The month of May in Parisbrings a host of new things to the fore. Spring is in full swing, the days are getting longer, the parks are in bloom and the atmosphere is inviting. For the French, it's also the month of the bridges, with its public holidays providing an excuse to make the most of the capital's pleasures. With open-air events, outdoor outings and the pleasure of first picnics by the Seine and sunny terraces, Paris vibrates with a very special energy in May.
This is your chance to discover the new ideas for going out in Paris this May 2026. New exhibitions, new addresses, the return ofmust-see events, and much more, it's the perfect time for the curious and discovery-lovers to get in on the action and experience the trends before anyone else.
If you're one of those enthusiasts who's always in the starting-blocks to be the first to discover the new concepts that are rocking the capital, here's a guide to help you in your quest! This selection highlights events and addresses starting in May 2026 or taking place only as one-shots.
And because Paris is constantly on the move, this selection will be updated in real time, to include new developments as soon as they are announced. Don't miss your chance to be at the heart of the Parisian avant-garde!
A medieval marathon from the castle of Blandy-les-Tours to the ramparts of Provins (77)
On Sunday, May 10, 2026, run the all-new Seine-et-Marne Medieval Marathon, between Blandy-lès-Tours and Provins, for nearly 42 kilometers through villages straight out of the Middle Ages! [Read more]
Cultural events starting in May 2026
Exhibitions opening in May 2026: what's new this month
Get your fill of new things in May 2026, with these exhibitions opening their doors in museums across Paris and the Île-de-France region. It's all new and beautiful, and all that's missing is you! [Read more]
Scenes from a marriage at the Odéon: a couple confronts violence
From May 20 to June 7, 2026 at Odéon Paris 6, Markus Öhrn revisits Bergman's Scenes from a Marriage in a radically offbeat version. [Read more]
La Dame aux camélias: a romantic tragedy danced at the Palais Garnier
From May 5 to 23, 2026, the Palais Garnier presents La Dame aux camélias, a narrative ballet by John Neumeier inspired by the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils, with music by Chopin. [Read more]
Ercole amante: Antonia Bembo's baroque Hercules between power and desire at Opéra Bastille
From May 28 to June 14, 2026, Antonia Bembo's Ercole amante makes its debut in the Paris Opéra repertoire, supported by an original staging and singular Baroque vocal writing. [Read more]
Maldonne: Leïla Ka celebrates women's solidarity at Théâtre du Rond-Point
From May 11 to 13, 2026, Leïla Ka presents "Maldonne" at the Théâtre du Rond-Point, a choreographic piece for five dancers about sisterhood. [Read more]
Titoff at the Olympia: a return to the stage expected in 2026
Comedian Titoff will be back on stage at Olympia on May 5, 2026 at 8pm for a one-off show, with tickets available from 35 to 65 euros. Tickets officially open on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 12 noon! [Read more]
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