Paris in May is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year. The cold winter is long gone, but the blazing summer heat is still a few months away.
Mai est, selon moi, le meilleur mois pour passer du temps à Paris. Avec tant d'événements, un temps magnifique et des attractions époustouflantes, Paris in May will capture your heart.
Starting the month is La Fête du Travail, or the French Labor Day. Though some shops and restaurants close up for this holiday, there’s still a parade taking place at Place de Bastille. Though this is only one day, it’s important to plan your trip around it, as some activities might be closed.
With an endless array of festivals and visits to some of the Parisian classics, there’s something for everyone here during the month of May. From the French Open to the romantic Paris Jazz Festival to spending time taking in the fresh air, there’s so much to see and do in Paris in May.
Donc, si vous prévoyez de visiter Paris en mai, voici quelques-unes des meilleures choses à faire :
Table des matières
- Top 10 des choses à faire à Paris en mai
- 1. Assister au Tournoi de Tennis Roland Garros – Roland Garros
- 2. Bois de Boulogne
- 3. Sortir au Canal Saint Martin
- 4. La Nuit des Musées
- 5. Passez la journée à Disneyland !
- 6. Fête du pain
- 7. Fête de la bière à Paris
- 8. Festival de Jazz Saint Germain des Prés
- 9. Flâner sur la Seine
- 10. Studio ouvert des artistes de Belleville
- Find Things to Do in Paris
- Find Accommodation
- Explore Paris With Our Guides & Reviews
Top 10 des choses à faire à Paris en mai
1. Assister au Tournoi de Tennis Roland Garros – Roland Garros
This is the ultimate grand slam tennis tournament. Held in Paris in late May, Roland Garros is the perfect opportunity to witness some of the best tennis players in the world compete against each other on one of the most prestigious courts, the French Open. With its vibrant and intense atmosphere, this tournament is a must-see for any tennis fan.
Le tournoi de tennis du grand chelem se déroule au Stade Roland Garros dans le 16ème arrondissement de Paris sur deux semaines. Non seulement le Tournoi de Roland Garros une excellente occasion de regarder certains des matchs de tennis les plus impressionnants joués par des joueurs hautement qualifiés, mais c'est aussi une excellente façon de découvrir la culture française dans un cadre différent. Même si vous n'êtes pas un grand fan de tennis, les matchs valent vraiment le détour !
Voir connexe: Les meilleurs parcs à visiter à Paris
2. Bois de Boulogne
Nothing says Paris in May like spending a day in the sun at Bois de Boulogne. Located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some fresh air.
The “woods,” as translated, are a great place to go for a walk or go on a bike ride. There are a few paths that spread through the length of the area.
Another lovely option is to have a picnic here with friends. In the spring and summer, you’ll find plenty of people with their blankets, eating, drinking, and catching the sun with their packed baskets.
The Bois de Boulogne also has attractions like the Jardin d’Acclimatation and Foundation Louis Vuitton. At the Jardin d'Acclimatation, you’ll find a small amusement park with several activities and rides, perfect for the family. The Foundation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum and special events center located in the park that hosts a variety of expos year-round.
Une dernière chose à faire au Bois est de visiter l'Hippodrome de Longchamp. C'est le plus grand hippodrome de la région parisienne et l'endroit idéal pour assister à des courses passionnantes près de Paris en mai.
Voir connexe : Les plus beaux endroits de France à visiter
3. Sortir au Canal Saint Martin
Une autre chose à faire à Paris en mai est de flâner le long du Canal Saint Martin. Situé dans le 10ème arrondissement, le canal abrite certains des plus cool magasins et restaurants à Paris.
After exploring the area, you can relax along the Quai and grab some drinks with friends. Some top spots to grab a takeway bite is Fric Frace for croque monsieur, ou Gros Bao pour les petits pains bao.
