Paris in the Summer Guide: 23 Epic Things to Do in Paris in the Summertime

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Paris in the summer is a unique time to visit all on its own. The days are lengthy, making it perfect for long evenings having a picnic with friends. There are tons of fantastic events happening during the summertime in Paris and don’t worry, there are ways to escape the crowds while visiting this time of year.

Paris is certainly always a good idea no matter the time of the year, but summertime is a delightful time to visit if you love long days, beautiful flowering parks, and afternoons spent people-watching at sidewalk cafes. 

In this guide, I’m going to let you know all the best things to do in Paris in summer, what the weather is like, tips for packing for summer in Paris, and other great advice! 

Let’s talk all about how to have the best visit during Paris en ete (that’s French for Paris in the summer)!

Paris in the Summer Guide: Top 23 Things to Do During a Summer in Paris

To kick off your ultimate summer in Paris guide, here are some of the best things to do in the city when it heats up! 

1. Celebrate Bastille Day!

Right in the middle of summer is Bastille Day, or le 14 juillet, in French. This is France’s big national holiday to commemorate the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, as well as the Fete de la Federation (or Feast of the Federations) that was held the following year on July 14, 1790. 

In Paris, they do this holiday big with a traditional military parade on the Champs-Elysees as well as plenty of dancing and fireworks! 

So if you wish to celebrate this big national holiday in France, Paris is certainly one of the best places to do it! 

2. Party it Up…at a Fire Station?

During the evenings of July 13 and 14, there are parties called Bals des Pompiers (aka Fireman’s Balls) that happen. The fire stations organize them, and the money collected goes toward the firehouse. 

It is a fun and unique way to celebrate and continue the Bastille Day festivities all around the city at various firehouses. 

3. Fete de la Musique 

On the longest day of the year, June 21, there is the annual music festival in Paris called Fete de la Musique. It is essentially a large free music festival where there are free concerts all over the city, particularly in the many parks and along the Seine. 

You can dance the night away and listen to amazing music during the longest day of the year! It is a huge cultural event in Paris and a must-do if you’re visiting Paris in the summer!

4. Paris Plages

During July through late August or early September, you can find little “beaches” with beach chairs and umbrellas around the Seine as they set up the Paris Plages. Some popular places to go for the beaches include Parc Rives de Seine and La Villette canal basin. 

If you want to take a dip in the water, there are a few large swimming pools too! Just don’t actually jump into the Seine! 

Sometimes you’ll also find free concerts, kayaks, and more things to enjoy at the Paris beaches!

5. Paris Pride is a Fun Paris Summer Event

Paris Pride takes place in June each year, with two weeks of events leading up to the big parade. 

Known as Quinzaine des Fiertes, or the Fortnight of Pride, it has many events including parties, concerts, movies, and more! 

Then, there is the Paris Pride Parade where you’ll spot people dressed up for the occasion in drag, wigs, glitter, and more! 

It ends at the Place de la Republique and then there is a big afterparty. So join in on the fun during the Paris Pride in June! 

6. Another Great Summer Event in Paris: Festival Paris l’Ete

There are a TON of great festivals and events happening in Paris in the summer. So another great one is the Paris Summer Festival or Festival Paris l’Ete. 

This happens around Paris and in the surrounding region and includes events like theatre, circus, concerts, performances, dance, and more around the city at parks, monuments, and other fun spots in the city. 

It takes place over 3 weeks in the month of July and is another great cultural event to attend during your visit to Paris. 

7. Paris Jazz Festival

Lovers of jazz will enjoy a summertime visit to Paris for its Jazz Festival, which takes place in the Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes. 

It occurs over a couple of months during the summer in Paris on the weekends. 

Enjoy a visit to the sprawling Bois de Vincennes and then partake in a little jazz to wrap up a perfect day in Paris in the summer.

8. Catch the End of the Tour de France

The famous French bicycle race traverses a lot of the country. But the last leg ends in Paris at the Champs-Elysees. 

So you can catch the end of this famous bike race and cheer on the cyclists as they pedal to the end! 

This usually happens in July, with the race usually beginning in early July and wrapping up 3 weeks later in Paris. 

Want to bike along the route in Paris that the famous cyclists do? You can book a bike tour of the Tour de France in Paris. 

9. For the Fashion Lovers: Paris Haute Couture Week

Love haute couture? The Haute Couture Week for the fall/winter season happens typically around the end of June. 

So enjoy the fashion, designers, and potential celeb-spotting during this time of the year! 

