Celebrate May around the hotel: Our monthly highlights

If you’re a jazz lover or just looking to soak up some true Parisian culture, mark your calendars for May 12^th to May 19^th, 2025, because the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival is back, and it’s promising a week of pure musical magic.

Set in the historic and stylish neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this annual festival transforms some of the area’s most emblematic venues into intimate stages for jazz, blending tradition and innovation in a way that only Paris can. Imagine sitting in the stunning Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe while the sounds of a grand piano swirling around its ornate columns. Or stepping into the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, to hear a modern jazz interpretation of a classical piece. That’s the beauty of this festival: it marries old-world charm with the energy of contemporary jazz.

The 24^th edition of the festival is rich with talent, featuring both famous names and rising stars.

Here are a few performances you won’t want to miss:

• May 12: The festival opens with the exquisite Youn Sun Nah & Bojan Z, joined by the electrifying Thomas de Pourquery.
• May 14: A beautiful pairing of voices and stories with Charlotte Planchou’s “Le Carillon” and Paul Lay Trio’s “L’Odyssée”.
• May 15: Dive into the rhythmic soul of Africa with Leïla Olivesi’s “African Rhapsody”, plus a free conference exploring its roots and inspirations.
• May 16: Explore new sonic territories with Etibar Asadli Trio and Yaron Herman Quintet’s “Radio Paradise”.
• May 19: A stunning festival finale featuring Charlotte Reinhardt and Olivesi’s full octet alongside the mesmerizing Camille Bertault.

The festival takes over some of Paris’s most elegant and atmospheric locations, including the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe, Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Théâtre de l’Alliance Française, Maison de l’Océan, and even the Monnaie de Paris. Some venues, like the Mairie du 6e, also host free performances, making it accessible to all.

Tickets range from 10€ to 89€ depending on the event, and many performances have limited seating, so booking in advance is highly recommended. For the full program and reservations, head to festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com.

To travel from our hotel to Paris city center using public transport, the most convenient and efficient option is the RER A train. Walk to Val d’Europe RER Station, take the RER A Train Towards Paris and get off at Chatelet – Les Halles station. Trains depart approximately every 10 minutes and operate daily. The takes about 45 minutes. From Chatelet – Les Halles you can walk or use the Metro to connect to your destination.

Serris is preparing an unforgettable commemorative event that promises to transport you to the heart of the 1940s. With 200 reenactors, 60 military and civilian vehicles, and dozens of performances, the town becomes a living museum, offering a unique opportunity to relive the events and atmosphere of the Liberation.

Step Back in Time: Three Days of Immersive History

Thursday, May 8: Honoring the Past

The commemorations begin with solemn ceremonies at 3:00 PM at the War Memorial on rue Émile Cloud and continue at 4:00 PM at the Town Hall. Expect moving tributes with speeches, choir performances, traditional bagpipes, and a marching band.

At 5:00 PM, the Val d’Europe Urban Center Park opens its commemorative camp to the public, complete with historical displays, food trucks, and live entertainment.

As evening falls, the Place de la Toscane will host a dramatic combat reenactment at 7:00 PM, giving you a glimpse into the intensity of wartime moments.

Friday, May 9: Explore and Experience

Friday is packed with discovery and excitement. From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, you can explore the commemorative camp with features such as a field hospital, vintage vehicles, and WWII-era weaponry.

At 6:30 PM, head to Place d ’Ariane for another thrilling battle reenactment, this time focused on an anti-tank attack.

The evening ends on a lighter note with a free outdoor screening of the classic French comedy “La Grande Vadrouille” at 9:00 PM, surrounded by food trucks and the community spirit of Serris.

Saturday, May 10: Celebration and Community

Saturday begins with a powerful Liberation Parade at 10:00 AM, featuring a convoy of nearly 60 vintage military vehicles making their way through the city.

At noon, you are invited to a Republican picnic at the Val d’Europe Urban Center Park. A perfect chance to relax, connect, and share a meal with others. Tables and food trucks will be provided.

In the afternoon, history comes alive in the Town Hall, where you can attend a reenacted 1940s school class (running every 30 minutes) and explore more WWII-themed activities at the commemorative camp, including a musical quiz and hands-on exhibits.

At 5:00 PM, witness a beautiful performance of “living tableaux” which are staged scenes that artistically reenact moments from the liberation.

The festivities conclude with an evening to remember: a lively “Tribute to the Andrews Sisters” concert followed by the Victory Ball, held in the Town Hall Garden at 9:00 PM. The band “Arcadium” will get everyone dancing. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in 1940s-style attire for the full experience!

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a local family, or simply looking for a meaningful weekend, the 80th anniversary of the Liberation in Serris is not to be missed. Step into the past, honor the heroes, and celebrate freedom together.

One of the biggest draws this May is the Disney Music Festival, running from April 19^th to September 7^th. This brand-new event brings the entire park alive with music. Beloved Disney and Pixar songs are reimagined and performed across multiple genres like pop, rock, classical, and folk. Iconic characters such as Miguel from Coco, Mary Poppins, Moana, Rapunzel, and even Stitch take part in musical numbers scattered throughout the day. Every evening, the park hosts “The Grand Orchestra Finale”, a stunning 20-minute concert in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, with 89 artists performing in a celebration of all things Disney music.

This May also marks the seasonal run of Alice & The Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland, a vibrant and whimsical production that brings the world of Wonderland to life in surprising ways.

As night falls, you’ll be treated to a spectacular show: Disney Tales of Magic. This nighttime extravaganza uses drones, synchronized fountains, high-definition projections, lasers, and fireworks to tell some of Disney’s most beloved stories. This show is one of the most visually striking and emotionally powerful experiences at Disneyland Paris to date.

To make the most of your trip, the official Disneyland Paris app is a useful tool for navigating the park, checking wait times, and booking reservations.

By Maria Ines S Rangel. Published on May 7th, 2025.