Everything you must do in Paris in May

You know the credo: in May, do what you please! Between this radiant sun and these few well-deserved public holidays, the month of May is already making us happy. To fully enjoy the season of love, we treat ourselves to a Blind Date in front of an audience on a theatre stage (yes, you read that right), we admire outdoor artworks, and we treat ourselves to a massage and/or a snack to unwind. Cherry on the cake? The return of the Taste of Paris fair, which brings together the greatest Michelin-starred chefs under the majestic nave of the Grand Palais. Got something to write with? To your diaries!

Stéphanie Le Quellec, Niko Romito, Pierre Sang, Assaf Granit… The list of chefs whose dishes you dream of tasting is long, very long. Lucky you, they’ll all be gathered at the Grand Palais for the 10th edition (already!) of Taste of Paris, the most cutting-edge food festival in the capital. The brilliant concept of this true spring foodie rendezvous? Discover the signature dishes of the most prestigious and even Michelin-starred Parisian restaurants, at prices between €7 and €13. The perfect opportunity to indulge in the iconic dishes of the greatest Michelin-starred chefs at friendly prices.

Are we making your mouth water? Our hearts waver between the fusilloni gambero rosso and the signature tiramisu of Niko Romito at the Bvlgari Hotel (passion), the brioche perdue with caviar by Stéphanie Le Quellec (€10), the black ptitim risotto with squid ink, parmesan espuma and bottarga by Assaf Granit at Shabour (€10), the signature bibimbap by Pierre Sang (€10), or the delicate pastries of Queen Nina Métayer.

The extra thing: Taste of Paris partners with Do It In Paris to give away seats to 4 readers and their +1s, who will get the chance to sit down at the Club Tastes for lunch on Saturday May 10 at 1 p.m. The idea? Offer you an unforgettable gastronomic experience with a 5-course tasting menu worth €384 per person. Head to our Instagram account to enter!

Taste of Paris, from May 8 to 11, day session from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., evening session from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Entry from €23. Grand Palais, avenue du président Winston Churchill, Paris 8th. Online reservations.
© Géraldine Martens

We've already combed through Tinder, Hinge and every other dating app that leads only to dead-end dates and often turn out a bit dodgy. How about trying to find true love at the theatre, and even better — on stage? That’s the bold and fun bet of Blind Date, an interactive show that takes place every Wednesday at the charming cabaret La Nouvelle Ève near Pigalle. Open your minds and your hearts and maybe see romances bloom before your eyes…

An interactive dating show on stage, where the audience can play Cupid: that’s the concept of Blind Date, our latest coup de cœur show, hilarious and high-energy. On stage, Emmanuel Gasne as host, known for the scenarios of the Scènes de Ménages series, warms up the crowd before welcoming the singles who might just get their hearts stolen. And watch out! These solo souls are selected carefully through a casting, not by an algorithm treating love like a consumable product! Hidden behind a heart-shaped screen, the singles discover and like (or not) each other through voice and words, before deciding whether to leave with one of the evening’s suitors. Of course, the audience is there to give their input, to guide them best and decide their fate... The funniest part? Everything is improvised: expect plot twists (like big rejections) or first crushes blooming… We’re totally falling for this show — book it now!

Blind Date, every Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. until May 28 at La Nouvelle Ève, 25 rue Fontaine, Paris 9th.

Café Kitsuné, matcha pioneer in Paris and a go-to spot for real coffee lovers, was created by Maison Kitsuné in 2013. At the crossroads of coffee shop and concept store, the brand now has five shops in Paris and 35 addresses around the world. This month, the Vertbois shop in the 3rd arrondissement is partnering with Californian skincare brand Summer Fridays to celebrate the arrival of summer. For the occasion, the storefront and shop are decked out in California Riviera colors and the menu takes us straight to L.A.

On the menu: irresistible and colorful drinks, totally Instagrammable, Summer Fridays products with sleek packaging, and indulgent desserts. We love the Iced Endless Summer drinks with Yuzu coconut or mango, the Jet Lag Cloud Latte inspired by the brand's bestselling Jetlag mask, or a pink cloud matcha latte in two colors (€7.5). On the snack side, you can choose between a vanilla-blueberry cupcake, a cloud cookie, and two financiers (yuzu or raspberry-hibiscus) (€5). The best part? For every drink or dessert purchase, each visitor leaves with a small surprise from Summer Fridays!

