With the return of the sun, May 2026 is the perfect time to explore Paris and Greater Paris. Whether you’re looking for nature walks, cultural discoveries, or unique urban experiences, ExploreParis has a wide array of activities to offer. This guide provides all the practical information you need to plan your outings.
River Cruises: Discover the Marne
Experience the beauty of the Marne river with affordable guided cruises offered by Cap sur la Marne. These commented cruises allow you to explore landscapes, heritage, and the islands of the Marne, accompanied by expert guides.
- Departure Point: Port of Nogent
- Themed Cruises (Saturday, April 26th):
- “Guinguettes in Songs”
- “Discovering the Landscapes of the Marne”
- “Along the Marne and its Heritage”
- Departure Point: Neuilly-Plaisance
- Themed Cruises: Fado cruise, wine tasting cruise exploring the history of wine in the Parisian region.
River Shuttles: Enjoy a one-way trip by boat and return on foot or by bike along the banks (bicycles can be brought on board).
Information and Reservations: capsurlamarne.fr
Nature Walks: Embrace the Green Spaces
May is ideal for reconnecting with nature. The Bois de Vincennes offers various guided walks for birdwatching, observing wildlife at dusk, discovering the arboretum’s trees, or delving into the history of the tropical agronomy garden. You can also try a walking meditation session.
- Botanical Walks: Learn to forage for edible plants in the Bois de Vincennes or wild plant picking at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud.
- Unique Workshop: Participate in a nourishing workshop at the Malakoff contemporary art center to cook sweet recipes with mushrooms.
The banks of the Marne are easily accessible from central Paris by RER. Enjoy walking or cycling from Pont de Joinville to Pont de Bry, discovering the traces of old guinguettes and holiday villas.
Even within Paris, nature thrives:
- Visit the urban farm on the roof of the Opéra Bastille.
- Observe birds in Parc Montsouris.
- Stroll along the Coulée Verte.
- Follow a nature trail from the banks of the Seine towards the 15th arrondissement.
Numerous guided tours on urban agriculture are also available:
- Visits to the flower wall farm in Montreuil.
- Beekeeping experiences.
- Artisanal bread making at the Gally farm.
Meet Artisans and Discover Their Craftsmanship
Delve into the world of traditional crafts:
- Visit Séverine’s tapestry workshop to learn about her passion.
- Explore Bobin Tradition, specializing in the restoration of delicate tapestries and textiles.
- Discover the Institut le Val Mandé, where artisans preserve traditional skills like caning, rush weaving, and tapestry, as well as making kokedamas and terrariums.
Full Program of Artisanal Craft Days: Explore Paris
Other craft-related visits are offered year-round, such as the Association François workshops in Pantin, focusing on couture and fashion trades.
Heritage Visits Around Paris
With a guide, explore:
- The National Heritage Institute in Aubervilliers’ former match factory.
- The diplomatic archives in La Courneuve.
- The Orfèvrerie, former Christofle factory in Saint-Denis.
You can also join several guided tours on the theme of Paris 2024 Olympic heritage.
Explore Grand Monuments from a New Perspective
Rediscover iconic landmarks:
- Château de Vincennes with its keep and Sainte-Chapelle.
- Domaine de Grosbois, featuring its château and trotter horse training center.
- The homes of famous personalities, like the Maison des Jardies in Sèvres.
- The Domaine National de Saint-Cloud on a historical tour.
Revisit classics uniquely:
- Behind the scenes of UNESCO.
- The Palais de Justice.
- The Great Mosque of Paris.
- The July Column of the Bastille.
- Roland Garros stadium.
- The unique site of the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris.
At the Museum of Art and History of Judaism, attend guided tours, notably on the Dreyfus Affair.
For contemporary art, visit MAC VAL, celebrating its 20th anniversary, or admire Jean Dubuffet’s Tour aux Figures.
New: Walk in the footsteps of Emily in Paris on a guided tour, or explore Queer Paris with walks offered by Paris Gay Village, Clément Degout in Pigalle, or Anouk Colombani focusing on lesbian cabarets.
Looking for a Gift Idea?
For any occasion, offer unique visits with Explore Paris gift vouchers, perfect for the curious.
Good Tip: Don’t forget the many free visits available on Explore Paris!
Explore Paris in English!
Explore Paris also offers a dedicated English section. Discover guided tours of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, UNESCO, Roland Garros stadium, or Montmartre in song. A wide catalog of private tours is also available. Enjoy!
Practical Information
- Official Website: exploreparis.com
- Instagram: @exploreparis_
Source: sortiraparis.com
