Things to do in Paris in July

Paris switches to its vacation atmosphere, with the Parisians deserting their stifling offices, taking on their flip-flops and bikinis, and enjoying a more relaxed city life. If you’re coming to Paris in July, read on this article and find out some of the things to do in Paris in July.

If you’ve been to Paris in another season, you will enjoy the sharp contrast with the gloomy months of winter. To fully experience the capital when the sun is high, those things to do in Paris in July are a must! However July is also the peak season for tourism and you may soon feel overwhelmed by the crowds around the most touristic attractions. Hence, for your eyes only, we found you things to do in Paris in July where you can encounter the genuine Paris.

Celebrate with the locals the most important French celebration

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First, the Bastille Day, on the 14th of July. It is the “fête nationale”, the national holiday that commemorates the beginning of the French revolution and the start of the french struggle for democracy. It is the best day of summer. You can spend the evening dancing at one of the numerous balls that are organized by the city. They are also called the “bal des pompiers”, because the tradition of those balls are to be held by the fire services in their stations around the city. You can also cheer the official parade on the Champs-Elysées Avenue, starting at 10 am!

And of course don’t miss the unforgettable fireworks on the Champ de Mars at 11 pm! Find a good spot in the garden of the Champs de Mars, just under the Eiffel Tower, or on the stairs of the Trocadéro. It can get very difficult to be close to the Eiffel Tower, because people actually come earlier to make sure they find the best view to enjoy the fireworks.

I usually stay near the Place de la Concorde or at Jardin des Tuileries to admire the fireworks. The view still is pretty spectacular and you get to take amazing panoramic Paris pictures! To celebrate the most important French celebration is for sure one of the things to do, if you happen to be in Paris in July!

Watch the Tour de France finale

The Tour de France is the most appreciated sports event in the country and it ends in Paris! The 2019 year marks the 106th edition of the Tour de France. The world’s best cyclists compete all around France, racing over 3500 km of rural, mountainous and coastak terrain. The tour ends for the final and crucial sprint down the Champs-Elysées of Paris on July, 28th.

Enjoy vintage cars

If you enjoy vintage cars, you have to see the Traversée de Paris. This event is organized by the Vincennes en Anciennes association and gathers more than 700 vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, and many more, of all brands and times. It happens on July, 21st. On this day, vintage cars travel all around the city!

Enjoy sales like Parisians do

You want to treat yourself with the latest Parisian trends? Don’t miss the summer sales in Paris, from June, 26th until August, 6th! Discounts start at 30% off and on the final days they can reach 70% off. You can enjoy Parisian sales in every store, from the little trendy fashion shops in the Marais neighborhood to the Grands Magasins, huge shops like the Galeries Lafayette, Printemps or Bon Marché.

If you want my advice, I would suggest you to go a few days before the official sales start to check which items catch your attention and try them on. That way, you won’t lose too much time and you will be able to make the most of the Parisian sales!

Fly over Paris city

Then, float away from the mobs in the Ballon de Paris. It is a hot air balloon flying over the Parc André Citroën. This innovative park will surprise you with its glasshouses, computerised fountains, waterfalls, wilderness and themed gardens. You will be amazed by the panoramic view of Paris from the balloon. It is absolutely gorgeous! And few are those who come to Paris and get to fly in a hot air balloon over the city. It is one of the things to do in Paris in July because the weather is perfect and ideal for this activity!

Have a different kind of walk in Paris

Another thing to do in Paris in July is to ride a bike through the Coulée Verte, which is also known as “la Promenade Plantée”. It is a five kilometers long trail made up of elevated gardens and tree-lined cycling paths.

You will be able to walk or ride through many parisian gardens such as the Jardin Hector-Malot, Jardin de Reuilly, Square Charles-Péguy. The path starts at Bastille, on top of the staircases at Avenue Dausmenil and ends at Bois de Vincennes. This is a must do in Paris in July, to get a fresh, green, incredible new perspective on Paris! You will be impressed by the surprises you will meet along the way!

Go to a fun fair just like you’ve imagined it!

Another nice way to spend an afternoon in Paris in July is to go to Fête des Tuileries. The Fête des Tuileries is a fun fair happening from June, 22nd to August, 25th. It has a strong family and traditional atmosphere with lots of fair ground attractions and many fun rides for children!

Many of us have this idea of fun fairs made up by the cinema industry without even going to one. Well, this time you get to live it for real. Have fun in a true Parisian fun fair with your lover, your friends, your family. Fun is guaranteed. You also get to try the best fun fair traditional sweets and dishes like cotton candy, “Pomme d’amour” (candy apple, in English), crepes, waffles, churros, and many more! Yummy!

A July night like never before

As soon as it gets dark, the Parc de la Villette turns into an Open Air Cinema! During the summer, one of the greatest parisian events is happening!

From 7pm, movies in their original language (with French subtitles) will be broadcasted in Parc de la Villette. How cool is that? From classic movies to best releases from recent years, this is a chance to spend a great moment in front of the big screen showing all time high-rated movies. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine or some popcorns for example. It is an uncommon wonderful way of spending a July night in Paris! Plus, it’s free, so you really have no excuses!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of things to do in Paris in July! The things I recommended are very special and were carefully chosen for you, because those really are things, us Parisians, do. And you will love these just like we do! Parisians staying in Paris in July do these activities and go to these events. If you’re all about living the city just like locals, you will be satisfied by this selection. Indeed, you will be surrounded by Parisians! And if you want your stay in Paris to be even more special, join locals for a boules games! À très vite!