Open or closed? That's the question we're asking ourselves on this Thursday, May 8, 2025. To make sure you make the right choices for this new May bank holiday, here's a list of great ideas for going out and having fun in Paris and the Ile-de-France region this bank holiday.
On Friday, May 8, 2026, the day of commemoration of the 1945 victory, we have a public holiday that invites us to explore and enjoy Paris and its surroundings. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or seeking cultural entertainment, the French capital and Île-de-France offer a wide array of activities to suit every taste.
From visiting emblematic monuments steeped in history to shopping, discovering lush green spaces, not forgetting temporary exhibitions in museums and good restaurants and tearooms, this public holiday is the perfect opportunity to relax or just get out and about. Here's an overview of not-to-be-missed outings on May 8th.
May 8, 2026: Museums and monuments open on this public holiday in Paris and Île-de-France
Which Paris museum or monument to visit this Friday, May 8, 2026? On this fine public holiday in France, many cultural venues are staying open, to our great delight. Let’s take advantage of it! [Read more]
Department stores and shopping centers open on May 8, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France — opening hours.
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]
Restaurants open on May 8, 2026 in Paris, our top picks for the public holiday
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]
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]
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]
Military museums in Paris: from knights to modern armies, discover History in a different way
Discover French history in a different way, explore complex and fascinating subjects, study military strategies and tactics... There's a good reason for everyone to visit the military museums of Paris and the Île-de-France 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]
Shows and plays to discover during the extended weekend of May 8, 2025
The extended weekend of May 8, 2025 offers a great opportunity to enjoy shows and plays in Paris. From contemporary comedy to audacious creations, Parisian stages have something for everyone. [Read more]
Where to swim on May 8, 2026? Paris’ pools open and their hours for this public-holiday Friday.
What if we head to the pool on May 8, 2026? Even on a public holiday, pools aren’t necessarily closed, and you can take advantage of the day to swim a bit and splash around for a little rest. [Read more]
Commemoration of the Victory of May 8, 1945: The program for the ceremony in Paris
On May 8, 2025, Paris and France commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of 1945. The program for the official ceremony on Place de l'Etoile is packed. Discover the highlights. [Read more]
May 8 ceremony: Parking and traffic restrictions in Paris
To mark the commemoration of May 8th, the Préfecture de police de Paris has issued an order temporarily modifying parking and traffic in several Paris streets in the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements, on May 7, 8 and 9, 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]
Ladurée at Pavillon Gravelle: the bucolic tea room and restaurant in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes
In the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, Ladurée Gravelle unfurls its charm in a former Napoleon III pavilion, planted in the middle of a romantic garden, complete with rose bridge and flower-filled swing. A bucolic haven where the art of tea time, brunch and lunch (au vert) can be savored like an enchanted escapade. [Read more]
Cult Coffee Shop: a gourmet brunch served all day long
Cult is the trendy coffee shop in Paris's 9th arrondissement, sure to tantalize your taste buds with a delicious brunch to be enjoyed all day long, even on weekdays! [Read more]
All-you-can-eat restaurant and brunch at the Château de Fontainebleau
In the very heart of the historic Château de Fontainebleau, nestles the restaurant "Les Petites Bouches de l'Empereur", operated by Monument Café. Available as a buffet during the week and as an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays and public holidays, the restaurant overlooks L'étang aux Carpes and its pavilion. [Read more]
Emma Duvéré, the 11th arrondissement's friendly café-pâtisserie with brunch and tea time
Emma Duvéré is the charming neighborhood café-pâtisserie nestled in the discreet rue Sedaine in Paris's 11th arrondissement. Located in the heart of Popincourt Village, this eco-responsible address, with its delicious, organic and homemade flavors, has become a veritable neighborhood landmark. It's a great place to stop for lunch, brunch or a coffee and cake. [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]
Seven Heaven, Paris' first dog-friendly coffee shop
Seven Heaven is the name of the friendly, welcoming new coffee shop that has opened its doors in the 11ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. A gourmet spot open to families, where telecommuters as well as dogs, are welcome. [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]
Blondie: the cool coffee shop and roaster in the 9th arrondissement
Blondie is the new coffee shop and roaster in the 9th arrondissement. Open since May 2023, it's the perfect place to share a lunch, a sweet break or an afternoon coffee. Drop in for a visit ... [Read more]
The Jaipur Café Brunch, for a healthy meal on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays!
An all-you-can-eat Indian brunch that's as tasty as it is delicious? Jaipur Café is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, a stone's throw from Faubourg Poissonnière. Every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, enjoy an affordable, gourmet brunch for 29 euros. [Read more]
Bing Sutt, the Coffee Shop in Paris with Hong Kong flavors - video
Bing Sutt is the name of the new Coffee Shop on the Place de la Républiqe which offers you typical Hong Kong specialties. Are you a fan of Pinneapple bun, Egg Tarts and Hong Kong Milk Tea? They are waiting for you! [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]
TOO Hôtel, the rooftop with panoramic restaurant and Skybar
TOO Hôtel is the name of Laurent Taïeb's new address at the top of the Duo Towers, between Station F and the BNF, designed by Philippe Starck. A hotel in the Paris skyline, featuring a restaurant with an exceptional panoramic view, a tree-lined spa and a Skybar. [Read more]
Why is May 8th a public holiday in France? History and origins
One week after Labour Day on May 1, May 8 arrives. But do you know why this day is also a public holiday in France? We answer you and take a look back at the history behind this historic date. [Read more]
In short, you’re all set for a pleasant day in Paris this Thursday, May 8, 2025!
That said, be sure to check the official sites for the latest timetables before you head out—changes can happen.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 8, 2026
Recommended age
For all
More information
Heads up: always make sure the place is actually open before you travel.
