Paris is beautiful year-round, but summer brings a special energy to the city. Long sunny days, lively terraces, outdoor events, and a more relaxed atmosphere make it one of the best seasons to visit the French capital. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to discover a different side of Paris, here are 12 experiences you shouldn’t miss this summer.
Summer in Paris is generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. However, heatwaves have become increasingly common, and temperatures can occasionally exceed 35°C.
Be sure to pack lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a high-protection sunscreen (SPF50). Thermal spring water sprays and mosquito repellents are also useful during the hottest days. You can easily find all these summer essentials at Parapharmacie Monge (Click here for details), one of Paris’s most popular beauty and wellness shopping destinations.
Did you know you can enjoy a beach atmosphere right in the heart of Paris?
Every summer, Paris Plages transforms parts of the Seine riverbanks into urban beaches complete with deck chairs, parasols, activities, and relaxation areas.
One of the most exciting recent developments is the opening of designated swimming areas in the Seine, following the river’s extensive cleanup two years ago for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Visitors can now swim in supervised zones located at:
Bercy
Grenelle (near the Eiffel Tower)
Bras Marie (Île Saint-Louis)
It’s a unique way to experience Paris during the summer months.
Pick up a fresh baguette, cheese, seasonal fruits, and snacks from a local market, then find a spot along the riverbanks.
As the sun sets, locals gather to chat, relax, and enjoy the long summer evenings. It’s an affordable and memorable way to experience everyday Parisian life.
Summer is festival season in Paris. The city hosts numerous outdoor events, from the famous Fête de la Musique on June 21 to major festivals such as Paris Jazz Festival, Rock en Seine, and The Peacock Society.
Film lovers can also enjoy outdoor screenings at Parc de la Villette, where movies are shown under the stars throughout the summer.
Summer is one of the best times to shop in Paris thanks to the famous French sales season, known as Les Soldes. Running from late June through July, shoppers can enjoy significant discounts on fashion, beauty products, and luxury goods.
One of Paris’s most iconic department stores, Printemps Haussmann offers visitors an exclusive O’bon Paris benefit.
Present your invitation (Click here to download the coupon) at the reception desk of Printemps Haussmann (Women’s Building, 1st Floor) to enjoy:
An additional 5% discount on your purchases
A complimentary Machi Machi bubble tea. Available with a minimum purchase of €188
An extra great news, tourists from non-European countries can now enjoy a 16% tax refund, up from the previous 12%.
Discover more than 110 fashion and lifestyle boutiques with unmissable savings. Open 7 days a week, 40 minutes from the center of Paris and 5 minutes from Disneyland.
Special Offer: (click here to download your offer)
Enjoy 10 % additional discounts
Hands-Free Shopping service
A sweet treat at Amorino for a minimum spent of €100
July 14 marks Bastille Day, France’s National Day and one of the country’s most important celebrations.
During the day, visitors can watch the military parade along the Champs-Élysées. In the evening, thousands gather around the Eiffel Tower to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Paris skyline.
It’s one of the most unforgettable nights of the year in Paris.
Summer is rooftop season in Paris. One of the city’s most beautiful summer terraces is La Terrasse Le Picnic by Veuve Clicquot, located on the 7th floor of Printemps Femme.
This elegant rooftop offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Madeleine Church, and Paris’s iconic rooftops.
Visitors can enjoy:
Gourmet picnic menus
Vegetarian, fish, or meat options
Veuve Clicquot champagne
Breakfast, lunch, and aperitif experiences
Open daily until September 30, weather permitting.
For travelers looking for a chic summer atmosphere with one of the best panoramic views in Paris, this rooftop is not to be missed. (Reserve it now!)
Summer is the perfect season to explore beyond the capital.
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Popular day-trip destinations include Giverny, where you can visit Monet’s famous gardens, the Palace of Versailles and its spectacular fountains, and charming seaside towns such as Deauville, Honfleur, and Étretat.
Thanks to longer daylight hours and generally stable weather, summer offers ideal conditions for discovering the French countryside.
Want to experience a traditional French pastime?
Head to parks such as Arènes de Lutèce, where locals gather to play pétanque, a classic French game involving metal balls and friendly competition.
Even if you’ve never played before, watching a match is a great way to experience local culture.
France is known for its excellent produce, and summer is the best time to enjoy it.
Visit a local market and try juicy peaches, flat peaches, cherries, berries, and fragrant melons. For a classic French summer snack, pair fresh melon with jambon (French ham).
Simple, fresh, and delicious.
No Paris summer is complete without ice cream.
From artisanal gelato to creative French flavors, Paris is home to some of the country’s best ice cream shops. Skip the supermarket versions and discover the local favorites loved by Parisians.
Check out our dedicated guide for the best ice cream spots in Paris.
A Seine River cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to discover Paris.
As you glide past landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay, you’ll enjoy a completely different perspective of the city.
For a classic Parisian experience, choose an evening cruise with Bateaux-Mouches. Watching the sunset over Paris from the water is one of the most memorable experiences of a summer trip to the French capital.
Article & photos : Obonparis