60 Of The Most Glorious Things To Do In Paris For May 2020… Or Maybe 2021 !

We love May in Paris — it feels like we're in the City of Eternal Spring. Walking almost anywhere in the city is a delight. In a normal May we would be recommending a day trip to Versailles, to Monet's gardens at Giverny, or to spectacular Loire Valley. But, in these coronavirus times, when you can't be here in person, you can at least peruse our illustrated e-guides to virtually ramble the streets of the city we love.

As Paris opens up following Covid-19 we will update information on the best things to do, places to eat, and the greatest ways to explore and enjoy the city we love safely. Meanwhile, you can imaginatively plan your next spring visit by browsing through our recommendations below for the best things to do in Paris in May… a normal May. And, perhaps by May 2021 you'll be once again following our updated Paris travel advice.

Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris May 2020

VIP Eiffel Tower Dinner + River Cruise + Moulin Rouge Cabaret

This makes for an exceptional evening in Paris that starts out with a private pick-up at your Paris address. A table is reserved for you at restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel, with panoramic views of Paris. After dinner you embark on a sightseeing tour along the Seine river for another unique experience. There's more to come — the fabulous cabaret show at Moulin Rouge (with champagne, of course). At the end of the evening your driver is waiting to return you to your hotel.

Skip the Lines at the Louvre

With nearly 10 millions visitors a year, the Louvre is another über-popular site in Paris, which means long, long lines. But we have a good tip for you — book a guided tour of the museum that leads you past the lines and right to the most famous works of art, also allowing you plenty of time to wander. Another tip — these tours sell out, so be sure to book early. Also see, How to Beat the Long Lines at the Louvre…

Evening Tour of the Louvre + Wine Tasting

Better yet, go for our personal favorite. This full-evening activity combines three of our top activities — being in Paris, viewing world-famous art with a guide who can explain it all, and wine tasting with an expert sommelier in the most popular wine cellar in Paris. You also get to skip the lines at the Louvre!

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Hotel Pickup

This VIP dinner cruise gets you a prime table at the front of the boat for the best views of the city's must-see attractions. As you dine aboard one of the classy Bateaux Parisiens boats, the band entertains you with live music while you take in the city lights. Hotel pickup is included as is champagne and wine. Also see, The Six Top Dinner Cruises in Paris…

Why Stand in Line at at the Eiffel Tower?

The lines at the Eiffel Tower are always long, and that's particularly true during the lovely days of May. Since we know you don't want to spend your valuable time in Paris standing in line, we strongly recommend you sign up for a tour that lets you bypass the ticket line. Since availability at the Tower changes, the best way to approach a no-wait ET visit is to check with the Skip the Eiffel Tower Lines link below. Also see, Big List of Eiffel Tower Tours…

La Marina de Paris Dinner Cruise + Moulin Rouge

One of the most fabulous activities in Paris is to spend an evening gliding down the most famous river in the world, watching the city all aglow, while dining at a private table. The 3-course classic French meal is served with wine and starts with an aperitif. Afterwards, your driver/guide whisks you across town to the Moulin Rouge and its iconic cabaret. The night includes hotel pick-up and return.

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

Paris + Champagne! Is it any wonder that we love this cruise? You start at the front of the line, with priority access to your bateaux. On board you are seated in an exclusive area at the front of the boat. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery. And what scenery it is! Glide past world-famous monuments while sipping bubbly poured by your very own sommelier who explains how champagne is made and the differences between the three you will taste.

Dinner & Show at the Moulin Rouge with Hotel Transportation

No need to worry about how to get to the cabaret, your driver meets you at your Paris address. In Montmartre, at the Moulin Rouge, you dine on three traditional French courses and revel in the famous show. Moulin Rouge regularly sells out weeks in advance, so book as early as you can. Also see, Seven Ways To See The Hottest Show in Town…

Vintage Tour of Paris

Here's how to feel like you're starring in your own movie set in Paris. Climb into the back seat of a sleek, black Citroën Traction Avant from the 1940s, driven by a "gentleman driver". It's so much fun seeing the sights like this, and made even better with the sun roof opened all the way. As we say in our review, this is "retro luxury from another era."

