Ascension Day, 11 great free outings to make the most of the long weekend

Are you lucky enough to be in Paris for the Pont de l'Ascension 2023 and enjoy 4 days of rest? This long weekend, with its public holiday on Ascension Thursday, is the ideal opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy some great outings. Are you broke or clever? We've rounded up 11 free things to do in and around Paris. These activities are not only economical, but also offer a wide range of experiences to suit all tastes.

11 great ideas for Ascension weekend in Paris, May 18-21, 2023:

1. Fête de la Bretagne 2024 in the 14th arrondissement of Paris: the program
   The Fête de la Bretagne returns to the 14th arrondissement of Paris from Friday, May 17 to Saturday, May 25, 2024. For over a week, the Mission bretonne will be offering a wide range of events in the various districts of the 14th arrondissement: music, dance, cinema, storytelling and gastronomy... Something for everyone. Here's the program! [Read more]
   
2. La Fête du Pain 2024 in Paris: artisan bakers return to the Notre-Dame forecourt
   The Fête du Pain returns to Paris from Tuesday May 7 to Thursday May 16, 2024 on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. On the program? Reconstituted bakeries, numerous artisan bakers and, of course, the star of this gourmet event, the famous traditional French baguette, which will be on offer every day throughout the Fête du Pain, 2024 edition. [Read more]
   
3. Anniversary exhibition at the Maison de Victor Hugo for the 120th anniversary of the museum - our photos
   The House of Victor Hugo celebrates its 120th anniversary and presents an anniversary exhibition from May 10 to September 3, 2023. The opportunity to highlight the works of the French literary figure. [Read more]
   
   
4. Onze Bouge 2024, the 11th arrondissement's festival of free shows, is back!
   The very cool Onze Bouge festival returns for another edition in the streets of Paris' 11th arrondissement, from May 16 to 20, 2024. On the program: dance, theater, music and comedy shows, all presented free of charge for all our enjoyment - we're running, of course. [Read more]
   
5. Notre-Dame de Paris at the heart of the construction site, the free exhibition under the forecourt in photos
   The Notre-Dame de Paris: au coeur du chantier exhibition, which takes place beneath the cathedral's forecourt, is now unveiled. From March 7, 2023, until the monument reopens, discover the work of the hundreds of men and women who are rebuilding the cathedral. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the highlights of the titanic construction site, to discover the work of the journeymen and craftsmen, and the challenges of reconstruction. [Read more]
   
6. The Family Pride festival, kids friendly, free and inclusive, from May 20 to 21 at the Cité Fertile
   From May 21 to 23, 2023, the Family Pride Festival plans to gather several thousand people around round tables, shows and workshops, in order to inform and raise awareness around LGBTQIA+ family issues, free of charge, at the Cité Fertile. So, shall we spend a head there? [Read more]
   
7. Capitale(s), the crazy and free street art exhibition at the Hôtel de Ville de Paris in extension
   Notice to street art lovers, the City Hall of Paris offers a free exhibition event, called: Capital (s): 60 years of urban art in Paris. An exceptional exhibition that will last until June 3, 2023, and that invites us to discover the works of more than 70 artists ranging from Banksy to Miss Tic, through Invider, Swoom, André or Seth. [Read more]
   
8. Jardins du monde en mouvement, the free botanical and artistic festival at the Cité Universitaire
   Come to the Cité universitaire de Paris from May 3 to November 3, 2023, to discover the six ephemeral gardens that were finalists in the "Gardens of the World in Motion" competition. On the program: free poetic strolls through the creative green landscapes that have sprung up in the Cité's immense park. [Read more]
   
9. The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
   The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]
   
10. Discovery of Chevreuse: the Little Venice of the Yvelines and its Little Bridges Stroll
    Chevreuse, known as the little Venice of the Yvelines, hides a sublime stroll of the small bridges, a real green setting at only 40 minutes from Paris and accessible by RER. We embark you for an adventure with unsuspected charm. [Read more]
    
11. Réparties: the outdoor exhibition at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud
    The exhibition Réparties proposes an artistic dialogue between the photographer Angelle and the visual artist Dominique Moulin at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud. An exhibition to be found from April 12 to June 30, 2023. [Read more]

Here are our top 11 free outings for the Pont de l'Ascension 2023 in Paris. We hope you'll find what you're looking for and make the most of this long weekend.

• To be read
• In less than 100 days, Paris will unite the world! A historic chapter, to be written together

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