Things to do in Paris in Summer

During the summer, who prefers going to the South of France and escaping from cloudy Paris’ noisy roads? Many Parisians, obviously. But in Paris, nothing is impossible: spending the summer in the capital city can be much more exciting than exiling in the sea.

Go To The Beach At The Foot Of Your Apartment: Paris Plages

From July 20th to September 4th, the docks turn into a beach for Parisians’ and tourists’ pleasure. Plenty of activities are proposed: on Voie Georges Pompidou, taichi, water sports, beach volleyball. If you just want to have a rest, get a deckchair for sunbathing. At La Villette, you also have canoe kayak, mini-golf and pedal boat.

Cultivate And Have Fun: Summer Festivals

Every music lover will enjoy themselves with Paris Jazz Festival, Rock en Seine or Paris Hip-hop. Art lovers in general will like Paris Quartier d’été: dance, plays, the circus will be honored in public places such as parks or avenues. I really like the concept of this festival: its aim is gathering popular shows and classical culture, amateurs, and professional artists.

A Haven Of Peace In The Heart Of Paris: Buttes Chaumont Park

Whereas in the Luxembourg or Tuileries Gardens you can’t sit on the precious lawn, in Buttes Chaumont Park, it’s totally allowed. Here the natural environment is fully respected: you’ll find a lake, a waterfall, and the alleys are not only straight and severe but torturous and stony as well. Lie down on the mounts and have a sunbath in that very particular and lovely atmosphere!

Outdoor Cinema: La Villette

From July 20th to August 20th, La Villette Park organizes a movie projection almost every evening. It begins at 10 pm when it gets dark. The movies are from different countries and different times: for example, this year, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Revolutionary Road, and Ratatouille will be showing. So get a deck chair, relax, this is a friendly experience (and also a perfect way to improve your French!).

A Nice Event For Parents And Children, Friends, And Couples: Tuileries Garden’s Funfair

Until August 27th, the Tuileries garden is transformed into a big funfair. Even if you don’t want to try carousels (some are terrifying!), walking in the alleys with candy floss will remind you of your childhood. Besides, there are many activities which won’t let you leave the funfair empty-handed. For example, the rifle or the “chamboultout” (a game where you must throw a ball to make cans fall) might give you a chance of winning some stuffed animals or high-tech gadgets.

Cool Off And Have A Rest: Jardin Plage

During the summer, the zoological garden (Les Sablons station, 1st line) adapts to the heat and the sun. Deckchairs, fountains, water shoots, free activities for children… All you need to spend a refreshing and pleasant moment!

A Bucolic Excursion In The West Of Paris: Albert Kahn’s Gardens

Albert Kahn was a humanist patron who believed in peace and cooperation between nations. That’s why he created these gardens (in the West of Paris, Boulogne Billancourt station on the 10th line), which gather the three types of gardens: French, English and Japanese. Having a walk in this place is just gorgeous and exotic.

Party As Much As You Want: Dancing On A Boat Or An Outdoor Terrace

As soon as the warm weather arrives, houseboats become nightclubs, such as Le Batofar (Cour Saint Emilion station on the 14th line, or Quai de la Gare station on the 6th line) which opens a summer terrace. Whereas Le Batofar is specialized in electro music, other boats in the same area focus on French and World music, for example, the houseboats El Alamein or La Dame de Canton. Besides boats, some concert halls and bars have a summer terrace too, such as Le Point Ephémère (Jaurès station on the 5th and 7th line) along the Canal Saint Martin.

Admire Beautiful Exhibitions: Special Events In Parisian Museums

You can visit Palais Galliera, a museum of fashion. Until August 13th, you can see a fabulous exhibition of French singer Dalida’s clothes called “Dalida, la Garde-robe de la Ville à la scène”. A real trip to the past… So if you are fond of vintage outfits, this exhibition is for you! This is really a “must do” in Paris.

There is also the fabulous exhibition – “Portraits of Cézanne” at Musée d’Orsay. If you love impressionism or if you’re a huge fan of french painter Cézanne, you’ll be able to admire some of his master pieces until September 24th.

Have a look upon your head with Les Nuits des Etoiles

From July 28th to July 30th, you have the chance to observe the sky and take classes of astronomy. Different places in Paris are engaged in this event, like for example the Tour Montparnasse. Just take the fastest elevator in Europe during 38 secondes and admire Paris’ sky from a 196-meter high point of view.

Discover The Life Of Wild Animals At Parc Zoologique

If you or your kids are animal lovers, you will be glad to visit the park this summer. Until July 30th, you can visit the park at night every Thursday (it is open until 10.30 p.m). In the middle of the 12th district, you will see how the animal trainers are, for example, feeding the sea lions.

Have a picnic at Place des Vosges

This is one of the most famous places in Paris. Located in a very luxurious neighborhood, the very peaceful garden Place des Vosges is the ideal place for a picnic. Have a sit in the grass, under the trees and enjoy a lovely and quiet moment.

Eat the best ice cream in Paris

You have probably heard about the delicious ice creams of Mr. Berthillon. He is in the top 10 ice creamers in the world! His main shop is located on Ile Saint Louis, but you will find a lot of resellers everywhere in Paris. This is really something you have to do in Paris. And to add something really pleasant at this delicious ice cream, why not enjoy it in one of the sunny parks I mentioned before?

So who said that Paris was boring during the summer? Feel free to explore and enjoy your holidays!