10. And For the Rest of Us, There is Soldes

Visiting Paris for fashion, but can’t quite afford the luxurious haute couture pieces? That’s okay because there is a little thing that happens twice a year in the winter and summer that is great for shoppers who like to save money: Soldes.

This 4-week event takes place in January, but also in July. The summer soldes usually start around late June or early July and offer some fantastic deals! 

There are stores everywhere trying to move their inventory so you’ll see signs for great deals all over the place. So if you want to come with room in your suitcase and go shopping- this is the time of year to visit! 

Seriously, the deals are pretty great! I once got a Longchamp bag for like 50% off from what I would’ve gotten in the US!

11. Enjoy the Fresh Produce at Farmer’s Markets in Paris

While most of Paris’s farmer’s markets operate year-round, there is something about visiting in the summertime. While I absolutely love the markets in Provence, you can certainly get a ton of great fresh produce and other prepared foods at the many farmer’s markets in Paris in the summertime. 

Some weekly markets to check out include the Bastille Market, Saxe-Breteuil Market, and the Rue Mouffetard Market Street, which is open Tuesday-Saturday. 

12. Watch a Movie Outdoors at La Villette

Enjoy the open-air cinema at La Villette during the months of July and August. Here you can watch movies for free during the summer in Paris. Just show up with a blanket and snacks for a picnic and watch either French or international films. 

It is a great way to learn some French, catch a romantic sunset, and have a fun night out with friends or a partner!

These movies typically take place later in the evening from Wednesday to Sunday. 

13. Go to the Fair at the Tuileries Festival

The Tuileries Festival, or La Fete des Tuileries, is a fair that takes place in the Tuileries Garden every summer between July and August. Enjoy fair rides and activities like the Ferris Wheel, bumper cars, games, slides, and more! 

Plus, there is fair food like cotton candy, donuts, pancakes, chips, etc. 

Yes, even in Paris in the summer you can find a fair! This is a great summer attraction in Paris for families! 

14. Enjoy the Sidewalk Cafes

Sidewalk cafes are bursting with life in the summertime, as people love sitting outside as they sip aperitifs or coffee. 

It is a great place to chat with friends and people-watch. Some great cafes to sit back and relax at include Les Deux Magots in the morning, Carette, Le Vrai Paris, and more! 

15. Have a Picnic in a Park, One of the Best Things to Do in Paris in the Summer

There are so many lovely parks in Paris to enjoy, and during a summer evening, I can think of few things better than grabbing picnic supplies and a bottle of wine and enjoying the end of a perfect summer day together. 

Head to a grocery shop to get some wine, cheese, and salted butter, and then go to a bakery for a baguette and spread out a blanket to really get into the French picnic spirit. 

Some great parks to enjoy this at include Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Champ de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower, Place des Vosges, and Parc Monceau. 

You can also set up a picnic along the Seine and enjoy the boats passing by. 

16. Stay Up to See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle

The Eiffel Tower lights up around dusk and sparkles on the first 5 minutes of the hour when it is lit. 

Typically during the year, it is lit until 11:45 pm, which means the final sparkly display is at 11 pm. But in the summertime, it stays open until 12:45 am. This means that it sparkles at midnight.

However, it will sparkle one last time at 1 am during the summer in Paris. The lighting and beacon will go off, but it will continue to sparkle for a few minutes which is cool! 

In the summer in Paris, the sun actually sets pretty late into the night, which means you may need to stay up late to watch it sparkle! 

17. Go For a Swim at a Paris Waterpark

Want to escape the heat and go for a swim? Well, you can head to a waterpark in the city! Aquaboulevard de Paris is a fantastic place to go, especially for the kids or even kids at heart! 

Enjoy jacuzzis, water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and even a sandy beach. There is both an indoor and outdoor component to the waterpark here, so this is a great way to cool off in the hot Paris summer. 

18. Get Out of the Sun and Heat at Paris’s Larger Museums

Sadly, much of Paris doesn’t have A/C. And it can get super hot in Paris in the summer. So, if you want a sweet taste of A/C and also want to get a little culture, you may want to visit some of the museums.

Musee de l’Orangerie, Musee d’Orsay, and Musee Picasso have air conditioning and are a great way to get out of the hot Parisian air. 

19. Head to Lesser Visited Museums

There is also the option to avoid the crowds in Paris and go to some lesser-visited museums. Now a lot of these don’t have air conditioning, but they are charming, cheaper, and usually not crowded, which is nice when you’re visiting Paris in peak tourist season. 

