10 Destinations Ideas for a May Vacation in France

Many events take place during the month of May in France. No matter where you decide to go, you’ll find something that pleases you. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly where to go in May for the perfect vacation. Let’s go!

 

Thiers

Thiers is the capital of the cutlery industry. The knives made here are more than simple tools used to cut food; they are true works of art. It is therefore not surprising that, in May, the Art and Tradition international festival called Coutellia takes place.

Bringing together 230 exhibitors from 22 countries, the event pays tribute to a thousand-year-old skill. In the village of knife makers, you’ll find a barber area as well as a cutting competition. You can even try your hand at forging under the supervision of a blacksmith.

Since the knife is placed on center stage during this time, don’t hesitate to visit the Cutlery museum. Inside, 700 pieces are exhibited. They illustrate the evolution of the craft over the centuries. If you visit the workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to watch a cutler work through every step of the knife making process.

If you’d like to leave with an unusual souvenir, go to Robert David cutlery to make your own knife.

 

Marie-Galante

Fly to new horizons by visiting Marie-Galante. Known as the “big pancake” by the locals, the island is one of three islands that make up Guadeloupe. With its small surface area, Marie-Galante can be fully experienced in three days.

We recommend that you start in the city of Saint-Louis, which hosts the Triskell Cup every  May. More than 350 sailors enter this sailboat competition. If you like boat races, this event is perfect for you.

Next, head for Grand-Bourg, the island’s largest city. There you’ll find the Murat Ecomuseum, which puts folk art and traditions in the spotlight.

If you visit on May 27, the date that slavery was abolished in Guadeloupe, you can participate in many activities scattered across the three islands. In Grand-Bourg, for example, a ballet that pays homage to the freed slaves takes place on the street.

Finally, drive to Capesterre, Marie-Galante’s southernmost town, to visit the famous Bellevue distillery. While there, you can try 59° rhum in the Ti Boutik.

 

Coutances

Do you want to go on vacation in France but you can’t decide what the best destination is? Stop searching: Coutances has it all. If you like jazz, the festival Jazz sous les pommiers, which takes place during Ascension Week, will entertain and inspire you.

Thanks to its eclectic program that stars both local and international musicians, you’ll have access to some of the best music you can imagine. Concerts are organized in various bars around the city to make the joy of music last well into the evening.

Located in Normandy, the town is also home to many wonders. Its cathedral and the Jardin des plantes are its biggest attractions. If you head towards the sea, you can practice fishing on foot and bring some delicious clams home.

You can also drive to Lingreville – just a few kilometers from Coutances – and discover the Haven of la Vanlée. It is a wonderful protected natural space that will grant you a moment of peace.

 

Cannes

The city and its famous film festival no longer need an introduction! Even though only professionals are allowed to attend this glamorous event, there is nothing stopping you from visiting Cannes during the festival and having a chance of bumping into your favorite celebrities.

Even if you don’t see anyone famous, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along La Croisette, which is a renowned promenade surrounded by palm trees and pines. To take your trip to another level, go to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

If you enjoy museums, the MEM (Museum of the Explorations of the World) is home to primitive, oriental, and ancient items and overlooks Suquet Hill.

Finally, many guided tours of Cannes are available, depending on your interests. Between the Lérins Abbey, the little excursion train, and the Saint Marguerite Fort, you have plenty of choices.

 

Paris

Do you enjoy tennis? Then the time has come to attend the Roland-Garros tournament. In May, tennis celebrities face each other on the clay of the famous stadium for the spectators’ enjoyment.

Between matches, take advantage of this unique occasion to visit Paris’ 16th arrondissement. With its numerous museums, you won’t be disappointed. For example, you can enter the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the architecture of which is itself a work of art.

To complete your Parisian experience, be sure to go to the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, where you can admire the creations of the famous fashion designer.

Finally, the Palais de Tokyo is a must-see. With two gardens and a modern art museum, the landmark is particularly exceptional.

While you are there, be sure to see the nearby Trocadero Gardens and the Eiffel Tower. You wouldn’t want to visit Paris and miss these two places that are emblematic of the French capital!

