It's well known that in the month of May, we do as we please! And what pleases us are quirky outings and visits to do in Paris and its surroundings. To break from the daily routine, to travel somewhere else without leaving Paris, we set off to discover hidden treasures. Indeed, we present 10 quirky visits to make the most of the May long weekends. From surprising exhibitions and original events to off-the-beaten-path strolls, there’s something for everyone!
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]
Flower weekend at Moulin Jaune: do as you please in this extraordinary and remarkable garden.
Slava Polunin’s renowned garden reopens its doors on May 16 and 17, 2026 in Crécy-la-Chapelle, Seine-et-Marne, for a flower-filled weekend of costumes and picnics along the Grand Morin. [Read more]
A charming medieval festival awaits in Seine-et-Marne, featuring tournaments and a handcrafted market.
Moussy-le-Neuf in Seine-et-Marne gears up for its 13th Medieval Festival on May 23 and 24, 2026. The event promises a stunning historical camp, a chivalry tournament, craft market stalls, and lively entertainment—perfect for families eager to step back into the Middle Ages. [Read more]
An artistic performance beneath the Bourse de Commerce’s domed cupola for Paris’ 2026 Night of Museums.
Great news for contemporary art lovers, as the Bourse de Commerce announces its latest involvement in the Night of Museums. See you on Saturday, May 23, 2026 to (re)discover this striking Parisian art foundation through a special program. [Read more]
Star Wars: a 300-square-meter immersive pop-up store is about to land in the heart of Paris.
The Star Wars galaxy is taking a detour through Paris—landing at Les Halles on April 30, 2026! An immersive 300-square-meter pop-up, with more than 1,000 items, animations, and a themed café, is set to open, firmly aimed at drawing in fans of the saga. [Read more]
Lantern Festival and Shamanism: An Evening at the Guimet Museum for Museum Night 2026
The Guimet Museum is taking part in the 2026 Night of Museums this Saturday, May 23. It’s a chance to step into this museum dedicated to Asian arts and to discover the program crafted for the occasion. [Read more]
All to the Opera 2026: free tours in Paris and Île-de-France, here’s the program
On the occasion of the 19th edition of "Tous à l'Opéra," several prestigious Parisian and Île-de-France institutions will open their doors once again on Friday, May 8, Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, 2026. The perfect chance to discover for free the splendor and beauty of these exceptional cultural venues. Here’s the program you can look forward to! [Read more]
Starry Nights at the Ritz Paris: opera and dance in the Grand Garden
The Ritz Paris is kicking off its very first festival from June 13 to 15, 2026, in its Grand Jardin on Place Vendôme. Three evenings of opera, dance, and orchestral music with international artists. [Read more]
The Night of the Cathedrals 2026 at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the free evening program
Notre-Dame de Paris opens its doors for Cathedral Night 2026 on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The program includes guided tours, adoration, a musical and literary vigil featuring Brigitte Fossey, with free admission — here are all the details. [Read more]
HOLI 2026 at the Jardin d'Acclimatation: India's festival of colors is back in Paris — the date.
The Jardin d’Acclimatation lights up in a thousand hues for the 7th edition of Holi, the famous Indian festival of colors. On May 31, 2026, the must-attend spring event returns, offering artisan workshops, Indian food trucks, live performances, and a splash of pigment. [Read more]
Here's how to make the most of the ponts de mai in Paris with these 10 visites insolites. Feel free to share your own discoveries and tell us about your favorites in the comments. So, no more waiting—lace up your walking shoes and head off on an adventure through the streets of Paris and beyond to experience unforgettable moments. And who knows, these original visits might inspire you to get out even more than for the Ponts de mai à Paris.
For more information:
Night of Museums 2026: Unusual Evening Openings for an Original Night Out in Paris and Île-de-France
For the 2026 Night of Museums, we're offering an unusual selection to shake up your routine and introduce you to new horizons. Explore our lineup of unique events to experience this Saturday, May 23rd, during this not-to-be-missed nocturnal adventure! Ready to be surprised? [Read more]
Paris is a veritable open-air museum, and beautiful exhibitions are a constant feature of this cultural capital. This time, we're taking you on a voyage of discovery of unusual exhibitions, those whose scenography and themes will surprise you with their originality! So, are you ready to be surprised? [Read more]
Looking for a quirky restaurant in Paris? Here are our top picks for originality: immersive eateries, surprising concepts, rare specialties, and offbeat brunches in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]
What to do on Thursday 1ᵉʳ May 2025 in and around Paris, Labor Day? A true public holiday, May 1 sees many places close to us. So to make sure you don't end up in the lurch, Sortiraparis lists the places that are open and the best ways to spend a good Thursday holiday. [Read more]
Escape around Paris with these 25 must-see getaways less than 100 km from the capital. [Read more]
Set off to discover the unusual brunches of Paris and the Ile-de-France region for a weekend full of flavors and surprises! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026
Night of Museums 2026: Unusual Evening Openings for an Original Night Out in Paris and Île-de-France
Unusual exhibitions in Paris: original art events to see now
The quirky restaurants in Paris: our original and immersive picks
What to do in Paris and the Ile-de-France region on May 1st, 2025, public holiday, good open plans
25 of the most beautiful villages and walks to discover near Paris, nuggets in Ile-de-France
Unusual brunches in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: our favorite original spots
