How to visit Paris in summer
Our guide to urban beaches, epic music festivals, spectacular fireworks, and sizzling summer sales.
There’s no better time to visit Paris than summer. From June to August, the city turns up the heat—literally and figuratively. While summer is the peak tourist season, it’s also when many locals go away on vacation, so you’ll get the city all to yourself, complete with street festivals, outdoor events, pop-up restaurants, and more. The long summer days will also give you the chance to pack in a lot of sightseeing, since the sun doesn't start to set until after 9 p.m.
What to wear tip: Besides those vacay outfits (summer dresses, casual sandals, linen shirts), you'll want to pack waterproof shoes and jackets—despite the warm temperatures, a Parisian summer can bring sudden storms. And while the nights are short, they can also get brisk, so don’t forget to bring a light jacket.
Now, put on your most stylish sunglasses and get ready for a boost of vitamin D. Here are 10 ideas for making the most of a Parisian summer.
1. Get a tan by the river.
It’s hard to think of summer without picturing golden sand and crystal-clear waters. While Paris is nowhere near the coast, you won’t have to miss out on a beach getaway. Every year, July marks the return of the Paris Plages, an innovative concept that transforms the city’s riverbanks into a beachside haven and brings on the fun with deck chairs, palm trees, and sun umbrellas galore.
Where to go: Enjoy a relaxing nap on a beach chair by the Parc Rives de Seine, take a dip in the Bassin de la Villette’s swimming pools, or sweat it out with some outdoor sports at Les Jardins du Trocadéro.
Travelers say: “I felt it was important during my recent visit to just take some time out to also chill by the Seine instead of trying to rush around constantly sightseeing so was delighted to visit the Paris Plages. We got off the metro at Châtelet and the crossed the road. descending the steps tk the Plages. Firstly don't go expecting an area of sandy beach. The Plages are basically areas where deck chairs or plastic sunbeds with tables line the banks of the seine allowing you to sit back and watch the passing boats on the Seine or watching people walk, cycle or run along the bank.”—@BeanyBeagle
2. Shop the summer sales.
Shopaholics, mark your calendars. The city's annual summer sales, known as les soldes d'été, typically begin in late June or early July. The dates are regulated by the government. And a tip: For the best bargains, wait until later on in the sales, since prices are progressively reduced.
Where to go: You'll get the most bang for your buck by visiting the Golden Triangle: Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This upper-crust area is chock-full of luxury boutiques (Dior, Louis Vuitton, Balmain). But don't sleep on the rest of the city: You'll even find sales at affordable spots like France's answer to Target, Monoprix, which has locations all over the city.
3. Sail down the Seine.
Walking down Paris’ cobbled streets in the summer heat can be exhausting. Treat yourself to a leisurely trip down the Seine, like this dinner cruise or this daytime expedition—both end of a high note with free French crepes right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Sit back, relax, and enjoy unobstructed views of monuments like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
Tip: Though they're recommended in summer, you don't need a reservation to ride the Bateaux-Mouches, which depart from Pont d'Alma near the Eiffel Tower. But be prepared for long lines.
Travelers say: “Have done this cruise several times while living in Paris and now as I return to visit. The sunset and evening hours are the best with all the moments lit up. Great for adults and children alike.”—@BuckEyeChef
4. Explore the local markets.
Dating back to the 5th century, Parisian street markets have withstood the test of time—and the internet. Take a stroll, and you’ll soon bid adieu to online grocery shopping. Summertime is ideal for wandering through open-air spots like Bastille Market, where you'll find an array of fresh fruits, cheeses, and fish. Open on Thursdays and Sundays, this bustling daytime market is a heady mix of sights, smells, and sounds.
Tip: For an all-day experience, check out Marche d’Aligre, which has indoor and outdoor stalls that stay open until the evening—don’t miss out a cafe au lait at Café Aouba, one of the few local coffee roasters in Paris.
Travelers say: “The Bastille Market was great. There was a wide variety of merchandise to peruse. The fresh fruit, flowers, sweets, cheeses, meats, & baked goods were incredible. Seafood galore! Many interesting people were out as well. A good experience.”—@SavannahBelle318
5. Beat the heat with a museum tour.
Is the sweltering summer heat a little too hot to handle? At least you’re in Paris, home to some of the world’s best museums—like the Louvre—where you can spend the hottest parts of the day indoors without feeling like you’re missing out.
Tip: Skip the line with this guided tour of the Louvre. You’ll get to see the iconic Mona Lisa up close, as well as other hidden gems recommended by your guide.
Travelers say: “This place is chaotic but we hired a private tour guide who got us in and past all the lines, knew exactly where everything was located, we saw everything we wanted to see as well as other art the guide showed us…. It was all amazing… seeing the Venus di milo and Mona Lisa was a must…… the other interesting part was beneath the museum where the original walls of the museum was preserved… there was the original moat etc.. we would have never gone down below ….the guide knew all the secret spots….. I would not do this without a private guide.”—@CAD6666
6. Wait at the Tour de France finish line.
Feel the thrill as you watch history being made. Paris is the heart of the Tour de France action, serving as the final stage of the legendary competition. After more than three weeks of racing across France, the cyclists will cross the finishing line at the Avenue des Champs-Elysees—usually late in July. Who will win the coveted yellow jersey? You’ll be one of the first to know.
