le 1er Mai, 2026
Happy May Day—there is something undeniably poetic about Paris in the first week of May. The city seems to exhale into spring—café terraces humming and a calendar dotted with annual traditions and merriment.
The first of May is, of course, La Fête du Muguet, when delicate sprigs of lily of the valley appear on nearly every street corner, offered as tokens of happiness and good fortune. There’s something quietly magical about seeing Parisians, bouquets in hand, embracing this simple, time-honored ritual.
Have you ever offered lily of the valley to a friend or loved one on May first? Doing so is a French tradition dating back to the 16th century – you can read more about its origins here. The gesture is made along with an expression of joy, such as ”Bon 1er mai” (Happy May 1st), “Beaucoup de bonheur” (Much happiness)” or “Voici un brin de muguet pour le bonheur” (Here is a sprig of muguet for happiness). My sweet neighbor gave me a beautiful little bouquet this morning. It was a wonderful start to my day!
May 1 is also La Fête du Travail, a beloved national holiday honoring workers with a day off work. It is the equivalent of Labor Day in the United States.
Despite the holiday celebrations, there an abundance of things to do in and around Paris. The Foire de Paris opened yesterday and runs through May 11 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This beloved trade show is more than an exhibition—it’s a showcase of French savoir-faire, featuring everything from home design and artisan craftsmanship to gourmet tastings, fashion, wellness, and inventive new products, all brought to life through demonstrations and immersive displays. It’s the kind of event where you wander without a plan and leave inspired.
On May 3, Paris becomes a pedestrian’s dream during its “Respire Day.” The city center closes to cars, allowing you to stroll freely through iconic areas like the Champs-Élysées. It’s Paris as it once was—meant to be wandered, not rushed.
During the long holiday weekend, brocantes and vides-greniers are taking place throughout the city—you can learn all about how to find the best of them here.
As if that weren’t enough, early May is also one of the most beautiful moments to wander Parisian farmers’ markets, when the stalls begin to overflow with the season’s first real abundance—crisp asparagus, ruby strawberries, tender lettuces, fresh goat cheeses, and fragrant herbs. These markets offer the perfect opportunity to gather everything needed for an effortless picnic: seasonal produce, a fresh baguette, and artisanal cheeses to enjoy in one of the city’s gardens or along the banks of the Seine, where spring feels especially luminous.
If you ask me, May is one of the very best times of the year in Paris.
#ICYMI
In case you missed it earlier this week, I shared Five Simple Tricks to Always Look Polished—an easy, timeless guide to elevating your everyday style with minimal effort and maximum impact.
For a bit of nostalgia, here’s a look back at my May Day post from 2013, which includes a fun historical fact and a bit of trivia!
xoxo, Jeannine
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