May 2025 is right around the corner, and
Paris will be abuzz all over again. The city already has a slew of highly anticipated events and annual holidays for May 2025, each more fascinating than the next. There's Labor Day and Mother's Day, for example, two holidays that the city takes fairly seriously. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival is not to be missed, too! Whether you're a fan of the music genre or not, this event is always a good time. As is the Fête du Pain, an entire festival dedicated to bread. How fun is that?
International Artists Live in Paris
Another month, another slew of amazing concerts in Paris. The French capital always draws in international artists to perform live in its most prestigious venues. It has even reached a point that Paris is a priority for many A-list singers, groups, and more when they're on their world tours. This May 2025, Grammy Award-winning singer Dua Lipa is the most hotly anticipated. She will take to the stage at the famous La Defense Arena in the western
Paris suburbs. from May 23 to 24, 2025. There's no doubt that the concert will be so big, even those from other cities and countries will travel to Paris just to be there!
Labor Day (May 1)
Paris is home to millions of people and a good percentage of them work. From CEOs and office jobs to blue-collar work, the French capital is a major business hub in France, Europe, and beyond. Many of its residents even
moved to Paris just for work, so when a holiday like Labor Day comes around, the city is sure to be a little different. Don't worry! The metropolis still runs normally, but it’s a lot more lively with people going out, relaxing in the parks, eating at the popular restaurants, and more.
May Day (May 1)
If you missed Valentine's Day in Paris, there's still May Day! Technically speaking, May Day refers to Labor Day, as it's also on May 1st. However, the tradition done during May Day is more reminiscent of Valentine's Day than anything else. Also known as 'La Fête du Muguet,' the May Day tradition follows the time when King Charles IX presented lily of the valley flowers to the ladies of his court on May 1. From then on, it's become a much-preserved practice among couples. Though “La Fête du Muguet” is technically not an official
holiday in France, it's still widely celebrated in Paris.
Fête du Pain (May 8 to 18)
Baguette fans, rejoice! Fête du Pain, or the French Bread Festival, returns to Paris from May 8 to 18, 2025. The unofficial French holiday celebrates Saint-Honoré, the patron saint of millers, and takes place near the newly-repaired and finally opened Notre Dame Cathedral. Here, bakeries, patisseries, and more talk all about bread. They share tips of baking bread, present demonstrations, and of course, offer samples for all the world to see (or rather, taste!). While some may find it boring, those who want to learn more about why the baguette is such a culinary staple beyond France would want to go here.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival (May 13 to 20)
Bona fide jazz fans know they should be in Paris, specifically
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, every May, let alone this May 2025! It's usually around this time of year that Paris holds its annual Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival, one of the biggest of its kind in the city. Jazz clubs, artists, experts, and more hold all sorts of events dedicated to the much-beloved genre all throughout the popular district. They host performances, invite people to talk about jazz, and simply celebrate the impact and artistry that the genre has had on the world at large. It's always a fun party!
La Nuit des Musées (May 17)
Did you know that you can visit some of the world's
most famous museums in Paris this May 2025 at night? There's the Louvre, the Musée de l'Orangerie, and Centre Pompidou, to name a few, and they'll all stay open later than usual on May 17, 2025. La Nuit des Musées is annual event that allows the city's most beloved galleries to open up at night for a magical and relatively unique experience. Going to these popular sites is fun during the day, but it's almost other-worldly when you go any or all of them after dark. And the best part? Everything is free!
Le Printemps des Rues (May 24 to 25)
A good contrast to La Nuit des Musées is Paris's Spring Street Festival, or “Le Printemps des Rues,” which will be from May 25 to 25, 2025. The annual event lets emerging artists showcase their latest and best works right on the street, all for the world to see. From up-and-coming visual artists to performers you should already know about, it's a fabulous showcase of contemporary Parisian creativity, one that you will never see in any of the city's modern art galleries. Most of the action will take place right along Canal Saint-Martin, which spans
many arrondissements, including the 10th, the 18th, and the 19th.
Mother's Day (May 25)
No list of what to expect in May 2025—or any other year, for that matter!—is complete without mentioning Mother's Day. While the very commercial holiday isn't exactly that important for the French, it's still worth mentioning. Especially since Paris is one of the best places to celebrate this very holiday with your mom. There's a lot to do in the city, including enjoying a
Mother's Day date in a cafe, shopping together, going to museums, and more. There's no doubt that your mother will love spending time with you in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
As many would expect, there's much to look forward to in Paris this May 2025. From annual holidays to exciting festivals and even fabulous concerts, there's no doubt that Paris is the place to be this May!
