What To Do In Paris In May

May is always an exciting time to be in Paris. The sun comes out, the weather finally warms up, the cultural calendar is packed with cool events, and there seems to be a spring in everyone’s step!

Whether you’ll be in Paris this month or are just planning your trip to the French capital, here’s a roundup of what’s happening in Paris in May:

• Kid-Friendly Music Exhibition “En Avant La Musique” | Through May 21, 2023
• Basquiat X Warhol “A Quatre Mains” | Through August 28, 2023
• French Movie Nights with Lost in Frenchlation | May 5 – 25, 2023
• A Taste of Paris | May 11 – 14, 2023
• European Night of Museums | May 13, 2023
• The French Open / Roland-Garros | May 22 – June 11, 2023

“En Avant la Musique” | Through May 21, 2023

If you’re a parent in Paris, don’t miss your last chance to take your kids to the children’s art museum, le Musée en Herbe for an awesome interactive exhibition about the history of music listening. You’ll see rare gramophones, vintage record players, and even iPods on a journey through the different devices we’ve used to listen to music since the end of the 19th century.

Details:
November 17, 2022 – May 21, 2023
Musée en Herbe
23 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris
Tickets: 7.50€, available on the Musée en Herbe website

Basquiat X Warhol “A Quatre Mains” | Through August 28, 2023

Opened last month, the “Basquiat X Warhol: Painting Four Hands” exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris is one you won’t want to miss. This exhibition showcases the collaboration between two of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. You’ll get to see more than 150 works, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and archives.

It’s an incredible opportunity to witness how the artists’ friendship and creative process influenced each other’s work. Plus, the exhibition is in a stunning location, with a beautiful view of Paris.

Details:
April 5 – August 28, 2023
Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris
Metro Les Sablons
Tickets: 16€, available on the Fondation Louis Vuitton website 

French Movie Nights with Lost in Frenchlation | May 5 – 25, 2023

Every month, our friends over at Lost in Frenchlation host several screenings of current French movies with English subtitles at cinemas across town. Whether you’re just visiting Paris for a few days or are an anglophone expat who now calls the City of Light home, these movie nights are a great way to immerse yourself in French culture without needing to speak French fluently. The six movie screenings this May are:

• Ailleurs Si J’y Suis + Intro by the film crew – Friday, May 5, 2023 at L’Entrepôt
• Je Verrai Toujours Vos Visages + Women of Paris Tours – Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Club de l’Étoile
• Apaches + Q&A with the director – Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Luminor
• Les Trois Mousquetaires + Ciné Balade Tour – Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Luminor
• Avant l’Effondrement + Q&A – Friday, May 19, 2023 at L’Entrepôt
• La Vie pour de Vrai + Standup comedy show – Thursday, May 25, 2023 at L’Arlequin

Find a summary of each movie and ticketing information on the Lost in Frenchlation website.

Details: 
May 5 – 25, 2023
Throughout Paris
Tickets: From 4€, available through the Lost in Frenchlation Website

A Taste of Paris | May 11 – 14, 2023

Foodies in France, prepare for a feast! May 11 – 14, 2023, Le Grand Palais Éphémère hosts A Taste of Paris. During the four-day gastronomic gala, star chefs and renowned restaurants offer tastings, letting you try miniature servings of signature dishes and creative new cuisines.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet local artisans and sample their products while learning about how they’re made. Once you’ve had your fill of fine food, sign up for a free cooking class to learn new recipes and improve your technique in the kitchen or enjoy a drink at the beer or champagne bar!

Details:
May 11 – 14 2023 | 11:30-16:00; 19:00-23:30
Le Grand Palais Éphémère, 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
Metro Franklin D. Roosevelt or Champs-Elysées – Clémenceau
Tickets: From 20€ per session, VIP 75€ per session, Free for children under 10

European Night of Museums | May 13, 2023

Every year in May, museums throughout Europe pick one day to stay open late and offer special workshops, conferences, concerts, and more.

In Paris, dozens of museums – both the world-famous and the hidden gems – open their doors, letting visitors in free for an evening of exploring History and World Cultures, as well as the Arts and Sciences. Most events start between 6pm and 8pm, and end between midnight and 1am.

Not sure which museums to choose? Here are our recommendations.

Details:
May 13, 2023
Museums throughout Paris

Roland-Garros, The French Open | May 22 – June 11, 2023

Sports fans, you’ll want to be in the City of Light late May! For nearly 100 years now, Paris’s Roland-Garros stadium has been hosting the French Open here, welcoming the biggest names in tennis to compete on its clay courts.

From May 22 to June 11, 2023, Paris will once again host this world-class sporting event, attracting thousands of tourists, celebrities, and athletes to the city.

A few public tickets still remain, and last-minute tickets go on sale starting May 10. You can purchase tickets through the Official Roland-Garros Website.

Learn more about the French Open in Paris.

Details:
May 22 – June 11, 2023
Roland-Garros, 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris
Metro Michel-Ange Auteuil, Porte d’Auteuil, or Boulogne Jean-Jaurès
Tickets: Starting at 20€ for “outside courts”