Ce quartier est considéré comme le quartier branché de Paris et vous y trouverez des boutiques originales, d'excellents cafés et certains des street art les plus cool de Paris. La rue de la Grange aux Belles est l'une des rues les plus connues du canal Saint-Martin et elle regorge de bars et de pubs qui attirent aussi bien les locaux que les touristes.
If you’re in Paris in May and want to enjoy the nice weather in an area other than the Seine, we suggest taking a canal cruise. It’s a perfect way to spend the day outside, enjoy the cool neighborhood, and get a great view.
This area is quite youthful and vibrant, so if you want to stay close to all the action, check out Generator Hostel. It’s within walking distance of the canal and all other top spots. Though this isn’t the typical area to stay in when visiting Paris, it’s truly a hidden gem.
Voir connexe: Les meilleures excursions en bateau à Paris, France
4. La Nuit des Musées
This is one of the most interesting events in May in Paris. La Nuit des Musées (Museum Night) is a yearly event on a Saturday closest to May 18th and is a great opportunity to explore all kinds of musées à Paris. Les musées de la ville, comme le célèbre Louvre, ouvrent leurs portes gratuitement et restent ouverts tard dans la nuit.
There are many different activities and events at each museum. There are concerts, guided tours, workshops, talks, and more.
It’s a great opportunity to explore some of the city’s most historical museums and meet new people. It’s not just Paris, either—museums across Europe are participating in this night, hence the name European Museums Night.
The European Museums Night is a great way to experience the rich culture of Paris, as well as the rest of the world, and it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s like your own version of the film Night at the Museum. So, if you happen to be in Paris in May, try this truly unique experience.
Voir connexe : Monuments historiques les plus célèbres de Paris
5. Passez la journée à Disneyland !
Cependant Disneyland is a great option any time of the year, it’s especially enjoyable if you plan to visit Paris in May. With the sun shining and warmer temperatures, a day at Disneyland Paris will be a great memory. The park is massive and filled with rides, parades, spectacles, and activities for kids and adults alike.
Disneyland Paris offers something for everyone, from thrill rides and family-friendly attractions to parades and live entertainment. It’s the ideal place to spend a fun day with friends and family.
This Disneyland isn’t technically in Paris, but it is just a short ride away via the RER train. A visit to the happiest place on earth is truly an unforgettable experience, but it’s something that you need to book in advance. If you want to stay near the park, consider staying at L'Élysée Val d'Europe, qui propose une navette gratuite pour le parc.
Nous recommandons réserver un billet in advance for skip-line access. This way, you won’t have to waste your precious time waiting in line and can make the most of your day out.
Voir connexe : Itinéraire d'une journée à Paris : comment passer une journée
6. Fête du pain
Rien ne crie plus français qu'une fête du pain ! Si vous êtes à Paris en mai, alors c'est un festival parisien à ne pas manquer. La fête du pain a lieu pendant environ une semaine chaque mi-mai.
La Fête du Pain a lieu chaque année à Paris au Parvis de notre Dame, right before the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The festival is open-air, and entry is completely free. All you must pay for are the tasty treats you pick up along the way.
Here, you’ll find a variety of artisanal and traditional French breads, pastries, cakes, and more. Visitors can sample a variety of loaves, learn about the different types of French bread, and take home some delicious treats. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and get a taste of what it’s like to eat like the French do—literally.
Why is it held in May? May 16th in France is the day of Patron Saint-Honoré, who was the saint of bakers, pastry-makers, flour-sellers, and millers. It’s only fitting that the day is celebrated with a big bread festival- and a week-long one!
Voir connexe : Quelle est la meilleure période pour visiter Paris ?
7. Fête de la bière à Paris
Pour beer lovers, this is the event for you. The Paris Beer Festival is another event taking place every May, and it’s the place to be for all beer enthusiasts. Initially called Semaine de la bière à Paris, the event has transformed into a week-long festival showcasing some of the best beers from breweries across Paris and the rest of the country.
