Inflation is a hottopic in France. The overall rise in prices in the country is leading to a drop in purchasing power and prompting us to tighten our belts. So, here we are, counting our pennies. If your outings budget is in danger of taking a hit, don't worry: the capital and the surrounding region are full of great ways to enjoy hotactivities without spending too much. Yes, you can treat yourself and save money at the same time, even in Paris!
We can already see you widening your eyes. After all, it's common knowledge that life is expensive in the capital. But there are plenty of free and affordable places to go out in the Paris region... you just have to know where to look. And that's just as well, because finding good deals is our specialty!
That's why we've come up with a list of all the free and inexpensive things to do in Paris and the Paris region at the moment. And guess what? This guide is updated as we make announcements and discoveries, so you'll be able to consult it at any time to find the affordable outings that await you. You'll never run out of ideas again!
This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, May 11–17, 2026
What to do in Paris this week from May 11 to 17, 2026? Bread Festival at Notre-Dame, Brittany Festivities, The Ball of Love, Eurovision Party at Bastille, plant fairs, Moulin Jaune, free exhibitions and family outings: here are the must-see plans you won’t want to miss. [Read more]
What to do in Paris during the Ascension weekend, May 14–17, 2026? With the Thursday public holiday and the long weekend, Paris and Île-de-France are buzzing with great ideas: Festival of Brittany, Bal de l’Amour, Eurovision bash at Bastille, plant fairs, Moulin Jaune, free exhibitions, and family-friendly strolls and outings. [Read more]
Looking for free family outings in Paris? We'll show you the spots, events and activities to discover in the capital, so you can enjoy Paris without spending a fortune! [Read more]
Open studios at Père-Lachaise: a Parisian stroll to meet the artists
Art lovers are invited to explore the new edition of the Open Studios at Père-Lachaise, with artistic tours on the weekend of May 8–11, 2026. An opportunity to discover local painters, sculptors, and photographers, who will reveal their works and their craft to you! [Read more]
ORLAN at the Louvre: three free encounters with a leading figure in contemporary art
The Louvre hands the floor to ORLAN for three free "Artist Lessons" on 22 May, 12 June and 25 September 2026. Through images, the body, censorship and the artists' responsibility, this leading figure in contemporary art invites a rereading of the museum's masterpieces in light of today's questions. [Read more]
Sebastião Salgado takes center stage in a free photography exhibition at Paris City Hall
Paris City Hall pays tribute to photographer Sebastião Salgado with a major exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from February 21 to May 30, 2026. [Read more]
Coastal Bodies: Camille Guichard's exhibition at the Rachel Hardouin Gallery
The Rachel Hardouin Gallery highlights Camille Guichard with Corps littoral, her first solo exhibition in Paris, running May 21 to June 21, 2026. Blending contemporary photography, poetic texts, bodies and the coastline, the artist examines our relationship with the living world. [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]
Vhils: the street artist presents his exhibition “L'interstice” at the Danysz Gallery in Paris
Fans of Vhils' work have a date this spring in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. The Danysz Gallery presents "L'interstice," the Portuguese street artist's latest solo exhibition. Free to visit from May 22 to June 20, 2026, this new installation unveils a series of works crafted from materials sourced in the capital. [Read more]
Lafayette, bridging France and America: free exhibit on the Marquis at the National Archives
From April 1 to July 14, 2026, the National Archives will host a free exhibition dedicated to Marquis de Lafayette. Featuring rare documents, caricatures, and related artifacts, this exhibition traces the life of the "hero of two worlds" — a figure equally celebrated in the United States and debated within France, against the backdrop of revolutionary upheavals. [Read more]
The President of the Republic's Honorary Titles: a free exhibition at the Élysée Palace in Paris
At the Élysée, power wears its insignia rather than its rhetoric. With the free exhibition “The Honorary Titles of the President of the Republic,” on display from April 28 to June 27, 2026, it is the decorations of power that take center stage. [Read more]
This free exhibition celebrates the Monogram’s 130th anniversary with a selection of exceptional trunks in Paris.
