure to love, allowing you to discover France's heritage, sometimes exceptionally open at night! Île-de-France and the French regions will be illuminated, so discover the places that are opening up to us for this first edition, and don't forget to book as soon as possible. [Read more]
25 of the most beautiful villages and walks to discover near Paris, nuggets in Ile-de-France
Escape around Paris with these 25 must-see getaways less than 100 km from the capital. [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]
Aventure Floreval, the family adventure park just outside Paris
Aventure Floreval is a huge adventure park for young and old alike, set in the heart of the forest and packed with fun activities! In addition to 400 workshops on 22 tree-climbing courses, accessible from the age of 3, an outdoor escape game, mini golf, an animal farm and a catering area await you. Scheduled to reopen on March 29, 2025. [Read more]
Winnoland, the Essonne theme park and its new Wild West Coaster attraction for 2025
Winnoland, formerly Babyland-Amiland, the human-sized amusement park in Essonne, is set to reopen for its 18th season on April 5, 2025. Now the most visited amusement park in the 91 region, it has plenty to delight families in search of entertainment. Once again this year, the park is renewing itself with a new attraction: the Wild West Coaster. [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]
The Maincourt Trail, a Natural Oasis in the Chevreuse Valley to discover
The Vallée de Chevreuse is home to a natural gem, the Sentier de Maincourt, a stone's throw from the Château de Dampierre. Accessible all year long by families, even with strollers and people with reduced mobility, this jewel offers a beautiful nature walk between fauna and flora, only 40 minutes from Paris. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Too Restaurant, we tested the sublime panoramic restaurant of Paris, menu and pictures
TOO Restaurant is the name of the restaurant que folie which opened its doors last October. We set off to discover this restaurant, with its exceptional panoramic view over the Seine, the Sacré-Coeur, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. [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]
DimDimSum Paris, the excellent restaurant of Chinese dim sum and baos - karaoke
DimDimSum is the delicious dim sum, baos and vapeurs restaurant that opened its doors in the Marais. Homemade ravioli made in front of you with classic and original recipes, ultra soft baos and other vapors and as a bonus two karaoke rooms to sing at the top of your lungs, here is a great spot to have a good time. And we have invitations for you to win! [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]
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? Origins and history of Labor Day
May 1st is a public holiday in France, and on this occasion we celebrate Labor Day. But do you know exactly why? And do you know the history of May 1st? We tell you. [Read more]
May 1st: why are lilies of the valley offered on this day? Origin and history
On May 1st, a plant is on display everywhere in France: the famous lily of the valley. But why do we offer a sprig of lily of the valley every May 1st? We explain the origins and history of this tradition. [Read more]
May 1, 2025 trade union demonstration in Paris: detailed itinerary
As on every May 1st, the trade union federation is organizing a major demonstration in Paris. This year, the procession will set off from the Place d'Italie on Thursday May 1, 2025, at 2pm. Find out more about the route. [Read more]
Income tax returns, CROUS scholarships, employer contributions... what's changing on May 1, 2025
From May 1, 2025, Parisians and Ile-de-France residents, like all French citizens, face a number of changes, with significant adjustments for businesses and individuals alike. Find out what's changing this May. [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, 2025
Recommended age
For all
