Bonjour! May is a cracker of a month in France with loads of festivals to join in on and events to attend.
What's On in May in France
I’ve put together a bunch of them to help you make the most of this month if you’re in France, or you can save this post to help you plan for your next trip in May. Dates change a little each year with annual events, but a quick search on the internet will provide you with updated dates. (This post is published May 2024)
Right, let’s get straight into what’s on and where...
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1 May - Fête du Muguet
Gifting of Lily of the Valley flowers is part of this traditional public holiday in France. It’s also La Fête du Travail which is the day workers’ rights are celebrated, so you’ll see workers’ unions file in colourful parades through major towns. In Paris, the Place de la Bastille is the traditional location for demonstrations.
One of the sweetest traditions in France all year is May Day or Fête du Muguet. Lily of the Valley flowers are given to each other and we enjoy a public holiday. Read more about Fête du Muguet or May Day
8 May - WWII Victory Day
Victory in Europe Day (VE or V Day) is known as la Fête de la Victoire or le jour de la liberation around our region. This day marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of WWII of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender and Charles de Gaulle’s announcement of the end of the war in France on May 8, 1945.
11-22 May - Festival de Cannes
The stars hit the red carpet for the film industry’s biggest events. It’s a glitzy atmosphere throughout the city, and if you’re there, make sure you stroll along La Croisette, the city’s seafront, famous for Brigitte Bardot’s first public and very photographed appearance.
13 May - National Apple Pie Day
We celebrate National Apple Pie Day along side our American friends by enjoying a delicious French Tarte Tatin. Here’s a delicious recipe for you - Tarte Tatin Recipe
18 May - La Nuit des Musée
The European Night of Museums is back for its 20th edition on Saturday May 18. For one evening only hundreds of museums across France will open after hours for free in the Europe-wide celebration. Museums usually close at 1am on this event.
This year, the Château du Petit Trianon and its French gardens are in the spotlight at Versailles. Read our full guide to how to best visit the Palace of Versailles.
18-19 May - Cherry Festival at Céret, Pyrénées
The annual cherry festival in Céret is a colourful weekend of music, dancing and street entertainment. The area has the earliest cherries in France due to its delightful micro-climate and at the festival you can expect to enjoy cherry pie, wine and other inventive food incorporating cherries. The first cherries from Céret are sent to the President of France, but you can enjoy your fair share too at this festival. More details https://www.tourism-mediterraneanpyrenees.com/ceret
18-20 May - Fête des Marins
The Sailors' Festival, in the pretty Normandy coastal town Honfleur celebrates the sea with fisherman giving thanks for their catch throughout the year and offering prayers for the months to come. Local towns-people parade through the streets with handcrafted floats depicting the customary gréement (rigging system of ropes, chains, and tackle) of the boats traditionally used by fisherman. Houses, boats and the floats in the parade are strung with bright colourful paper flowers. Children join in the Bénédition de la mere and on the following day the pélerinage procession head up to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce overlooking the town.
The pretty Normandy coastal town of Honfleur comes alive with boats, people and parades. Find out everything Honfleur has to offer to lucky tourists and visitors.
19 May - World Baking Day
Celebrated on the third Sunday each May, this day is for baking and eating baked things. This is one thing the French certainly do very, very well and I truly love being in France on this day. It’s a super excuse to go wild at the boulangerie and also spend some quiet time in the kitchen with my oven. My family always thanks me!
Mark World Baking Day by trying out one of our featured recipes. Go on, have fun and indulge! Find out more about this day and why it’s so popular.
31 May - Fête des Voisins
May 31st marks France's Fête des Voisins or neighbours festival, a celebration that has spread across the world after it was created in France. It’s celebrated on the last Friday of May each year. This ‘festival of neighbours’ is a lovely day when interaction with your neighbours is encouraged. It’s a great day to slow down, chat with your neighbours and share a meal. Find out more about Neighbour's Day.
31 May to 2 June - Rendez-vous aux Jardins
The 2024 edition of Rendez-vous aux jardins has the theme “The five senses in the garden”. From May 31 to June 2, the Ministry of Culture invites everyone to visit the more than 2,000 available gardens, both private and public. The annual fête offers guided tours, talks, workshops and performances. https://www.rendezvousauxjardins.culture.fr