Some smaller museums in Paris include Musee Rodin, Musee Eugene Delacroix, Musee Gustave Moreau, Montmartre Museum, Musee de la Vie Romantique, Maison de Victor Hugo, Petit Palais, and more! 

20. Explore the Woods Around Paris

There are actually 2 wooded areas around Paris called the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes. Here you can enjoy long walks, going for a run, lounging by lakes, and more as you get fresh air just outside of downtown Paris.

21. Walk Along the Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont

This is the former Vincennes railway line and is now a lovely green leafy path that stretches from the Viaduc des Arts basically all the way to the Bois de Vincennes.

It is about 2.9 miles long (4.7 km) and is a lovely shady route to stroll along together in the summertime in Paris. 

Fun fact: This walkway even inspired the famous High Line Park in NYC. 

22. Have Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

I love patio season, and in Paris, you’ll love a good rooftop bar. 

Have some drinks and catch a sunset with friends or your partner as you enjoy the beautiful views over Paris. 

Some great rooftop bars include the Terrass’’ Rooftop Bar, Sequoia Rooftop Bar, and Too TacTac Skybar. 

23. Stay in a Hotel With Air Conditioning

This is essential when it comes to things to do in Paris in the summer. You’re going to want a hotel with A/C. Maybe it is the American in me, but I can’t handle a hot night when I’m trying to get my beauty rest. 

I’ll deal with the heat during the day, but I like it cool while I sleep. But also, global warming is making A/C almost essential these days, and I highly recommend booking a hotel that allows you to cool off on hot days. 

Some hotel options include Hotel des Artes-Montmartre, Terrass’’ Hotel by MH in Montmartre, Hotel Atmospheres near Saint Germain, Hotel Odeon Saint Germain, and even places like Maison Souquet (in Pigalle) or the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal (near the Louvre) if you want a little luxury. 

Paris in Summer Weather

Paris is typically pretty warm in the summertime. It can be quite pleasant some of the time and perfect for exploring the city. However, heat waves can and do happen and it can be really warm. 

Yes, it is also pretty common to have days that are hot, sunny, and in the 80ºs/90ºF (27º-32ºC+). So be prepared for that, and perhaps bring a hat, sunglasses, and definitely sunscreen. Yes, you can get sunburnt even in the middle of the city in the summertime. 

Here are the monthly average temperatures and rainfall in Paris in the summer: 

• June: High of 74ºF (23ºC) and low of 57ºF (14ºC). Average number of rainy days in Paris in June: 8 days.
• July: High of 78ºF (26ºC) and low of 61ºF (16ºC). Average number rainy days in July: 7 days. 
• August: High of 78ºF (26ºC) and low of 60ºF (16ºC). Average number of rainy days in August: 6 days. 

Again, this can vary by year. Some years there is a lot of rainfall and it will be a little cooler. Some years it is super hot with crazy heat waves and you’re sweating the second you walk outside. It really is a toss up. 

Just be prepared for either and check the weather ahead of your trip. 

Paris Summer Outfits and Paris Style in the Summer

I have a whole guide on overall what to wear in Paris for a more exhaustive packing list including toiletries, basics, electronics, etc. 

However, if you’re coming to Paris during summer, here are some key things to wear. 

For the ladies, I am going to let you in on something you may or may not know about, but it seriously saved me last summer in Paris: nipple covers.

These things stick on and stay on… Not having to wear an uncomfortable bra in the middle of the hot summer in Paris is honestly great. 

And feel free to go braless too. I noticed many ladies who had also chosen to not wear a restrictive bra in this heat. You do you. 

Another life-saver for those with chub rub: Body Glide.

Also, cooler fabrics like linen and cotton are a lifesaver as well. I enjoy lovely sundresses, breezy skirts, and tanks or tops to wear with the skirts. Jeans are also an option! You can wear a tank or cooler top with jeans if you want to! 

There is also the option of fun jumpsuits/rompers like this one that make for a fun Paris in summer outfit! 

Shorts aren’t usually as big in Paris, but with the heat, you’ll see more Parisians rocking shorts. Just not short shorts. Something a bit more dressy like this will work perfectly. 

You can bring a light jacket or jean jacket to layer in the mornings or if you happen to be there during a cooler summer. 

I also always pack an umbrella because you never know with Paris when it’ll rain, and I love this Uniqlo bag for carrying my things.