VIP Twilight Tour – Champagne Cruise + Eiffel Tower

There are hundreds of 5-star reviews for this combination evening activity — and for good reason. We've done this tour and it's as good as it sounds! On a twilight river cruise you gaze upon the sights of Paris while you sip bubbly in a VIP area at the front of the boat. Back at the dock, your guide leads you to the Eiffel Tower, past the long line-ups, and up to Level Two for even better views of Paris. Magical!

Montmartre Impressionist Art Walking Tour + Musée d'Orsay

Montmartre was once a rural hilltop village that, in the 19th century, became the haunt of artists and poets. Today, it's a fascinating quartier of shops and sights with an artistic flair. On this guided tour see Van Gogh's house, the windmill cabaret painted by Renoir, the site of Picasso's early studio, and more. Also included is a skip-the-line ticket for the Impressionist museum, Musée d'Orsay. This activity has hundreds of 5-star reviews, so be sure to book early.

Night Bike Ride + River Cruise

May is also a great month for a guided cycling tour around the city's most famous monuments and landmarks. Cruise around the ancient and modern streets of the city as you visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and glide down the Champs Elysées. Then you hop on a river boat for a nighttime cruise on the Seine — with a glass of wine, of course!

Catacombs of Paris with VIP Access

Even though it's the eeriest attraction in Paris the Catacombs are immensely popular. It really is something different to descend 130 steps underground to visit the final resting place of 6 million historic Parisians. The only way to avoid the long lines is to book this skip-the-line tour with an expert guide who also explains the history of this dark landmark. This VIP version gets you exclusive access to areas that are off-limits to most visitors. Available at many times throughout the day.

Paris-in-One-Day Sightseeing Tour

That's right, do Paris in one day. This action-packed tour packs a wallop with a combination of Louvre museum tour, Seine River Cruise & lunch on the Eiffel Tower. From brand-new restaurant Brasserie Eiffel (opening for April) you can see the city spread beneath you. Aprés lunch hop on another river boat to visit Île de la Cité, home of the recently-damaged Notre Dame. Everything is included — lunch, entrance fees and river cruise. Also see, The 6 Best Paris City Tours…

Classical Music in Paris – May 2020

Now that the warm weather has returned, so have classical music concerts at the acoustically-perfect La Sainte Chapelle, the 13th-century gem on Île de la Cité. And who would want to miss Wagner's Das Rheingold at Opera Bastille? One more essential experience is to catch a performance at Palais Garnier, the historic building is so magnificent it will take your breath away. Discover what's playing when you're in Paris.

Paris City Pass

We like the Paris City Pass because it saves money & time — you get into the museums for free and ride the Metro for free. But the big advantage is bypassing the long Paris lines. If you've ever stood in line for hours at the Louvre, you'll appreciate how important that is. Even better, we've arranged special savings for our readers. Use the discount code INSIDERS5 for extra savings. Also see, Complete Guide to the Paris City Pass…

Airport Transfers

Here is one of our best Insiders tips — pre-arranging transfer from the airport. We find it's comforting to be prepared and to know what's going to happen when you arrive. Readers love these affordable shuttle van services that take you right to your hotel and pick you up when you're ready to leave. Or you might want to go with our best advice — a VIP private transfer in a luxurious Mercedes S-Class. Honestly, it's the only way to do it! Also see, Airport Transfers – Our Complete Guide…

The Top Left Bank Hotels –

Who doesn't love the Left Bank of Paris? It makes you think of Hemingway and the Jazz Age and seems to emanate the very essence of Paris. We think it's the best district in the city to call home. The Saint-Germain neighborhood is charming, and so are the best of the hotels in the quartier. Let's take a look at our top Left Bank hotel picks, updated for 2020, with new ratings and current prices.

The Best Ways to Visit Versailles from Paris

Things to Do in Paris May 2020

Best of Versailles with Skip-the-Line Access + Grand Canal Lunch

A symbol both of grandeur and of royal decadence — the chateaux and gardens of Versailles are don't-miss destinations when you're in Paris. It's an easy day trip, but instead of worrying about trains, maps and guidebooks, we recommend you go the royal route. Book a private van with a driver/guide to make the past come alive. Includes transportation to and from your hotel. This is likely to sell out.

Half-Day, Skip-the-Line Tour of Versailles

These popular morning and afternoon tours includes priority access with an expert guide. It's a small-group for more personal attention and includes transportation right from your hotel. By the way, a private tour is also available.