Café Kitsuné x Summer Fridays, available until May 25, 2025 at Café Kitsuné Vertbois, 10 rue du Vertbois, Paris 3rd.

The beautiful days are definitely here, and locking yourself in museums instead of enjoying such bright sunshine can be disheartening! The good alternative for those who want to have fun while cultivating themselves is to hang out on the banks of the Seine, with two artistic barges: Fluctuart and Quai de la Photo which, starting May 1, open their summer terraces and new exhibitions!

These are true open-air exhibitions offered by the artsiest barges in Paris! To enjoy a drink while boosting your general culture, head over to Bercy starting May 1 to take in the terrace at Quai de la Photo. On the program: urban photographer Jonk, exhibited over 400 m² on movable panels made of curtains that decorate the exterior. And for outdoor aperitif and art lovers, come back starting May 14 at Fluctuart, moored in the 7th arrondissement, hosting 5 Brazilian artists for the France-Brazil season. The space offers an artistic journey full of diversity, to sip a cocktail as if in Rio de Janeiro. Two places, two vibes, for a month of May filled with sun and culture!

"Naturalia, chronicle of contemporary ruins" by Jonk, from May 1 to October 19, at Quai de la Photo, 9 Port de la Gare, Paris 13. Monday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
"The Amazons" from May 14 to October 26, Fluctuart, 2 port du Gros Caillou, Paris 7. Monday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

These past days, you may have spotted a few bronze trees while walking through Faubourg Saint-Honoré. This original way of greening the city is by Andrea Roggi, an Italian artist dressing up the Faubourg with his creations until July 12! A prestigious meeting between Parisian heritage and contemporary art not to be missed.

It's fair to say that Andrea Roggi has carved out a cozy spot on the international scene. For spring, this master of sculpture has planted 6 of his creations in the chicest area of Paris. As you wander through the 8th arrondissement, you’ll find bronze statuettes like an open-air gallery, rooted from Place de la Madeleine to the sumptuous Hôtel de Crillon, where the masterpiece Energia della Vita — designed with jeweler Martin Katz — stands. His organic art, filled with existential reflection, symbolizing life, energy and existence, flows through the streets of this iconic area, blending contemporary art with the elegant architecture of Paris. A great excuse to enjoy a free and inspiring artistic stroll under the sunny skies.

Andrea Roggi, in collaboration with the Faubourg Saint Honoré committee, from April 17 to July 12. Place de la Madeleine, 54–58 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Place Maurice Barrès, at the corner of rue Royale and Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Because any excuse is good to gather around a very chic drink in Paris, the fabulous MGallery hotels are back in style with their World Cocktail Month concept. This year, the 120 hotels in the Collection are inviting star designer Sarah Lavoine, who certainly has a knack for making tableware as desirable as it gets.

Just look: three cocktail glasses offer a tasting experience featuring exclusive Citadelle Gin recipes. To enjoy with your +1? The Cristal Diva with jasmine and orange blossom syrup, the Timeless Negroni infused with pineapple and pandan, or the Honey 75 with olive oil, verjuice, honey, and champagne. And to recreate the magic at home or give as a gift (Mother’s Day is on May 25, by the way), the hotels will be selling the glasses (€30 each). Our recommendation: cuddle up and toast at the extraordinary 38 Bar Lounge at the Hôtel L’Échiquier Opéra Paris – MGallery Collection (38 rue de l'Échiquier, Paris 10th), which will be offering these signature cocktails starting at €16.

MGallery Collection x Maison Sarah Lavoine x Citadelle Gin, collaboration from May 14 to August 31 in all MGallery bars worldwide.

Sixty minutes of ultimate relaxation in a beautiful setting, that’s a dream come true! This month, let Olivier pamper you with an unmatched wellness experience: a full-body massage at his lovely practice right in the heart of the 9th arrondissement.

What’s promised: relaxation and stress reduction, relief of muscle and joint pain, decrease in body tension, and better sleep quality. His Parisian practice is the ideal place to unwind in the sun: large windows, typical fireplace, and green plants. A well-deserved relaxing break.

We have already confessed our decadent passion for the frozen fruits of Fruttini. Coconut, dates, pineapple, strawberries, or citrus become real works of art to bring for dessert, for a tidy budget and an XXXXXL effect. If its address on rue Saint-Placide attracts the gourmets of Tout-Paris (and not only from the Left Bank!), Fruttini has just inaugurated a small shop/tea room a stone’s throw from Place de l'Étoile to enjoy these frozen delights on-site... from breakfast!

