On public holidays, some people decide to sleep in and relax, while others prefer to get out and about. If you're one of the latter and you're a fan of good deals, hang on: for this Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Paris, we're unveiling a selection of free outings to be enjoyed on this French public holiday.
Why is May 8 a public holiday in France?
One week after the famous May 1st, May 8th arrives. But do you remember why this day is also a public holiday in France? We tell you all about it, and take a look back at the history of this historic date. [Read more]
If the weather's fine, the capital's bucolic gardens are the place to be. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities on hiking trails in the Île-de-France region, and even get in a workout on the equipment installed in many of the capital's green spaces. For lovers of cultural outings, it's an opportunity to explore the sublime permanent collections in the capital's free museums and monuments. And as theParisian calendar is full of twists and turns, new events await us year after year to mark this public holiday.
So, bargain hunters, here's what you need to concoct your program for great ideas for free outings in Paris and the Ile-de-France region this Thursday, May 8, 2025. And stay tuned, as the page is updated with new announcements and discoveries!
The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]
Good plan: health trails for free exercise in Paris
Does exercising require a substantial monthly budget? Not if you take advantage of the free facilities, such as the fitness trails in Paris, that are just waiting for you! [Read more]
Les Nuits des Lumières: free video mapping show on the Argenteuil basilica (95)
Argenteuil is set to shine brightly with Les Nuits des Lumières! From April 20 to May 11, 2025, the Saint-Denys Basilica will be transformed every evening (except Saturday) into a magical video mapping show. A free light show where digital art, heritage and technological innovation come together for a unique immersive experience! [Read more]
The Collège des Bernardins: one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris to visit free of charge
Let's discover the Collège des Bernardins - one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris. Be sure to visit this 13th-century gem, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and open to the public free of charge. Open all year round, this cultural space offers a variety of exhibitions and events, and even a café-restaurant. [Read more]
Ile Charentonneau, a natural area on the outskirts of Paris where you can feel alone in the world.
Along the Marne River in Maisons-Alfort (94), Ile Charentonneau is an island territory in the Val-de-Marne department where you can stroll at your leisure for a change of scenery at the gateway to Paris. [Read more]
The GR75, the long-distance hiking trail around Paris on foot
Paris, a great hiking terrain? Well, yes, because since 2017, the French Hiking Federation has opened up a fully-marked trail for all walking enthusiasts to take around Paris. [Read more]
Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (MAM): An artistic journey from the 20th to the 21st century
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, open since 1961 and located in the heart of the City of Light, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, invites visitors to discover over 15,000 works reflecting the wealth of artistic creation of the 20th and 21st centuries. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this museum transports us into the world of contemporary art. It's free to visit! [Read more]
Discover the free Legion of Honor Museum: a journey through the history of honors
Immerse yourself in the history of honors at the Musée de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie, housed in the magnificent Hôtel de Salm in Paris. [Read more]
The 3 valleys trail, an open-air hike from Massy (91) to Ile Saint-Germain (92)
Fancy a hike through some of the most beautiful parts of Hauts-de-Seine? Get your shoes ready and set off on the PR7, the Alto-sequanese hiking trail that links the town of Massy (91) to the Parc de l'Île Saint-Germain, near Issy-les-Moulineaux (92). [Read more]
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
Victor Hugo's house in Paris, an artistic plunge into the world of the famous author
The Maison de Victor Hugo is tucked away on the Place des Vosges in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to France's most famous author lets us discover the apartment where the artist and his family lived. [Read more]
Musée Cernuschi: the free museum, the jewel of Asian arts in Paris
The Musée Cernuschi is the museum of Asian arts in Paris, tracing the history of the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese peoples since Neolithic times. The collection includes works acquired by the city, including 5,000 bequeathed by Henri Cernuschi in the 19th century. The museum's centerpiece is a large bronze Buddha, which dominates the immense, high-ceilinged hall housing the permanent collections. [Read more]
Why is May 8 a public holiday in France?
