What to Do in Paris During the May 2026 Long Weekends?

What better time than the May 2026 long weekends to (re)discover Paris? Between public holidays, the gentle spring weather, sunny terraces, and blooming gardens, the French capital is perfect for extended weekends.Exhibitions, strolls, family outings, romantic escapes, or trips with friends — from Hôtel Le Littré, enjoy an ideal starting point to explore Paris and the Île-de-France region, all the way to the Château de Versailles.

Why Visit Paris in May?

May is a wonderful month to experience Paris in bloom! The days are longer, the weather is improving, the sun is returning, and with it, the pleasure of evening drinks on terraces and strolls in colorful gardens. Take advantage of each public holiday and the May long weekends to immerse yourself in springtime in the City of Light, and explore the Île-de-France region, including Versailles.

Exhibitions, outings, and discoveries make for a perfect stay — whether a family trip, a romantic getaway, or festive moments with friends.

Key public holidays in May 2026:

• May 1st – Labor Day, a great start to a three-day weekend in Paris.
  
• May 8th – Commemorating the 1945 Armistice, another three-day weekend.
  
• Ascension Day – In 2026, Thursday, May 14th, creates a four-day weekend, ideal for celebrating this holy day at Notre-Dame, just 20 minutes from the hotel.
  
• Pentecost Monday – The following week, Saturday through Monday opens another three-day weekend for sightseeing and leisure.
  

2026 Calendar Highlights:
May is popular for travel, as French residents often take advantage of long weekends for short vacations. In 2026, the May 1st weekend coincides with the end of spring school holidays in Île-de-France (April 18 – May 4) and Occitanie (Toulouse and Montpellier).

Four public holidays in May offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy a few days off — with just a few extra days of leave, you could turn long weekends into a full week of exploration.

Practical Tips for a Successful May Stay in Paris

Although Paris offers countless activities in May, it’s best to check official websites before purchasing tickets. Some major sites and museums are closed on May 1st. Additionally, many museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, and Versailles is closed on Mondays.

Follow the Guide: Hôtel Le Littré Concierge

For your holiday or long weekend, the Hôtel Le Littré concierge is a valuable resource to organize your stay in Paris: information, restaurant reservations, exhibition tickets, family packages, and affordable offers. The concierge team is a treasure trove of ideas to plan your May weekend, long weekend, or holiday.

What to Do in Paris During the May Long Weekends?

Must-See Exhibitions This Spring

• “Matisse, Unlimited Color” at the Grand Palais showcases 230 works from the Centre Pompidou, MoMA, and MET — like stepping into the master’s studio.
  
• At Bourse de Commerce, contemporary art interacts with architecture in the exhibition “Chiaroscuro” for a truly unique experience.
  
• On May 23rd, 2026, 200 monuments and museums open for free from dusk until 1 a.m. for the Night of Museums. Check official programs to plan a memorable, budget-friendly evening.
  
• At Musée de l’Homme, near the Eiffel Tower, the exhibition “Mummies” (open until May 26, 2026) explores ancient rituals from Egypt and other civilizations.
  

Iconic Monuments

• Eiffel Tower – Enjoy breathtaking views of Paris and blooming Champ-de-Mars; lunch on the first floor offers an unforgettable setting.
  
• Montparnasse Tower – From the 56th floor, admire all of Paris on a clear day, just five minutes from the hotel.
  
• Les Invalides – The “Aura” sound-and-light show is a spectacular cultural experience.
  

Parisian Gardens and Outdoor Walks

• Luxembourg Gardens – Relax in the sun and enjoy children’s laughter in this serene setting.
  
• Jardin des Plantes – A 400-year-old botanical garden with a charming zoo, perfect for families.
  
• Seine Quays – Outdoor bars, restaurants, and pop-up music and dance events invite lively strolls along the river.
  

Day Trips: Versailles in Spring

• Visit the Château de Versailles with its stunning architecture and French gardens.
  
• Don’t miss the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountains, animated to Baroque music on weekends.
  
• Inside the palace, sunlight flooding the Hall of Mirrors creates a breathtaking spectacle.
  

Family-Friendly Activities

• Paradox Museum – Optical illusions and visual paradoxes for fun and learning.
  
• Cité des Sciences – Exhibitions for children, including “Dogs and Cats” and “Dance,” plus immersive planetarium shows.
  
• Palais de la Découverte – Science and art combined for a poetic, sensory experience.
  
• Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle – Virtual reality and exhibitions to immerse in the living world.
  
• Zoo de Vincennes – Discover biodiversity up close with over 3,000 animals.
  

Enjoy the Neighborhood Around Hôtel Le Littré

• Relax on terraces in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Quartier Latin, or Île Saint-Louis.
  
• Walk along the Seine, browse the bouquinistes, and enjoy a meal in a local brasserie.
  

Iconic Parisian Districts

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Jazz, literature, and intellectual heritage.
  
• Quartier Latin – Sorbonne, historic libraries, and vibrant student life.
  
• Montparnasse – 20th-century art and theater, modern landmarks like the tower and station.
  

Gastronomy and Lifestyle

• Dine at legendary restaurants like La Coupole, Le Dôme, Le Procope, Café de Flore, or Les Deux Magots.
  
• Indulge in French haute cuisine at Guy Savoy, Le Comptoir du Relais, or Le Marsan by Hélène Darroze.
  
• Treat yourself to pâtisseries by Cyril Lignac, Christophe Michalak, or Pierre Hermé, or ice cream at Girotti, steps from the hotel.
  

Unforgettable Evenings

• Enjoy lively riverside bars like Rosa Bonheur sur Seine for a festive night.
  

Or experience the chic literary ambiance of La Closerie des Lilas for an elegant evening out.

Your Stay at Hôtel Le Littré During the May Long Weekends?

• Comfortable Rooms and Suites – Perfect for extended weekends or family stays, blending chic, elegance, and relaxation.
  
• Ideal Location – Near Montparnasse and Saint-Lazare stations, under 20 minutes to major train hubs, with metro access (lines 4, 6, 12, 13). Explore Paris and the Île-de-France region with ease. Some rooms offer stunning Eiffel Tower views.
  

Organize Your Stay

• Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, then choose exhibitions, tours, and activities for the day.
  
• The concierge team can help with transfers, restaurant reservations, tickets, and more.
  

Why Book Early?

• May offers great weather and multiple public holidays, making it a popular time to visit. Book early to secure your stay, whether for one night, a weekend, or a full week.
  

From the Seine to sunny gardens, Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Île de la Cité, the city buzzes with culture, gastronomy, and unforgettable experiences in May!