 

Le Mans

Le Mans is known for its motor races, and the city builds on its reputation every year by organizing the French Motorcycle Grand Prix in May.

Seated on the bleachers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit, you can attend the Mechanic Show to watch stuntmen and freeriders perform their most impressive stunts. Thrills are guaranteed!

You’ll also have the opportunity to leave with your favorite driver’s autograph or picture thanks to the meeting space. Moreover, the event includes concerts that will keep the fun going all night.

If you’d like to visit the city, the historic center is worth your time. You can stroll on the pavement of the Plantagenêt City alongside medieval houses. Finally, don’t forget to stop by the Saint Julien Cathedral, which is a true gothic treasure.

 

Craon Area and Laval

 

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No one can deny that there are plenty of things to see and do in France. If you still have doubts, venturing into the Craon area will more than convince you.

In Cossé-le-Vivien for example, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind museum that looks like an Aztec city: the Robert Tatin Museum. You can wander through the open alleys during the sunny weather in May and discover the huge statues that were carved by the artist.

While there, be sure to take a stroll in the Jardin des Méditations. The museum is a local curiosity that will leave a lasting impression on you.

If you’re more of a city enthusiast, Laval is only a thirty minute drive from Cossé. You can walk on the streets of the historic center or stop by the castle, which is home to the MANAS (Museum of Naïve and Singular Arts).

Inside, the paintings of Douanier Rousseau and other famous artists are exhibited. Unlike at a typical museum, the works on display here are bright and colorful.

Finally, don’t forget to visit the Cité du Lait, which is one of the symbols of the city. It’s both a cultural and a gourmet space where you can taste a variety of dairy products, and the educational activities will teach you a lot about French dairy production.

 

La Saintonge

 

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Would you consider taking a tour of a unique place in southwestern France? Accessible to the public from May 15 to September 15, Les Lapidiales in Port d’Envaux is an open-air space where sculptors carve directly into the natural rocks.

Each year, a new part of the world is given a seat of honor thanks to the wide variety of sculptors that are invited.

During the opening season, the art space hosts several events like conferences and workshops to learn how to sculpt. You’ll be completely amazed by your visit to the Lapidiales.

Nearby in Port d’Envaux, you can spend the night in the Mouillepied Castle. Located in an idyllic setting, the establishment also provides visitors with vacation rentals.

Not far from there, you can discover the beautiful city of Saintes. This ancient Roman city-state’s amphitheater is a must-see when passing through the area.

Visitors who like historical landmarks won’t be disappointed – the city is also home to the Saint Eutrope Basilica and the Abbaye aux dames, which has become a renowned musical establishment.

 

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Loir Valley

 

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If you’d like to get away from the hubbub of the city, take a trip to the Loir Valley on board an excursion train that connects Thoré-la-Rochette to Trôo.

Open as early as May 22, this 1950’s railcar will allow you to discover hidden wonders. Climb on board for a three-hour guided tour and go further into the countryside.

Trôo, in addition to having a funny name, is a very unique troglodyte village. You’ll find petrifying caves and a talking well, which is named for its incredible echo.

You can also visit the cafforts, or underground galleries, which were an important labyrinth that people used during eventful times in history.

Finally, a troglodyte restaurant, ResTrôo, has recently opened in the village, giving you the opportunity to have a nice lunch in an exceptional environment.

 

Louverné

 

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For a breath of fresh air, head to Echologia, a haven of nature located in Louverné. This educational natural space is the perfect place to enjoy some nice family time. You can even go on a guided tour of the park to learn more about its history.

If you want to take your adventure to another level, sleep in one of the dwellings that are available on site. Between cabins on the water and cabins in the trees, you’re guaranteed an incredible experience.

The Echologia park has implemented various methods to preserve the fauna and flora despite the number of visitors it welcomes. For this reason, we recommend that you take your children to discover Aquaponia (which has nothing to do with aquaponey).

A combination of two techniques allows the soil to produce beautiful fruit and vegetables. A whole area is dedicated to explaining what aquaponics is, so you’ll be able to have all your questions about this method answered.