Versailles En Bicyclette – Day Tour

Make your visit to Versailles just a little bit different. Cycle the idyllic countryside around Versailles and shop the local markets for picnic supplies. You stop for an al fresco lunch in — you guessed it — the gardens of Versailles! Then use your priority-access ticket to explore the palace. Book early, this activity is likely to sell out.

VIP Versailles Tour With Private Viewing of the Royal Quarters

Feel like royalty as you slip past the guards and the velvet ropes to to see Versailles' secrets normally reserved for dignitaries. Here's what's in store on this exclusive VIP, small-group tour — Louis XVI's apartments, his personal library, the Royal Chapel (built for the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette). Visit the Hall of Mirrors with a twist — you see it before the palace opens, before the angry mob arrives. We recently did this tour and there's nothing like it! Sundays, Tuesdays, Saturdays.

Versailles + Claude Monet's Gardens in One Day

Start the day with a visit to the chateau and gardens of Versailles. You next visit the luscious gardens of Claude Monet in nearby Giverny at their peak of perfection in May. Here you will see his Impressionist world blossom in front of your eyes. On this small-group tour you are picked up at your Paris address and driven to both locations for guided tours. Lunch is also included on this very popular day trip from Paris.

Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

To concentrate on Monet and his house and gardens in Giverny, choose this affordable small-group afternoon tour that includes pick-up at your Paris address. Daily except Tuesdays & Thursdays. Private tours available everyday.

The Top Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris May 2020

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

Visit the Land of Bubbly as your private driver picks you up at your Paris address and whisks you away along the route des vins. At Reims, capital of the Champagne region, you tour the historic city, and visit the famous cathedral. There's lunch, of course, plus sampling a lot of bubbly at the famous producers! Can you think of a better way to spend a day? Monday through Saturday. Also available as a private tour.

Loire Valley Chateaux + Loire Valley Wines

The beautiful Renaissance valley is known for more that just its famous chateaux. The Loire Valley also produces world-renowned wines. This tour includes guided tours of the 3 most famous castles. It also includes a wine tasting of the best varietals from the region — that all happens during a classic 3-course French lunch. It's like two trips in one glorious day! You skip the lines at the castles. This is a small-group tour in an air-conditioned Eurovan.

Loire Valley's Luxurious Castles

If you want to concentrate on the castles then opt for this fun day trip from Paris, sans wine, that gets you to the three most important chateaux – Cheverny, Chenonceau and Chambord. The small group ensures personal attention.

Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux + Wine Tasting

Spend two days exploring the coast of Normandy, the castles of the Loire Valley, and regional wines on this popular tour from Paris. We're not sure which is more breathtaking — the "floating" island of Mont Saint-Michel or the Loire Valley chateaux. Luckily, you don't have to choose. Everything is included — tickets, guides, meals, accommodations, and a guided tasting of Loire wines on day two.

Visit Mysterious Mont Saint-Michel

Concentrate on the island and abbey of Mont Saint-Michel off the coast of Normandy on this day trip from Paris. The drive from Paris takes you through the picturesque Normandy countryside. Everything is included, even pick-up at your hotel, so no need to worry about anything.

The D-Day Beaches of Normandy

More than seven decades have passed since the Allied Forces arrived at the D-Day beaches of Normandy. Starting out from Paris, spend the day exploring the beaches, monuments and museums that mark the beginning of the end of World War II. Choose the small group option (8 person max.) and you will be picked up at your Paris hotel and delivered back at the end of the tour.

Visit London for the Day… From Paris!

Nowadays, high-speed trains and the channel tunnel have made it possible to visit London on a day trip from Paris. What used to seem a dream is now easy! At Gare du Nord in Paris you meet your tour guide and hop on the Eurostar to London. The day includes an extensive, open-top bus tour around London and guided walking tours, including The Beatles London Walking Tour. It's an exhilarating trip that gets you back to Paris the very same day.

Guided Tour of Bruges… Also from Paris

Discover one of the most charming medieval towns in Europe on a guided day trip from Paris. Called the "Venice of the North", Bruges is surrounded by a network of canals and is a cornucopia of charming architectural and historic gems. For the best day out from Paris, you can choose to be picked up from your hotel.

The Top Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris May 2020

The Food & Wine of the Marais

This is a very popular food tour that walks you through the Marais to visit the top food & wine shops in the quartier , tasting the best of French foods like cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and wine. You start your tour at the oldest food market in the city. This one is garnering high praise from satisfied travelers.