Tip: Don't try to watch from the crowded Champs-Élysées. For great viewing (with fewer crowds), exit the Metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre and find a place on Rue de Rivoli near the Jardin des Tuileries.
7. Watch a movie under the stars.
Summer is the season of open-air cinema festivals in Paris, where locals and tourists take advantage of the balmy weather to watch movies outdoors. As dusk falls, projectors begin to whir across the city, beaming films onto wide screens. Lay back on the soft green lawns of Parc de la Villette, where the Cinéma en plein air (Open Air Cinema Festival) airs both French and international films for free.
Tip: For a rooftop experience, head to Bar à Bulles at La Machine du Moulin Rouge. Sink down in a comfortable deck chair, slip on the provided headphones, and dive right into an immersive experience beneath the stars. The annual summertime Cinéma sur le toit (Cinema On the Roof) film festival offers free screenings atop the iconic scarlet rooftop terrace, under the wings of the Moulin Rouge.
Travelers say: “The Parc Villette sits in the northeastern corner of Paris, an area most tourists don’t come across by chance. But it holds an impressive array of buildings and activities that make a visit most worthwhile, so plan to visit and spend at least a few hours there. The science and technology museum sits at one end of Parc Villette with the Cite de la Musique, home of the Paris Philharmonic Orchestra at the other. In between there is a carnival with a carousel, playground equipment, places to eat, and so much more.”—@Jan B
8. Make the most of Disneyland’s extended hours.
With longer daytime hours (read: more time to spend on thrilling rides), summer is the best time to max out your visit to Disneyland Paris. Make your adventure even more magical with our guide to Disneyland Paris, where you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need.
Tip: For a memorable Pride celebration, visit Disneyland Paris in June when it turns into a rainbow paradise during the annual event. The fabulous extravaganza features live concerts, a colorful parade, and extended hours.
Travelers say: “This was our first time in Disney Paris! It was amazing. All the staff helpful and the rides were great. I have a disability and due to that I could ask for a priority pass which allowed me and my family to enjoy the rides without making a line. Definitely a great experience”—@Carolina Navas
9. Celebrate Bastille Day.
On July 14, Paris erupts into a joyous celebration for Bastille Day. Kick off the festivities at the Arc de Triomphe, where the military parade begins its march toward the Place de la Concorde. You can also watch the planes soar through the sky. The best places to get a view of the impressive flyover include the Jardin des Tuileries and the Esplanade des Invalides.
Afterward, pack a picnic basket and blanket, and make a beeline for Parc du Champ de Mars. Enjoy the fresh air and free concert as you camp out for the grand finalé: a spectacular fireworks display set off at the Eiffel Tower, which usually kicks off at 11 p.m.
Tip: Keep the party going at a Bal des Pompiers (Firemen’s Ball), a traditional celebration that is anything but old-school. On Bastille Day, each arrondissement’s main fire station opens up its courtyard to the public for a special party. Sip some champagne, sing along to rousing renditions of “La Marseillaise,” and dance the night away.
Travelers say: “I’d wanted to go to the 14th July parade for many years but found it very hard to get accurate information about the best place to stand and what time to be on the Champs-Elysees to snare a good viewing spot. I finally made it in 2022 and so I offer these tips in the hope that they might help others. Firstly, it is important to note that many websites and travel books provide very inaccurate information by stating that the parade goes from the Arc de Triomph to the Place Concorde and suggesting you can stand just about anywhere along the Champs-Elysees and see everything. Because the parade is so long the head of the marching column actually forms up far along the Champs-Elysees next to the Grand Palais. So, unless you are well down to the eastern end of the avenue you will miss a section of the parade.”—@Geoffrey W
10. Jam out at the epic World Music Day.
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, and there’s no better way to spend it than being part of Fête de la Musique. Also known as World Music Day (or Make Music Day), this free festival was born in 1982 and aims to bring people together through the power of music. On June 21, performers take over streets, major squares, and parks, inviting the crowds to join in the festivities. From amateur DJs to Irish folk singers, it's a huge street music party.
Tip: While you’ll likely find a live band on every corner, the most well-known stages are at the Petit Palais, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Institut du Monde Arabe. And you won’t have to worry about getting back to your hotel after the midsummer musical bash—on this special night, all public transport options in Paris run until very late.
Travelers say: “A quick visit to 17th century Luxembourg Gardens. There is plenty of seating in various locations. The standout was the Medici Fountain. Truly stunning with the shaped trees and sculptures. There is large expanses of gardens with sculptures scattered around the gardens. On a sunny day, bring a hat and water.”—@Belinda A
