Day 2883 (Wednesday) 30th April 2025

This is the Promenade des Anglais in Nice

and this is Saint Paul de Vence.

It was another warm sunny day and Huw had to clean Ken’s pool this morning and when he came home we went to the square and enjoyed lunch in the sunshine and we didn’t have to wear a jacket.

 

Everything that changes in France in May 2025

Protesters hold a banner with the logos of the CGT, FSU and SUD trade unions and reading "Mobilised for peace and social progress" during a May Day (Labour Day) rally in 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP)

From three public holidays to possible rail strikes, plus tax deadlines, vehicle registration changes and the Cannes film festival, here's what is happening in France in May 2025.

Public holidays

Depending on the year, three or four public holidays fall in the month of May. This year, there are three, thanks to May day (the Fête du travail) on May 1st, VE Day (La victoire de 1945) on May 8th, and Ascension, which this year falls on May 29th. 

As for May Day, expect trade union demonstrations and marches and the giving of the lucky lily-of-the-valley flowers.

Meanwhile, May 8th often involves military parades and remembrance events in towns and cities around France. This year will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe.

Spring rail strikes

French unions are threatening various rail strikes starting on Monday, May 5th. These could lead to heavy disruption during the days surrounding the VE Day public holiday, as many families travel to take advantage of a long weekend.

French vehicle registration fees

Starting on May 1st, electric vehicle owners will also have to pay for vehicle registration fees - or the carte grise.

Previously, electric vehicles were exempted from this expense, but from May they will have to pay too. The exact amount depends on the French region, as local authorities can set their rates, but costs can range from between €150 to €750, depending on the vehicle's horsepower.

France entices researchers

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for researchers "from the entire world to choose France and Europe", with a meeting on May 5th.

The meeting will bring together "the wider community of research", but the focus of the event is not entirely clear yet. So far, France has been actively courting US-based researchers after budget cuts and threats from the Trump administration.

Tax Deadlines

May also brings the first deadlines for the annual tax declaration - compulsory for almost everyone in France.

If you are unable to file the declaration online, you can use a paper declaration. This must be mailed by May 20th.

For the online declarations, you have until May 22nd (at 11.59pm) if you live in the départements 1 to 19 (or if you live outside of France), and until May 28th for the départements from 20 to 54. For the remaining départements and France's overseas territories, you have until June 5th.

European night of Museums 

On Saturday, May 17th many museums will keep their doors open - for free - all night long as part of the "European night of museums". Several Paris museums take part, outside of Paris you can find more information on the website for your local town hall. 

The Cannes Film Festival 

The 78th edition of the Cannes film festival will take place from May 13th to 24th at the Palais des festivals et des congrès in Cannes. This year, during the opening ceremony, the Honorary 'Palme d'Or' will be awarded to Robert De Niro.

Eurovision 

You can watch France compete in the Eurovision song contest in Basel, Switzerland this year. The semi-finals are set for May 13th and May 15th (although France goes straight through to the finals every year as one of the 'big five' who fund the contest). The final is on Saturday, May 17th. France will be represented by the singer Louane.

Mother's Day and Neighbour's Day

There are a couple of important days you won't want to miss this May.

Mother's Day in France will fall on May 25th, though if your mother is in the UK you may have already missed it (it was on March 30th). For Americans, Mother's Day always falls on the second Sunday of May - so be sure to mark May 11th in your calendar.

Then there is also Neighbour's Day, or the Fête des Voisins, which is the perfect opportunity to say hello to your neighbours. This year it will take place on Friday, May 23rd. 

Roland-Garros tennis tournament

The French Open begins on Sunday, May 25th and it will run until Sunday, June 8th. You can see the provisional schedule on the Roland-Garros website.

Impending deadline for VAT rule changes

France's 2025 budget, which passed in February, included a new VAT threshold for all businesses, which would force many self-employed people (micro entrepreneurs) into paying VAT for the first time.

This change has been controversial, and within hours of the budget being passed, it was announced the VAT reform would be paused until at least the end of May.

New flights

Starting in May, there will be several new flights to and from France, as holiday-makers prepare for the high summer travel season. For example, Air France announced it would add a new direct flight from Paris to Orlando starting May 21st.

French films to see

Lost in Frenchlation – the cinema club that screens French films with English subtitles in Paris – has seven films, plus a Q&A with a director, two walking tours, and a comedy show in store for May 2025.