In Paris, some exhibitions are worth a detour. To mark the 130th anniversary of Louis Vuitton's Monogram canvas, Gros & Delettrez unveils a rare selection of trunks and travel goods from May 19 to 21, 2026. Three days to discover them for free, before they go up for auction. [Read more]
ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Forest Tales: Lélia Demoisy's exhibition at Domaine de Chamarande
Lélia Demoisy presents Tales from the Forests, a contemporary art exhibition at the Domaine départemental de Chamarande in the Essonne department, running from May 10 to August 30, 2026. The exhibition journey traverses the forest, living beings, and the memory of materials through sculptures and installations. [Read more]
Jonk & Friends: the exhibition that blends street art and photography at the Nature Forte Gallery
This spring, photographer Jonk invited 13 of his fellow artists to contribute to his photographs. The exhibition, simply titled "Jonk & Friends," is on view for free at Galerie Nature Forte from May 7 to June 6, 2026. [Read more]
Open-air exhibition of Theodoulos Gregoriou's sculptures in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district
Faubourg Saint-Honoré is rewritten as an open-air gallery with a free, outdoor exhibition in Paris, where time is carved in layered strata. From April 28 to July 27, 2026, the sculptures by Cypriot artist Theodoulos Gregoriou for "Cyprus on Faubourg Saint-Honoré" invite memory and contemporary creation to converse in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, between reinvented ruins and today’s sculptural language. [Read more]
Everyone’s looking for their cat: a street-art exhibition centered on felines at Fluctuart
"Everyone's Looking for Their Cat," is the name of the new free urban art exhibition to see at Fluctuart. Join us from May 7 to August 23, 2026 to admire the works by about ten street artists created around the famous feline. [Read more]
Zipcy in Paris: our photos from the exhibition The Sweet Fortress at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery
The Korean artist Zipcy makes her solo debut in France with La Forteresse Douce, on view at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery in Paris from April 24 to June 4, 2026. The exhibition centers on hanji paper, natural pigments, and the intimate, presented through the sensitive universe of this South Korean artist. [Read more]
Luminiscence: The Celestial Odyssey in Paris, enjoy the show at Saint-Eustache Church before it ends.
The immersive sound-and-light show Luminiscence is nearing its end at Saint-Eustache Church. How about discovering this version, titled The Celestial Odyssey, before May 22, 2026? We unveil this 3D immersive experience that transforms the vaults of the Parisian landmark. [Read more]
Eurovision 2026 party: musical surprises and a giant screen on Place de la Bastille
The Eurovision Song Contest returns this spring with a grand final scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. This year, rising star Monroe has been selected to represent France. On this occasion, and for the second consecutive year, the City of Paris transforms Place de la Bastille into a giant party, with musical surprises and the final broadcast on a big screen. [Read more]
Le Bal de l'Amour 2026 returns to Place de la Bastille: the lineup!
After three successful editions, Bal de l’Amour makes its grand return to Paris, on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Place de la Bastille. [Read more]
Disney Village in May 2026: concerts and activities for a night out near Disneyland Paris
Disney Village is buzzing with live concerts and free happenings near Disneyland Paris, offering music nights and festive events to discover throughout May 2026. Check out the lineup! [Read more]
An American chamber choir in a special concert at La Madeleine
Sponsored - The Westminster University Chamber Singers, an outstanding American choir conducted by Jane Fjeldsted, will perform on May 14, 2026 at Église de la Madeleine in Paris, presenting a program that blends Mozart, Fauré, and contemporary composers. This one-of-a-kind concert promises a rich, emotionally charged musical experience, carried by the ensemble’s refined vocalism and the venue’s remarkable acoustics. Admission is free and open to all. [Read more]
So, Let's Dance: the family-friendly dance festival featuring performances and initiation sessions in Fontainebleau (77)
From May 19 to 24, 2026, the Théâtre Municipal de Fontainebleau transforms into a sprawling open-air dance floor for the fourth edition of "Alors, on danse ?". The festival invites kids and grown-ups alike to explore movement and dive into dance, blending performances with relaxed, beginner-friendly workshops. [Read more]
An exceptional American choir in concert in Paris: a vibrant evening at Notre-Dame des Blancs-Manteaux
Sponsored - 50 male voices from the United States descend on the Church of Notre-Dame des Blancs-Manteaux in the heart of the Marais for an exceptional concert in Paris on May 13, 2026, blending vocal power with a musical journey across styles. Admission is free and open to all. [Read more]
An outstanding American choir in concert in Paris: a vibrant evening at La Madeleine
Sponsored - The Bowling Green State University Men’s Chorus, an American choir of excellence made up of about fifty male voices, will give a special concert on May 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the Madeleine Church in Paris.