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

What better place than Paris to learn about the cheese of France? Descend into a private cheese cellar in the Marais with an affineur (expert in aging cheeses) to learn all about the proper way to age French cheeses and how to to pair them with the right wines. Discover how cheese became one of the most important food groups of France, along with baguettes and chocolate! The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you. Also see, Top Cheese Tastings In Paris…

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour of Saint-Germain

You've heard us say that Paris and wine go together. Well, that also applies to Paris, chocolate & pastries. Is it any wonder that we (and our readers) like this guided walking tour? It gives you a chance to get behind the scenes of Paris dessert specialities, along with plenty of sampling of course, including regional specialities.

La Marina de Paris Lunch Cruise on the Seine

Visitors are loving this fun, casual, and affordable lunch cruise along the Seine — you see so much of Paris while dining on a classic 3-course meal. A cruise down the city's famous river is something you must do while in Paris, so why not have lunch at the same time? Combine great dining with a tour of Paris. This lunch cruise is very popular, so book early.

Master the Art of French Wine – Tasting Class

On an evening in Paris, in an elegant wine cellar, immerse yourself in the wonders of French wine during this introduction and tasting led by a wine expert. Learn about the country's wine regions and taste the wines, with guidance from your sommelier. This Masterclass also provides the rare opportunity to taste some of the finest champagnes.

Paris Cooking Class & Food Market Tour

Hone your French cooking skills in a small-group cooking class in Paris. Sign up to join a local chef to tour a local fresh food market, then return to the Paris cooking studio to create a stellar three-course meal. You will prepare a delicious lunch — including entree, main course and dessert — and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of wine. Class size is limited to 8.

Food Specialities of the Latin Quarter

You get individual attention on this small-group gourmet walking tour that begins at a specialty cheese shop on Boulevard Saint-Germain on the Left Bank. Not only is there lots of sampling, your food-expert guide also treats you to an overview of French culinary habits, a description of any seasonal events taking place at the time of your tour, and an introduction to selected specialties in the shops. There's also an afternoon tour that covers Montmartre.

Dinner on the Eiffel Tower & Evening River Cruise

This nighttime adventure includes a once-in-a-lifetime dinner at the brand-new Eiffel Tower brasserie, followed by a magical cruise along the Seine. You have priority access to the Tower that gets you up where the views are stunning. After dinner step aboard a glass-walled boat for an evening Seine river cruise, or you may decide to climb the stairs to Level Two of the Tower.

Small-Group Gourmet Food Walking Tour

Take a walk with a culinary expert to discover the foods that France is most famous for. Start at a traditional fromagerie to learn about the country's cheeses. Move on to freshly baked baguettes. The tour takes in French wine and even foie gras! And, don't worry — any calories you take in at delicious taste samplings are going to be burned off by the walk! Morning tours in the Latin Quarter, afternoon tours in Montmartre.

The Top Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris May 2020

Fête du Travail – May Day

Next to Bastille Day, May Day is the most popular holiday of the year in France. Most shops and museums are closed to celebrate France's Labor Day. Be on the look-out for lily-of-the-valley flowers which are a symbol of good luck in France. You'll see them for sale at flower vendors on nearly every street corner.

• Friday, May 1

Foire de Paris – The Grand Paris Expo

It's the largest home show in Paris and has been for 112 years. Discover the latest French decorating trends (who doesn't want in on that one?). More than 3,500 brands from Europe give you a chance to discover all the latest French house and home trends.

• Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles
• April 30 to May 11, 2020
• Information…

La Fête de la Victoire

On this French National Holiday the President of France will lay flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the liberation of France.

• May 8, 2020
• Arc de Triomphe

The French Open

This Grand Slam tennis tournament is the only one played on red clay. The French Open starts during the last week of May at Roland Garros stadium. If you're a tennis fan, this is one of the most dramatic tournament of the year. Expect to see plenty of red clay flying.

• May 18 to June 7, 2020
• Information…

Jazz Festival at Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Hear top jazz performances in the heart of Paris. Doesn't get much better than this!

• May 9 to 20, 2020
• Information…

Nuit des Musées

It's an all-nighter at Paris museums. Free museum entrance, plus they stay open until the wee hours

• May 18, 2020
• Information…

Belleville Artists Open Studios

Since 1990, Belleville artists have opened their studios during the annual open house. It is now a major artistic event in Paris with more than 200 exhibitors participating. Explore painting, photography, sculpture, installations, ceramics and prints. And best of all, it's free!

