Paris In Summer: 19 Amazing Things To Do

Paris in summer is hot and lively. The city is in full bloom, the Seine River sparkles, terraces and rooftop patios beckon. Paris in summer is the perfect time to flâner or saunter about exploring the French capital.

It’s also true that Paris in summer is high season. The capital of France is crowded with tourists and many Parisians flee the French capital for their summer vacation. Many smaller restaurants and boutiques are closed for most of August. Paris in the summer can dish up a heatwave (“canicule” as it is called in French) meaning you’ll need to find shady spots to keep cool.

There are many great things to do on a summer trip to Paris. Here are my top tips for how to enjoy Paris in summer.

Paris In Summer: Planning Tips

Book In Advance

Paris Hotels:

Summer in Paris is the peak season with lots of tourists. Hotel rooms are booked well in advance. Choose one with air conditioning. You’ll be glad you did when the heatwave hits.

• Check out these 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris
• Find Boutique hotels in the Marais
• Choose a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view

Prefer staying in an apartment? Here are some fabulous Paris apartments:

• Portrait of Splendour literally filled with portraits, in the Marais
• Joyau de Marais
• The Panthéon Pageantry

Paris Attractions:

Paris in summer sees its top attractions super busy. It is essential to book in advance. With a specific entry time or skip-the-line ticket, you have access to shorter lines.

Book well in advance for:

• Eiffel Tower Summit Access – Skip the Line Ticket
• A Seine Cruise: this one-hour illumination tour is super popular
• The Louvre Museum: Get your timed entrance ticket here
• The Musee d’Orsay: Find your 1-day reserved access here
• The Arc de Triomphe: Book your skip-the-line rooftop tickets
• Versailles – skip the line ticket
• The Paris Catacombs – skip the line access and tour

Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened on December 8, 2024, after the devastating fire of April 15, 2019. In just five years, the cathedral’s reconstruction is an amazing feat and Notre-Dame Cathedral in all her glory is a must-visit in Paris. Read my full article on Notre-Dame Cathedral for what to expect and how best to get tickets. Entry is free but you must book your entry time on the app, Notre Dame de Paris.

Paris In Summer: The Holidays

Bastille Day: July 14

Assumption Day: August 15

A Paris Summer: How To Get Around

The Metro is always a quick way to get around Paris. This guide will have you using the metro like a pro.The Paris metro can be crowded and hot in the summer so you may want to try renting a bicycle at one of the Velib stations.

Paris buses are a great way to get from Point A to B and see the city at the same time. Note that if you are using the metro and a bus on the same journey, you have to pay twice.

Taxis and Uber are always an option in Paris.

And my favourite way to travel in Paris is on foot.

Paris In The Summertime: Avoid The Scams

Scammers and pickpockets are alive and well during a Paris summer. Make sure you have a cross-body bag that zips up, wear your backpack on the front in crowded spots and read this detailed article on 9 specific scams to watch out for. It never ceases to amaze me that the bracelet scammers at Sacré Coeur are out in full force every time I pass by.

Paris In Summer: 19 Amazing Things To Do

1. Attend A Music Festival

Paris in summer is not complete without attending a music festival. On the summer solstice (21st June), La Fête de la Musique sees Paris come alive with music. Find music in the streets, in museums, churches and concert halls. Paris is in full party mode for the Fête de la Musique. What a way to welcome summer in Paris.

Pro Travel Tip: La Fête de la Musique takes place in all of France. I once even celebrated in Aix-en-Provence.

For jazz fans, the Paris Jazz Festival at Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes runs from June 25 to September 7, 2025. The concerts during the daytime are free and do not require a reservation.

Look for more summer music festivals happening in the City of Love right here.

2. Watch A Film At The Open Air Cinema At La Villette

Relax on the sprawling lawns at the Parc de la Villette and as dusk falls the screenings begin. It’s been a Paris summer tradition for twenty years. With a wide selection of French and international films, it is a fun and unique way to enjoy Paris in the summer.

Mid-July to mid-August, 2025. Cost to Enter: Free

3. Summer In Paris: Partake In Paris Plages

This year in 2025, Paris celebrates its 23nd year with Paris Plages. Look for deck chairs and palm trees along the quays of the river Seine, at Canal St Martin and the Bassin de la Villette.

At the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, the summery Paris fun continues with swimming, paddleboats, kayaks, deck chairs and beaches. The three swimming pools and two paddling pools are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day in Paris.

In 2024, the Paris Plages experience expanded to include the Canal St Martin. What fun it was to swim in the canal and lounge on a lawn chair in the summer sun! Highly recommended.