Conducted by Richard Schnipke and Emily Pence, the ensemble will present a program blending classical works, contemporary pieces, and traditional songs, offering an intense and accessible musical experience for all (free admission). [Read more]
Unusual: Out of the blue, the cinema bar that mixes natural wines and arthouse short films in Paris
In the heart of Paris's 11th arrondissement, Out of the Blue combines a wine bar and cinema for the curious and cinephiles alike. With arthouse short films, natural wines, and a cozy lounge atmosphere, here you can sip, nibble, and immerse yourself in an experience that is unusual, creative, and convivial all at once. [Read more]
An exceptional American choir in concert at Les Blancs-Manteaux in Paris
Sponsored - The American Choir in concert at the Église des Blancs-Manteaux in Paris on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. Mozart, Fauré and contemporary works await you at this free-admission performance. [Read more]
Random Comedy Club: stand-up comedy show Sunday evenings at the Chouchou hotel in Paris
Every Sunday evening, the Chouchou hotel invites you to its table for its traditional rendez-vous: the Random Comedy Club comedy show. In the guinguette, among the aperitif boards and cocktails, the new seeds of comedy and stars of laughter take turns on stage for a lively stand-up show, 100% made in France! [Read more]
A Taste of America in Paris: Doane University Concert Band in concert at the American Church
Sponsored - The Doane University Concert Band will perform at the American Church in Paris—the famed American Church on the Quai d'Orsay—on May 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. for an exceptional concert. Directed by Andrew Feyes, the ensemble will present a varied program blending American works, grand operatic selections, and contemporary creations, in a unique setting in the heart of Paris. Admission is free and open to everyone. [Read more]
Royaumont Abbey now hosts shows all year round!
The Abbaye de Royaumont in Asnières-sur-Oise now offers shows and concerts every Sunday afternoon. The Festival de Royaumont has evolved into the Saison Royaumont, a truly multidisciplinary cultural experience in the heart of this historic site in the Val-d'Oise. [Read more]
An orchestra of their own: a captivating immersive tribute to forgotten female composers at La Seine Musicale
The Seine Musicale hosts a free immersive sound installation dedicated to overlooked women composers from January 22 to May 16, 2026. This immersive journey offers visitors a chance to rediscover these overlooked creators through a heartfelt, sensory experience. [Read more]
Jazz Café Montparnasse: the new landmark for jazz lovers!
Opened a few months ago, Jazz Café Montparnasse illuminates the rue du Commandant Mouchotte with its vermilion neon lights. Inside, jazz and good food await you.... [Read more]
Jardin21, season 2026: a week of celebration, nature and cultural discoveries at the heart of Parc de la Villette
Sponsored - In May, Jardin21, the festive and green community hub perched along the Canal de l’Ourcq in the 19th arrondissement, extends the season with a rich and varied program. Take the chance to fully enjoy these fine days: engaged initiatives, gardening workshops, youth activities, festive evenings, a yoga session... Everything’s in place to escape without leaving Paris! Free admission. [Read more]
Live the Eiffel Tower's epic saga with a unique virtual reality experience
Discover the immersive virtual reality guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, brought to you by Viality Tour. Relive the construction and inauguration of the Iron Lady during the 1889 World’s Fair. A new edition, more faithful to the tower’s history than ever before, was released on March 31, 2026. To celebrate, we’ve got a promo code for you! [Read more]
Star Wars: a 300 sq m pop-up shop has landed in the heart of Paris — our verdict and photos
The Star Wars universe makes a detour through Paris — landing at Les Halles on April 30, 2026. A 300-square-meter pop-up, boasting more than 1,000 items and activities designed for kids and for collectors. [Read more]
Pokémon store in Paris, discover the first permanent store dedicated to Pokémon in pictures
A new immersive Pokémon corner opens in Paris? We're off to discover the new 80 m² permanent space, dedicated to the world of the famous creatures, in the Le Coin des Barons store, located on rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement. As of March 28, 2025, this unique corner awaits collectors and enthusiasts alike. [Read more]