Shoes are also important. I would say wear all the sandals you like, but the streets of Paris can be pretty gross, so I don’t advise that. Instead, opt for comfortable shoes with breathable socks. I love my Adidas shoes that I wear all the time. They’re comfortable and great for walking around all day. 

You can wear things like flats too if you wish, I just don’t suggest open-toe shoes if you’re wearing them all day. Think comfortable shoes that let your feet breathe and don’t get your feet dirty. 

For men, regular shorts, jeans, and nicer tops and tees work well too. Again, Adidas shoes are great for walking around all day. Maybe bring loafers and darker jeans or something comfortable but dressy for evenings at a nicer restaurant. 

French people have their own unique styles, but honestly sticking to basics with a polished finish is key. And confidence. Just be confident in what you’re wearing! 

Other Things to Know About Visiting Paris in the Summer

Before you hop on the plane to enjoy the best of Paris in the summer, here are some key things to note! 

• It is the high season for tourism. It is many people’s school holidays this time of the year, so people are traveling around Paris during this time. Expect lines to be long in very touristy areas including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, etc. Be sure to make reservations for dinner in advance as well as book skip-the-line tickets to places like the Louvre. Note that August is definitely less crowded with Parisians on vacation, but the tourists are still there so book museums/attractions in advance.
• It is also France’s vacation season. Especially in August, a lot of places are closed. Now, this is a bigger issue in smaller towns than in Paris, but you may find some restaurants closed for the summer holiday. It can be helpful to plan and see if restaurants are open when you’re visiting. 
• Enjoy the public holidays. I’ve mentioned Bastille Day on July 14, but the Feast of the Assumption is on August 15. The Feast of the Assumption is a Catholic holiday that commemorates the Virgin Mary being taken into Heaven. On public holidays, many museums, restaurants, etc. are closed. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed that Monday. 
• Days are long. We’re talking like sunrises begin before 6 am and it doesn’t get dark until almost 10 pm. It is great for long days of exploring…but not so great for sleep. If you don’t have a hotel with blackout curtains, you may want to get an eye mask to get shuteye. This also means the Eiffel Tower doesn’t stay lit as long as it doesn’t light up until dusk. 
• Take advantage of free water. The tap water in Paris is good quality water, so you can drink from the tap. I fill up a small water bottle to sip on during hot days. Plus, you can fill up on the go at several decorative fountains around the city that look like the photo below. There are also water spigots in most parks in the city you can use to fill up your water bottle too. Plus, if you want free tap water at restaurants, simply ask for tap water or une carafe d’eau. Note that places in the city with signs saying “eau non potable” are not safe for drinking. 
• As always, learn a little French. I have a whole guide about the most useful French phrases to know before you visit. I even include how to say them. However, many people in Paris speak English, so don’t stress too much if you’re not fluent.
• Always say Bonjour/Bonsoir. It is so important to say bonjour or bonsoir before asking questions to a shopkeeper, cafe worker, etc. It is seen as rude not to. It can be tricky to know which to say as bonjour means “good day” and bonsoir means “good evening”, especially during the summertime when sunset is around 9:30-10 pm. I usually switch around 5 pm, but in the summertime, perhaps later in the evening around 7 pm is better. 

Why Visit Paris in the Summer?

I mean, Paris is a dream to visit year-round. I’ve visited Paris in January, during the autumn months, at the peak of summer, and even in the charming spring. I’ve found something to love about each and every season in Paris. 

The days are longer, the flowers and trees are lovely around the city, and yes, you can even escape the crowds if you avoid the big touristy areas in Paris in summer. 

While spring and fall may be my favorite seasons in Paris, you cannot go wrong with time spent exploring Paris during the summer. With its unique events that happen only in the summer, the heart of Paris bustling with life (at least until August), and plenty of parks to have a charming picnic in the shade, you may just fall in love with Paris this time of year too. 

Would you like to spend the summer in Paris? 

Want more Paris travel ideas? Check out these posts!

• How to Spend 1 Day in Paris
• Ultimate 2 Days in Paris
• Perfect 3 Days in Paris 
• Paris in 4 Days
• How to Spend 5 Days in Paris
• Paris in a Week: How to See the Best of Paris in Just 7 Days
• Ultimate 10-Day France Itinerary: 10 Ways to Spend 10 Days in France
• Paris Bucket List
• Top Weekend Trips From Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris Based on Your Travel Style
• Solo Travel Paris Guide
• Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris
• Best Gifts For the Paris Lover
• Paris Olympics Guide
• 43 Hidden Gems of Paris
• Paris Travel Tips For First Timers
• When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

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