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.
Thursday May 8, 2025, commemorating the victory of 1945, offers us the opportunity of a day off to explore and enjoy Paris and its surroundings. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover or looking for cultural entertainment, the French capital and the Île-de-France region offer a multitude of activities to suit all tastes.
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, 2025: museums and monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region open on this public holiday
Which Paris museum or monument to visit this Thursday, May 8, 2025? On this beautiful French public holiday, many cultural venues are keeping their doors open, much to our delight. Let's make the most of it! [Read more]



Shopping centers and department stores opening on May 8, 2025 in Paris and the greater Paris region
Feel like doing a little shopping on Thursday, May 8, 2025? Many shopping centers and department stores in Paris and the greater Paris region are keeping their doors open even on this public holiday. Find out which ones! [Read more]



Restaurants open on May 8, 2025 in Paris: our top picks for this holiday
This Thursday, May 8, 2025, is a public holiday for the French. An opportunity to enjoy the capital and take some time for yourself. However, closures can thwart the plans of gourmands in search of a good restaurant. Don't panic, here's a selection of good addresses open this Thursday, May 8, 2025. [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]



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]



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]



Disneyland Paris 2025: the complete guide to seasons, shows, and new attractions
Disneyland Paris presents its 2025 program with its seasons, shows, attractions, and many new features to discover throughout the year.
Explore the park's highlights: shows, restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and must-see experiences... We'll tell you everything! [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]



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]



10 must-see parks and gardens in Paris and the Île-de-France region in May 2025
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]



Which pools in Paris will be open on this Thursday, May 8, 2025, a public holiday?
How about a trip to the pool on May 8, 2025? Even though it's a public holiday, the pools aren't necessarily closed, and you can take advantage of the opportunity to swim and splash around in the water on your own or with your family! [Read more]



Aventure Land: Magny-en-Vexin (95) adventure park reopens with new features in 2025
Aventure Land, in Magny en Vexin, is a park that combines tree climbing, outdoor activities, inflatable games... From April 5 to September 28, 2025, come and enjoy a new season in this park where families of all ages can come together! [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]



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 Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [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]



Quelque Part La Matière, Florian Barbarot & P.H Lecompte's daring brunch pastry shop
Quelque Part La Matière is the recently opened patisserie of Florian Barbarot and Pierre-Henry Lecompte. On the first floor, a pastry case awaits gourmets, and upstairs, a cosy, intimate space for a quiet brunch. [Read more]



L'Inaperçu, a unique fusion of photography and bistronomy in the Marais district
Sponsored - Founded in 2023, L'Inaperçu Café Restaurant is a new kind of hybrid venue dedicated to photography and bistronomy. Located in the heart of the Marais district, near the Centre Pompidou, this French restaurant invites you to savor healthy, home-cooked cuisine in a warm atmosphere. [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]



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 8 a public holiday in France?
One week after the famous May 1st, May 8th arrives. But do you remember why this day is also a public holiday in France? We tell you all about it, and take a look back at the history of this historic date. [Read more]
In short, you're all set for a great day out in Paris on Thursday, May 8, 2025!
Be sure to check the official timetables before travelling, as changes may occur.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 8, 2025
Recommended age
For all