Paris Plages runs from early July to early September.

Paris Plages Hours: Along the Banks of the Seine, daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

At the Bassin de la Villette, daily from 10 AM to 10 PM; weekends from 10 AM to midnight.

At canal St Martin. daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

Find more detailed information here.

4. Bastille Day Festivities

Did someone say fireworks, parades and festivities? This is Bastille Day in Paris which takes place on July 14. On the afternoon of July 14 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison, which symbolized the tyranny of the monarchy. This was the beginning of the French Revolution.

The French refer to this national holiday as La Fête Nationale (French National Day) or Le Quatorze Juillet (July 14th).

The day starts with a military ceremony including an impressive flyover and a huge parade down the Champs Elysées. Does Paris in summer get any better than this? Listen to music in the bandstands, attend a Firemen’s Ball (Bals des Pompiers), and find the perfect viewpoint for the incredible Eiffel Tower fireworks at sunset. If you plan to see the fireworks from the Champ de Mars, arrive early in the day to secure a spot.

5. Summer In Paris: Shop The Summer Sales

Paris in summer is made all the sweeter by the phenomenal deals found during the summer sales known as “les soldes.”

By law, sales are allowed twice yearly in January and July. In my experience, there are pre-sales before the real sales begin. But look out! Once the real sales begin, the reductions are significant and the shoppers are out! Ohhh…it’s fun to look for great deals.

Summer Soldes in Paris 2025: June 25 to July 22, 2025

6. Find An Exhibition At An Air-Conditioned Museum

Summer in Paris is a great time to visit museums and see a special exhibition. If it’s a hot day, take some respite in an air-conditioned museum. Pick up your copy of L’Officiel des Spectacles which comes out every Wednesday and see what appeals to you.

Visits to the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée du Louvre are always a good idea. But don’t forget that Paris has around 130 museums. There is something for everyone. Here is my guide to 23 Paris museums that are well worth visiting.

7. Sip A “Verre” On A Rooftop Terrace

Summertime in Paris sees rooftops come alive! Rooftop terraces are the rage in Paris right now and there are plenty to choose from. The great appeal in Paris is the view, of course. Here are a few rooftops to start with:

Le Perchoir Marias with its panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine

The Terrass Hotel in Montmartre with its view of the Eiffel Tower

The Peninsula Rooftop Bar with its panoramic views including the Eiffel Tower

The Hôtel Rochechouart Rooftop Bar with its 360˚ view of Paris including Sacré Coeur

8. Paris In Summer: Relax By Canal Saint-Martin

I love sitting by Canal Saint-Martin on a bench or swinging my legs over the edge. It’s a buzzing locale with lots of Parisians enjoying the summer season in Paris right here. Here is everything to do by Canal Saint-Martin.

9. Summer In Paris: Flâner in Style

The best way to enjoy Paris is to walk. Morning, noon and night! Embrace the Parisian way to flâner, which is to amble, saunter and observe your surroundings. Here are some tips on how best to flâner in Paris.

Toss on your coolest clothes and comfortable walking shoes and head out early in the day to one of these Parisian neighbourhoods for walking. Here are a few suggestions:

• le Marais – Place des Vosges, gorgeous mansions, shopping…
• Ile Saint-Louis – oldest village in Paris…
• Montmartre – Sacré Coeur, staircases and oozing charm…
• the 7th arrondissement – Eiffel Tower & views, La Grande Epicierie…
• Canal Saint-Martin – iron bridges, boutiques, wine by the canal
• the 14th arrondissement – the Tower, iconic cafés…
• les Buttes aux Cailles – plenty of street art, the village feel…
• the 16th arrondissement – on the trail of art nouveau…

Or start to flâner on one of these Paris streets. Sometimes I start an expedition as a flâneuse around a hidden gem that I haven’t seen before.

When sauntering in Paris in the summer, go early!

10. Enjoy A Seine Picnic Like A Real Parisian

Paris in summer just has to include a picnic by the Seine River. Some of my preferred spots are on Ile Saint-Louis or facing Ile Saint-Louis from the 5th arrondissement where you have a view of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Another perfect place for a picnic is the tip of Ile de la Cité where the large willow is perched.

If you want to picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower, start at the Pont Royal which connects rue du Bac and the Louvre Museum, and wander along the right bank until you find just the right spot.

You could also start at Pont Alexandre III, which is closer to the Eiffel Tower, and stroll until the perfect picnic spot is found.