• Last weekend in May, but check the website
• Website…

Taste of Paris

Join top chefs along with food and wine producers in a line-up of dazzling cooking demonstrations and tastings.

• Grand Palais
• May 14 to 17
• Information…

Fête du Pain

Only in France, folks. It's a festival of bread where the prize for the best baguette of the year is awarded.

• May 13 to 19, 2020
• Information…

FestiWall 2020

It's the most important street art festival in France! FestiWall is held in the 19th Arrondissement, along the canals of Paris. Admire the works, interact with the artists, and participate in free workshops.

• May 18 & 19, 2020
• 19th Arrondissement
• Information…

Yoga Festival Paris

The four-day Yoga Festival Paris is an annual event and one of biggest of its kind in France.

• Porte de la Villette Convention Center
• May 8 to 11
• Information…

What's On at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris May 2020

The Advent of the Artist

During spring 2020, the Louvre's Petite Galerie features Renaissance artists Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Michelangelo and Albrecht Durer.
• Petite Galerie, Louvre
• Ends June 29, 2020
• Information…

Albrecht Altdorfer

A major artist of the German Renaissance, Altdorfer (1485-1538) is considered one of the founders of landscape painting.

• Louvre
• Ends August 3, 2020
• Information…

The Land of Monsters

Léopold Chauveau (1870-1940) was a forgotten sculptor until his grandson donated his art to the Musée d'Orsay.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends June 29, 2020
• Information…

Body and Soul - Sculpture in Italy from Donatello to Michelangelo

This special show at the Louvre explores the pivotal events that led to the breakthroughs inRenaissance sculpture, featuring works by the greatest sculptor of all time, Michelangelo.
• Hall Napoleon, under the Pyramid
• May 6 to August 17, 2020
• Information…

James Tissot

Jacques Tissot (1836-1902) was a major artist of the late 19th century. This exhibition, the first since 1985, presents Tissot's iconic images, as well as his bold experiments.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends July 19, 2020
• Information…

Giorgio de Chirico – Metaphysical Painting

The exhibition explores the connection between avant garde artist Giorgio de Chirico and the famous art dealer Paul Guillaume.

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends July 13, 2020
• Information…

Cézanne and the Master Painters – A Dream of Italy

See sixty masterpieces from around the world by Tintoretto, El Greco, Ribera, Giordano, Poussin, Carra, Sironi, Soffici, Pirandello, Boccioni and Morandi showcasing the influences of Paul Cézanne's work.
• Musée Marmottan Monet
• Ends July 5, 2020

Christo et Jeanne Claude – PARIS !

A major exhibition dedicated to environmental sculptors Christo and Jeanne Claude, and traces especially their Parisian period.

• Ends June 15, 2020
• Centre Pompidou
• Information…

Who is Gazing?

26 artists showcase their work focusing on the relationship between photography and film.

• Musée Quai Branly
• Ends July 12, 2020
• Information…

Helena Rubenstein

Cosmetic legend Helena Rubinstein reveals her extensive African art collection.

• Quai Branly
• Ends June 28, 2020
• Information…

Matisse

On the 150th anniversary of the birth of Henri Matisse (1869-1954), the Pompidou pays tribute to his artistic genius.
• Centre Pompidou
• May 13 to August 31, 2020
• Information…

Picasso. Comics

The exhibition highlights the connection between Pablo Picasso and his love of comics.

• Musée Picasso
• Ends July 21, 2020

Picasso. Poet

This exhibit explores Picasso and the written word.

• Musée Picasso
• Ends July 21, 2020

In the Drawing Room – Masterpieces from the Prat Collection

See Louis-Antoine and Véronique Prat's private collection, one of the world's most important treasuries of French drawing.

• Petit Palais
• Ends July 12, 2020
• Information…

The Golden Age of Danish Painting (1800-1864)

For the first time in thirty-five years, the Petit Palais is celebrating the golden age of Danish painting.

• Petit Palais
• Ends August 16, 2020
• Information…

The Supermarket of Images

Photographs, drawings, paintings, videos, films, digital works and multimedia installations explore the material world.

• Jeu de Paume
• Ends June 7, 2020
• Information…