Look at this: for 19 €, in this beautiful cozy setting, all dressed in green, you get a piece of cake or pastry with a hot and/or cold drink of your choice (yum: the café latte is a little bomb). As a bonus: a frozen kiwi or banana to start the day full of vitamins. Too pretty, too chic: to Instagram urgently.

Fruttini, 3 avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16e.

© Photo BnF ©Camille Gharbi ©Julien Benhamou

Head to the most urban museum exhibition: the Musée d'Orsay and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France come together to present some 200 old posters! A real journey through time in a Paris in full consumer boom and experiencing the climax of mass culture development. If every morning you skip lingering over the pretty Morris columns near your metro, here’s a (re)discovery of the most beautiful posters to admire until July.

We loved this exhibition that takes us on a journey through an urban and typical Paris of the 19th century! This comprehensive retrospective offers a look at the major effervescence of poster mania in the capital, modernized after the great Haussmann works. Because the street, the real one, is a place of life, but also of exhibition and representation. Here, the poster is a witness to the fantasies and realities of an era. Thus, graphic and social codes are laid down and taken up by great names of the genre: Jules Chéret, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Mucha, or even Félix Vallotton. Between the most mythical illustrations of ads for LU biscuits, the too glamorous posters for the Moulin Rouge, or even Aristide Bruant in Toulouse-Lautrec style, we discover the impact that this poster craze had on Parisian life, public opinions, and common culture. A medium which, by its visibility power, has forged the myth of La Belle Époque but has also been a vector of great messages. Today, the message is clearer than ever, art is in the street as much as it finds its place in museums! As a bonus from the exhibition: shows signed by François Morel throughout the first week of April... but also conferences, shows, and an exclusive Moulin Rouge night on May 24!

L’art est dans la Rue + Ce qu’a vu le pavé et Orsay en scène, from March 18 to July 06, 2025, Musée d’Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, Paris 7e.

A true phenomenon of the 2023 season, the opening of the Maison Gainsbourg has made headlines! If you have never set foot there (too bad: the story told by Charlotte gives chills), here is the perfect opportunity to fix that. Throughout the month of April, the singer’s last home unveils a cycle of screenings and talks, supported by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, and in partnership with the Institut national de l’audiovisuel and the Centre national de la musique. Not bad!

Opening of reservations on April 2: you will have to be quick to book these highly anticipated events, which will take place at Gainsbarre, the ultra-cozy bar of the Maison Gainsbourg. Mark your calendars: screenings on Mondays April 14, 21, and 28 of Anna by Pierre Koralnik (1967), for which the artist composed the now cult soundtrack (Sous le soleil exactement, does that ring a bell?) and À bout portant (1973), a documentary by Roger Sciandra filmed in the mansion with Serge, Jane, and the children. Note: each screening will be introduced by hand-picked speakers, including Pierre Koralnik himself! A great way to discover the artist’s contribution to cinema as an actor, director, and composer.

Gainsbarre, 14 rue de Verneuil, Paris 7e. Online reservations from Wednesday, April 2.

© Tony Frank

© Maeva Mitram and Pierre Dimech

To celebrate its ten-year anniversary, Le Syndicat, the cult bar of the 10th arrondissement known for its ultra-contemporary creations, is revamping its cocktail menu: a radical change that takes us straight back to the 2000s. Wanting to reconnect with those memories of chewing gum, granita, sour candies, drinkable yogurts, and tropical drinks, the highly talented mixologists of Le Syndicat have focused on the aroma question. A major project combining two bold objectives: reconciling the general public with niche spirits and successfully incorporating them into this nostalgic palette of childhood flavors, with each potion priced at €15. A madeleine de Proust? No, a Mister Freeze with Armagnac !