11. Have A Drink On A Péniche (Barge)

It really feels like Paris in summer when perched on a barge in the Seine River. I love an evening stroll along the Seine quays and then stopping for an oven-fired pizza and a drink on a péniche. It’s a fun way to spend a summer evening in Paris. There are plenty of péniches in the 7th and 13th arrondissements to choose from.

Just across from the François-Mitterand Library in the 13th arrondissement sitting in the Seine are an array of péniches. Or, walk along the quays of the 7th close to Pont Alexandre III. My favourite is the Rosa Bonheur.

12. Relax In A Shady Park

Paris in the summer will include some hot days. Head to Paris’s parks to relax and stay cool. Sit by a fountain, under the shade of a tall tree, or lay out a blanket and read.

The Jardin du Luxembourg and the Parc des Buttes Chaumont are two beautiful parks to find shade!

13. Summer In Paris: Take A Walking Tour

A walking tour is ideal for Paris in summer. I would recommend taking a morning tour when the temperatures are cooler.

Here are some highly recommended walking tours:

• I curated this list of 7 unique walking tours of Paris
• this walking tour of Montmartre is popular
• and try this walking food tour of Le Marais

14. A Paris Summer: Plan A Day Trip

Paris in summer can get really hot making it the best time for a day trip. Escape the Paris heat and head to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, to the sandy beaches of Deauville and Trouville, or to Provins, a medieval town, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are some of my favourite day trips to take from Paris.

15. Visit A Microbrewery

Paris and wine. They’re the perfect match. And, Paris in summer has to involve at least one Apérol spritz!

But did you know that Paris also has its fair share of craft breweries? Microbreweries keep popping up! Head to Maison BAPBAP in the 11th arrondissement and don’t miss the Paname Brewing Co. It has the perfect location perched over La Villette in the 19th arrondissement. All the artisanal beers are brewed on-site. Sit on the terrace and sip a cold and frosty beer! Ah, Paris in summer!

16. Savour The Best Ice Cream In Paris

Paris in summer calls for ice cream. Over time, I have visited many Paris ice cream shops. From the famous family-run business Berthillon on Ile Saint-Louis, to Amorino gelato shops where the gelato is served in the shape of a rose. But did you know there was an ice cream shop/ natural wine bar? Or that Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse creates incredible ice cream? Here is my list of the best ice cream in Paris.

17. Summer In Paris: Get On The Water

Paris in the summertime means finding the water!

The Seine River: Getting on the Seine involves taking a cruise. Choose from a variety of cruises including evening cruises, apéro cruises and dinner cruises.

Canal Saint-Martin: Take a cruise along the Seine and Canal Saint-Martin.

Bassin de la Villette: Rent an electric boat at Marin d’Eau Douce

Bois de Boulogne: Rent a rowboat and lazily row on the lake in Bois de Boulogne. Head to “Services des Bateaux du Bois de Boulogne” to find the rental service. Bring a picnic! Leave time to visit the beautiful Parc de Bagatelle nearby.

Bois de Vincennes: Head out to eastern Paris to the lovely Bois de Vincennes. Search for “Location de Barques du Lac Daumesnil” on google maps, rent your boat and enjoy your summer in Paris day!

18. Tango By the Seine

Paris in summer just has to include a little outdoor dancing. Make your way to the Jardin de Tino-Rossi by the Seine River and look for the three amphitheaters where the dancing is happening. Most nights there is tango, rock and salsa dancing. I love the tango. Bring a bottle of wine, sit back, and watch the dancing as the boats pass by on the Seine.

Love tango? Feel free to join in. Here are all the details about tango dancing by the Seine in Paris.

19. Relax At Bassin d’Arsenal

Just where the Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine River meet is a lovely oasis in Paris. Pause for an apéro overlooking the boats at Le Grand Bleu Paris and soak up the Paris in summer vibe. Wander down towards the Seine and watch boats navigating the first lock into Canal Saint-Martin.

It’s easy to stop by the Bassin d’Arsenal after an afternoon exploring the 11th arrondissement or the 12th arrondissement.

I hope these tips help you plan the best summer in Paris trip.

Until next time,

More Paris Info…

Gastronomy In Paris:

Read about where to find the best croissants in Paris and the most delicious pâtisseries to savour.

There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local.

Around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite and also recommendations for restaurants in le Marais.

Looking for a traditional French meal at an affordable price? Here is your guide to the Paris Bouillon restaurants.

Vegetarian or Vegan in Paris? Here are some great restaurant recommendations.

Travel Tips:

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.

If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.

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