8 Best Things to Do in Paris This Summer

Paris-Plages (Paris Beaches) is an annual event held on the banks of the Seine River, organized by Paris City Hall. It runs every year from July to August. At Paris-Plages, you can laze on the beach in the heart of Paris, and get your feet in the sand at Parc Rives de Seine, in front of the City Hall, as well as at La Villette Canal Basin in the northeast of the city.

The river embankments are converted into beaches by the addition of sand, sun-loungers, umbrellas, and palm trees. Snacks and drinks stalls are available, as well as fun sporting activities like canoeing.

Paris music and cinema festivals showcase a diverse array of artistic talents and cultural expressions, turning the city into a vibrant hub for enthusiasts and creatives from around the world. While there are events throughout the year, Paris is undeniably a festive city during summer.

From mid-June to end of August, the city attracts music lovers to a series of large outdoor music festivals. From the Fête de la Musique (Paris Street Music Festival) in June, to the Paris Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza Paris, and Rock en Seine, Paris simply rocks in summer. Cinema fans will enjoy the Open-Air Cinema held on the lawn of the Parc de La Villette. You can watch a selection of featured movies for free throughout the festival.

Known as les soldes in French, summer sales are held between early July and the end of August. They offer you savings of between 30% and 70% on usual prices. Research ahead of time to find the store that offers the largest choice of articles you're interested in. Be there early on the first day of the sales and get ready for some pushing and crushing.

An interesting fact is that the discounts increase during the summer sales: around 30% on the first weeks, then around 60% mid-summer and eventually up to 80% at the end of August. This means you don't need to rush and can still find excellent deals, even at the end of the summer sales.

The Eiffel Tower stands majestically at one end of Champ de Mars Park, a sprawling public park that spans 60 acres, featuring manicured lawns, flowering gardens, and historical buildings. The park provides a serene retreat for Parisians and tourists alike. In summer, it offers one of the quirkiest places to enjoy a picnic and for lazing on the lawn at the foot of “the Iron Lady”.

Grab a sandwich and a bottle of wine respectively at Le Champ des Délices and at Le Repaire de Bacchus on Rue Saint-Dominique, 300 meters away from the Champ de Mars. Then, find a spot on the grass to enjoy your meal in an unforgettable setting.

Seine River cruises are always popular, but they can be even more enjoyable in summer. With typical Paris temperatures ranging between 16°C and 25°C in July and August, the open-air upper deck of the Bateaux Mouches (‘fly boats’) offers the perfect place to get a tan while sightseeing.

You’ll spot a great number of the most iconic landmarks of Paris as you sail along the river. Watch out for the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum, to name just a few.

Terrace cafés are a part of Paris life, and summer is the best time of the year to enjoy a drink on the terrace of a café in the centre of Paris. Simply sit back, sip your coffee and watch the world go by. Paris doesn’t have a shortage of iconic cafés, but we made a short selection of 3 venues that we think you shouldn't miss.

• Café de Flore, opened since 1880 on Boulevard Saint-Germain, is famous for having Pablo Picasso among its frequent patrons during the 1940s.
• Le Fouquet's is a posh venue on the posh Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It's a remarkable place to have a drink, but get ready for a steep bill at the end of it.
• Café Beaubourg faces the Pompidou Center on Rue Saint-Merri. The terrace is a great people watching spot in summer.

Paris by night takes another dimension due to the splendid lights that dress up most of its monuments and buildings. Its nickname, the City of Light, is well earned.

Summer and its warm temperatures allow you to comfortably explore the city after dark. Take a stroll along the Seine River between the Pont Neuf and the Pont de Sully. You’ll get some stunning views of the illuminated Notre-Dame Cathedral and of the vintage buildings that line the river banks. In case you don’t fancy walking, note that Seine River cruises run until 10.30pm from April to September.