Director Romain Le Mouëllic didn’t stop at a facelift with Y2K posters: the menu has also had a full makeover (literally). Designed by graphic artist Espérance Baux, it looks like CD covers and dresses each cocktail with an illustrative design, providing a visual representation of its taste and inspirations.
And what about the drinks? We’re totally melting for the Double Frozen, a spirit-based granita inspired by Malabar bi-flavor with a strawberry side (Lillet Rosé, Savanna rum blend, strawberry in three ways) and a banana side (Armagnac Janneau, Cap Mattei Blanc, Mélilot, banana); the Yog Deluxe inspired by Actimel and served in glass bottles (Gin Generous with yogurt, Sake Nigori, blueberries, lemon, vegan egg white); the Tropicool, capturing the famous taste of Oasis (Armagnac Janneau, Tropical Cordial, Cointreau pomelo distillate, Belle de Brillet pear); and the Ultimate Sour Mix, reminiscent of those tangy candies we used to love (Calvados Boulard, white Armagnac, redcurrants, green apple, kiwi, Antik Fire rum, lime), also available in Mocktail versions. Feeling nostalgic yet?

Le Syndicat, 51 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, Paris 10e. Open daily from 6:30 PM to 2 AM.

©playmodesstudio ©Collectif Scale ©Children of the light

And then there was light… 3,000 m² and 15 completely interactive and educational light installations transform the Grande Halle into an extraordinary exhibition where illumination becomes a living material. Contemporary art flirts with digital art for a result that shines brilliantly!

Light is at the origin of everything. First observed, then understood, and finally mastered, it is, in this exhibition, turned into art and spectacle. How? Through a generation of artists from contemporary art, digital arts, and music. Thus, the technological, sensory, and visual dimensions of this resource—one that has shaped all our societies and continues to shape the world today—are fully explored. The exhibition, a truly immersive journey in five stages, is designed as a mind-blowing trip through a luminous and universal world. Featured artists and exhibitors include Guillaume Marin, Visuel System, WHITEvoid, and Collectif Scale, presenting impressive sculptures and installations. An absolute must-add to this month’s agenda, whether you're an art fan or just looking to level up your Insta stories.

Into The Light, from April 9, 2025, to August 31, 2025. La Grande Halle de La Villette, 211 avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris 19th. Starting at €19.90. Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturdays until 7 PM.

Have you been dreaming of decorating your living room with anemones, tulips, daffodils, ranunculus, irises, or cornflowers? Perfect timing—it’s spring! That means it’s the ideal moment to create your own seasonal flower bouquet with Sophie at the Montreuil flower farm. Located on former horticultural land in the Murs à Pêches, the queen of the Slow Flower movement, Sophie, runs a 7,000 m² flower plantation, providing locally grown flowers and avoiding long-distance imports.

A 1.5-hour workshop with Sophie and her team isn’t just about learning how to arrange a bouquet. You’ll explore the farm, discover seasonal flowers and the Slow Flower philosophy, and leave with a fresh flower bouquet to brighten up your home. With space for 4 to 12 participants, you can book the workshop with friends, as a couple, or with family for a 100% feel-good experience.

© Guillaume Garat

Right in the heart of Le Marais, this multi-brand boutique of Indian clothing and accessories was born from the desire to celebrate Indian tradition in Paris through fashion and design, highlight a modern India through emerging designers, and showcase local craftsmanship (hand embroidery, textile block printing). Deeya is the alliance between Marielou Philips, a luxury expert, former PR at Chanel, passionate about craftsmanship and originally from Bombay, and Matthieu Foss, a founding member of Paris Photo, the first to open a private photography gallery in Mumbai and the organizer of the Focus Photography Festival in Mumbai.

The boutique, highly visual, is adorned with white and nude tones to let the clothes speak for themselves. Art Deco racks and colorful zellige furniture give the space a luxurious and retro feel. Against this neutral backdrop, the colors and patterns of the pieces stand out beautifully! We love the embroidered linen shirts (€205) or silk shirts (€420), the XXL choker necklaces (€400) or the AirPods earrings (€200), the printed velvet pants, and the rope skirts (€440). Bonus: behind the boutique is a gallery, a multidisciplinary exhibition space designed to connect France and India, showcasing photography, graphic arts, and design exhibitions.

Deeya, 21 rue du Bourg Tibourg, Paris 4e. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 7 PM.

We’ve already talked to you about Yujin, the trendiest Japanese canteen in Paris: we’re going back! Quick reminder: head to Passage des Panoramas, to discover this hot spot mixing Japanese cuisine, street food, and hip-hop. Never short of ideas, the three lifelong friends who give the place its soul—chef and DJ Pierre Sene, Bryan Birget, and Alexandre Basse—teamed up for a collab with Hirmane, the creator of The Dwichtorialist, to release a crazy sandwich marrying Tunisian flavors with Japanese touches. We tested it, we loved it!

