The French love the month of May above all because it's punctuated by so many public holidays! It's also a time when the days are getting longer, and temperatures are rising: in short, it's the perfect time to go for a walk. And there's a public holiday coming up: this Thursday, May 8, 2025, commemorating the Victory of May 8, 1945, we're enjoying an extra day of rest.
You want to use this day to visit a castle, a monument or an exhibition, and you're right to do so. But are there any cultural venues open on a public holiday in France?
Good news: many of the region's museums and monuments are open this Thursday, May 8, 2025! In fact, almost all art and culture venues will be open to you on this public holiday. Rather than list the hundred or so sites available on this day, we've chosen to point out those that are closed, and therefore best avoided. All the others will be opening their doors to you, and will often be staging wonderful exhibitions.
The Museum of Romantic Life is closed for renovation: find out the planned reopening date.
Here's some news that is likely to sadden lovers of Parisian museums: the Musée de la Vie Romantique is closing its doors for over a year to carry out restoration work. The museum is scheduled to reopen on February 14, 2026. [Read more]
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris: an exploration of the human-animal relationship
Nestled in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a unique insight into hunting, nature and the complex relationship between man and animal. This unusual museum invites visitors to discover an exceptional collection, while encouraging reflection on our relationship with flora and fauna. [Read more]
La Monnaie de Paris: an unusual cultural and historical institution in Paris
Do you know how coins are made in France? Come and find out by visiting the Monnaie de Paris, the institution that teaches us more about the history of silver and the minting of medals, in a place steeped in history. [Read more]
The Musée de la Carte à jouer, a unique collection dedicated to our card games, in Issy (92).
Just south of Paris, in Issy-des-Moulineaux (92), you'll find a museum that's unique in France: the Musée de la Carte à jouer, a cultural venue devoted entirely to card games, from the first models to appear in the 15th century, right up to the present day. [Read more]
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument on the Champs-Élysées that sits at the center of the Place de l'Étoile, is a must-see on your visit to Paris! [Read more]
All we have to do now is keep our fingers crossed that the weather is on our side! To help you choose between all these options, take a look at the museum program for May. Looking for more ideas on how to spend the holiday? Check out our guide to May 8, 2025 activities in Paris!
Dates and Opening Time
On May 8, 2025