Brittany Festival 2026: Breton dances, crêpes, fest-noz and cinema in the 14th arrondissement
La Fête de la Bretagne returns to Paris's 14th arrondissement from May 14 to 24, 2026. Thanks to the Breton Mission, enjoy a lineup of activities—music, dance, cinema, storytelling and gastronomy—that lets you dive into the heart of Brittany. [Read more]
FIFA World Cup 2026: leave a message on the Blues' jersey before they head off
Support the Blues ahead of their departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! On Saturday, May 16, 2026, fans are invited to sign the players' jerseys, to send them love and encouragement. [Read more]
Sunset Tea Rave: a free tea tasting at the Buttes-Chaumont as the sun sets
Buttes-Chaumont Park transforms into a giant tea salon on May 21, 2026. This collective tasting invites Parisians to savor a good cup of tea as they watch one of the capital’s most beautiful sunsets. [Read more]
Bric à Brac Jardin en fête 2026: the Plant Festival in Essonne (91)
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Auvers Saint-Georges stadium in Essonne, for a celebration of gardens and nature. Individuals, associations and professionals come together around plants, local products, and workshops for children. [Read more]
Dior Paris 30 Montaigne, boutique - museum, café and restaurant
The legendary Dior address at 30 Avenue Montaigne reopens its doors and reveals its new face. Renovated and redesigned, this new address should appeal to fashion addicts as well as gourmets in search of a gourmet café or refined restaurant. [Read more]
Roland-Garros 2026: live matches on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop, with a breathtaking view of Paris
Want to experience Roland-Garros in a different way? From May 24 to June 7, 2026, head to the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann rooftop terrace to watch the French Open matches, comfortably lounging in sun loungers with a view of the capital! [Read more]
Festival Jogging 2026: arts and sports collide in a wild event at the Carreau du Temple
From May 21 to 24, 2026, the Jogging Festival returns indoors to the Halle du Carreau du Temple. The event shines a fresh, playful spotlight on exhibitions, performances, workshops, practices, or projects that sit at the crossroads of the arts and sports. [Read more]
Bel Ebat Park, a charming green space with donkeys grazing, in Avon (77)
A lovely green enclave in a part of town that’s already great for a stroll. Just a ten-minute walk from Fontainebleau-Avon station, Bel Ebat Park is a charming spot to discover! [Read more]
The Glasswalk at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, the hot photo spot under the store's Cupola
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann unveils the Glasswalk, a 9-metre-long glass walkway on the 3rd floor of the Coupole store, suspended 16 metres above the ground. Perfect for an unforgettable shot, this spot offers a unique perspective on 120 years of history. A must for lovers of architecture and quality Instagram spots! [Read more]
International Kite Festival: a free, magical weekend in the skies over Val d'Oise
Get ready for an immersion between earth and sky in the heart of the Val-d'Oise. From May 20 to 24, 2026, the town of Marines will host the 23rd edition of the International Kite Festival, combining exhibitions, spectacular demonstrations, and workshops to make your own kite! [Read more]
Tulips and poppies, extraordinary blooms for the 400th anniversary of the Jardin des Plantes
To mark its 400th anniversary in 2026, the Jardin des Plantes is unveiling two waves of extraordinary blooms along its Grand Perspective, pairing tulips, anemones, and poppies from spring into summer. Already in bloom, the parterres are stunning right now and deserve a quick visit. [Read more]
Deuil-la-Barre's Greenway: a verdant stroll in the heart of Val-d'Oise
Nature comes to Deuil-la-Barre! This spring, the Île-de-France town unveils the third stretch of the “Coulée Verte,” its flagship project to forge a green corridor that runs through the town from north to south. A chance to enjoy a lush, leafy stroll right in the heart of Val-d’Oise. [Read more]
What to do in Barbizon, the famous village between art and nature?
How about a trip to Barbizon? This charming village, 50 km from Paris, immerses us in art and nature on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. Discover our tips for the perfect day out or weekend break. [Read more]
The best bets for the Ascension weekend, May 14–17, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France
What to do with children: free family outings in Paris
