Look out for May Holidays!
Don't be surprised if you find a lot of things closed on May 1st (and by a lot we mean pretty much everything) for this is the Fête du Travail - International Workers Day or in other words, Labor Day! In another age-old tradition, this is the day when it's traditional to give muguet - Lily of the Valley - to friends and family.
France's other May holidays are:
May 8 - Victory in Europe Day.
May 21 - Ascension
Expect many things to be closed and public transport to run on a holiday schedule on these days!
Foodie Fun
Taste of Paris Festival - 14-17 May
For four days of gastronomic bliss, the Taste of Paris Festival is the place to be. Beneath the gigantic glass domes of the Grand Palais, France's top chefs will gather once again to create mini-restaurants and showcase their best dishes in smaller portions (so you can eat more!) Enjoy lunch from 11.30am - 4pm or stop by for dinner between 7 and 11.30pm, or watch a live cooking demonstration from one of the 40 chefs in attendance. Expect big names including Frédéric Anton, Kei Kobayashi, Stéphane le Quellec, Pierre Sang Boyer, Eric Frechon, Cédric Grolet and many more. This event is set to go ahead, with sessions limited to 4200 people.
Fête du Pain 2020, tbc
With bread being such a central part of French life, it's no surprise that there is an entire annual festival dedicated to pain. While details of the Fête have yet to be announced, we know that these dates in May will be a bread-related extravaganza!
Le Bac Sucré - tbc
Back for the fifth time, Le Bac Sucré is a celebration of everything gourmet in the chic 7th arrondissement. All along the rue du Bac, you'll find tastings and pastry creations as well as workshops and demonstrations from the experts who have made this street a go-to foodie destination. Big names involved include Victor & Hugo, Pierre Hermé, Poilâne, Thierry Marx and more.
Mondial de la Bière, Postponed, new dates TBC
Head to the lovely Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes and you'll find a whole world of Craft Beer (for a map of our favourite spots, click here!) And not just craft beer either - live music, demonstrations and great food will make for a fun and festive 3 day party. Keep an eye out for the new dates - we'll let you know!
Sports
Roland Garros - Postponed until September
While Roland Garros or the French Open is usually with us at the end of May, this year Nadal and Barty will defend their titles as Champions of 2019 in September. Check out the official website here.
Culture Vultures
Tous à l’Opéra 9th & 10th May - Could be postponed
Now in its 14th year, Tous à l'Opéra aims to make the world of opera accessible to all, by offering a vibrant programme of performances, workshops and talks! In Paris, the National Library of France, National Opera, The Museum Library of Opera, the Opéra Comique and the Opera at Bastille will all be taking part. Read more here and keep an eye out for updates.
Belleville Open Studios, 15-18 May - Could be postponed
Celebrating its 30th outing, the Belleville Open Studios offer the chance to meet the artists, see the studios and admire the work of Paris-based artists in this funky neighbourhood. There'll be more than 200 artists taking part in 115 studios throwing open their doors to the public, for free, showcasing their work as photographers, painters, textile artists, engravers and more.
The Golden Age of Danish Painting, Until- August 16
The perfect excuse to visit the beautiful Petit Palais, this exhibition will feature more than 200 works of the Danish masters. Step back to the first half of the 19th century and the golden age of Danish art. Note that while the permanent collection here is free, temporary exhibitions do have a charge.
European Night of Museums - Postponed until Saturday 14 November
Originally planned for May, this cultural extravaganza will now be back for its 15th edition in November. Night of Museums is a Europe-wide celebration of the continent's museums - in France alone last year, 1800 museums took part! For one night only, many Museums of the city will offer free access late into the night as well as accompanying events including lightshows, concerts and guided tours. Read more here.
Printemps des Rues, 30-31 May
Lovers of street art will want to check out Printemps des Rues, a weekend festival in the trendy Canal Saint Martin neighbourhood dedicated to this urban art form. There'll be plenty to entertain as well as lots to look at, with clowns, circus acts, dance and magic shows this year! Full details of the programme are coming soon, when you'll find it just here.
Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival - 9-20 May
Saint Germain des Prés Jazz Festival returns in May, when international artists descend on the historic neighbourhood and some unique venues to celebrate all things jazz. There'll be concerts in the Odéon Theatre, the Sorbonne University, the Musée Cluny and many more. Find the full programme here.