Check this out: a soft potato bun capturing a marinated tuna tartare accompanied by tamago, ginger, and samurai mayo, spiced up with a touch of Tunisian spices, a spray of extra virgin olive oil, and crispy rocket leaves. At the first bite of this "Japanese Fricassée", you’ll understand your happiness! Alongside, cute little vegetables in tempura perfectly complement this fusion sandwich (€14). For thirst, opt for a small Japanese beer or one of the house’s delicious cocktails.

The extra thing: beyond the plate, Yujin and Hirmane imagined for the occasion a logo uniting hip-hop and manga influences. And here is a so cute Maneki-neko, lucky cat, printed on an ultra-stylish white T-shirt to grab on-site to immortalize this moment of great joy (€30). The downside: hurry up, by the end of March, there will be no more…

Yujin, 53 Passage des Panoramas, Paris 2nd. Open Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM and Wednesday to Saturday from 7 PM to midnight.

Great deal alert for foodies on a budget dreaming of a gastronomic experience! Chef Thibaut Spiwack, former Top Chef contestant and, more importantly, the mastermind behind his Michelin-starred sustainable restaurant Anona in Batignolles, has just launched his Petit Étoilé Menu for €49. The idea? A sophisticated lunch featuring amuse-bouches, starter, main course, dessert, and mignardises, all served in an elegant setting. As a bonus, you get the satisfaction of enjoying a green, sustainable cuisine, prioritizing short supply chains and zero waste—a commitment recognized by Anona’s Green Star.

While the menu changes daily, on our visit, we enjoyed a Landes duck with kumquat and mikado sauce, a delicious spiced tempura cauliflower with triple jus and kimchi, and ended with an ultra-indulgent Comice pear with lemon, bergamot, and French gin. Making Michelin-starred dining more accessible was Chef Spiwack’s vision, and he has pulled it off brilliantly.

ANONA, 80 boulevard des Batignolles, Paris 17th. Open Tuesday to Friday, 12 PM – 2:15 PM and 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM. 01 84 79 01 15.

Want to recharge your batteries without leaving the city? Head to Le Petit Beaumarchais Hôtel et Spa, a cozy spot in the 11th, where you can relax and destress. Here, it’s simple: no crowds, no noise, just a private spa all to yourself (and if you like, invite your partner to join you). The promise: a zen atmosphere, a beautiful pool, stone arches transporting you elsewhere, and 50 minutes to enjoy a perfect break to forget the daily stress.

Disconnect immediately by immersing yourself in the Flotarium to release all tensions, followed by a sauna to detoxify and allow for deep relaxation. Bonus: Hot or cold drinks are available to extend your cocooning moment.

Le Petit Beaumarchais Hôtel & Spa, 8 boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 11th.
Open daily from 10 AM to 8:30 PM, with 50-minute private sessions.
Online reservations starting at €80.

When we heard that a new dürüm spot had opened in Paris, our blood ran wild. Without a second thought, we headed straight to Sentier to grab a seat at Leven, a pocket-sized canteen launched by Franco-Kurd Victor Yasar. There's good vibes in the air! In a tiny space designed to evoke Middle Eastern covered markets, you can watch the open-flame grilling up close, while in the kitchen, chef Or Bitan (formerly of Dalia) performs a true choreography with the dough for her dürüm bread. After all, these Levantine street food stars are hot items at lunchtime, replaced in the evening by delightful sharing plates served in a dimmer ambiance with music and candles.

Yum: lamb, grilled mackerel, veggie with mushrooms, kefta, or chicken dürüms are filled with fresh veggies and divinely spiced sauces. Also on the menu: chirchi, a butternut squash cream with cumin and garlic (€5), and the incredible grilled pointed cabbage with tahini, date molasses, mild chili, and pumpkin seeds, which we’re still dreaming about (€7). Cool: even the desserts pack a punch, with a perfectly moist carrot cake nestled between syrup and a hefty dollop of crème fraîche (€7) or a light malabi flan with orange blossom (€7).

Leven, 110 Rue Montmartre, Paris 2nd. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday and Monday for lunch.

Discover also 7 Delicious Addresses for Grocery Shopping in Paris and Our Favorite Restaurants in the 9th.