The annual Parisian festival is spread out across the city, with different venues serving different drinks. The focus is on craft beers, ciders, and other beverages.
There’s also food from some of the city’s best restaurants. Visitors can enjoy live music, beer tastings, and much more.
Le Festival annuel vaut le détour si vous êtes à Paris en mai. C'est une excellente façon de découvrir de nouvelles bières, ainsi que les meilleurs restaurants de la ville. De plus, la participation est entièrement gratuite !
Voir connexe: Meilleures choses à faire à Paris avec des enfants en 2023
8. Festival de Jazz Saint Germain des Prés
This is undoubtedly one of the most special events to attend when in Paris in May. The Jazz Festival Saint Germain des Prés is a celebration of jazz music and culture in the legendary neighborhood that gave birth to the genre.
The event lasts two days, usually at the beginning of or mid-May. During this time, some of the best jazz performers come together to put on spectacular performances. With multiple stages, there’s something for everyone—from classic jazz to swing and blues.
The Saint Germain des Prés area of Paris is one of the city’s most historic and culturally significant areas. Home to some of the most famous jazz bars and literary cafes, it’s a must-see for all art and music lovers. And what better way to experience the area than with some great live jazz?
Vous cherchez un endroit où séjourner dans la région ? Il existe de nombreuses possibilités d'hébergement à Saint Germain des Prés et dans tous les lieux du festival. Hôtel Fontaines de Luxembourg est un superbe hôtel situé près du boulevard principal.
Voir connexe : Les meilleures visites à pied gratuites à Paris, France
9. Flâner sur la Seine
One of the highlights of my spring every year is simply strolling down the Seine. As simple as this is, there is something so special about spending an afternoon or evening here with some friends. So, when you’re in Paris in May, take some time to spend along the river.
S'il y a une chose que les Français connaissent le mieux, c'est l'art de apéro. Cela signifie prendre du vin ou de la bière, une baguette ou deux, du fromage et de la viande, et le partager avec vos amis.
The Seine is one of the best places to do this. During sunset, groups of friends will be spread out around the quais, chatting and listening to music.
C'est vraiment une expérience magique, surtout si. tu es là au coucher du soleil.
Another thing to do in Paris in May on the Seine is to cruise down the river. Though a river cruise can be a classic tourist activity, it’s still fun to experience the city from the water. There are tons of different cruises offered, and you can stop at attractions such as the Grand Palais and the Hôtel de Ville.
You can have dinner or watch the sunset from afar on a river cruise. For most, you’ll cruise along the river and stop at the tour Eiffel, which looks beautiful at night.
Bateaux Parisiens est l'une des options de croisière les plus populaires et propose des croisières avec déjeuner et dîner, ainsi que des arrêts aux principaux sites touristiques. Quel que soit votre choix, assurez-vous de passer du temps sur la Seine en mai.
Voir connexe: Choses à faire à Paris le 14 juillet : un guide complet
10. Studio ouvert des artistes de Belleville
If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path in Paris in May, check out the Belleville Artists Open Studios. Belleville is a neighborhood in the north-east area of Paris, known for its vibrant art scene and creative atmosphere
During the Open Studios event, which usually takes place for four days in May, artists open their studios for visitors to explore. You can see firsthand what the artists are working on and chat with them about their craft. It’s a great way to get an insight into the local art scene and get a feel for the city’s creative side.
De plus, certains artistes proposent des ateliers pendant cette période. Il y a tellement d'ateliers à visiter que vous aurez sûrement votre choix d'art à apprécier.
So, if you feel inspired, you can get hands-on and create something of your own. Belleville is equally known for its incredible street art, so check out Rue Denoyez while you’re there.
Belleville is one of my favorite areas in the city. There’s so much to do in this area, so I recommend staying close, whether in Paris in May or any time of the year. Les gens de Belleville est la meilleure option pour une atmosphère sociale et de nombreuses activités dans la région.
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