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Summer time in Paris at all times sparks debate. Some say August is the worst—too scorching, too crowded, half the town shut. Others swear it’s the very best time to go to. Truthfully? Each are proper.
There’s a lot to like. And some issues to brace for. Paris in summer season has its attraction—but additionally its temper swings.
After 20 years right here, I’ve seen each sort of Parisian summer season. I’ve escaped the warmth with chilled wine on a shaded terrasse, danced at road concert events, and waited manner too lengthy in strains behind sweating vacationers.
At its finest, Paris in summer season appears like one lengthy social gathering. Music within the streets, terrasses packed previous midnight, Aperol Spritz is virtually a meals group.
If what to anticipate—and what to skip—it may be a superb time to go to. This information provides you the total image. Simply details, no fluff. (Plus an summary of occasions on the finish!)
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning professional and parisienne since 2006 🩷
📌 200+ handpicked spots I really love – Get free entry to my Paris map 🗺️
Summer time in Paris: Love It or Go away It?
Summer time in Paris buzzes—with vacationers, vibes and the occasional warmth. However what’s it actually prefer to be right here throughout these months? Right here’s what to anticipate, straight from somebody who’s lived it.
Additionally Learn my Paris by Month Guides:
Climate & Heatwaves (Canicule)
Summer time in Paris runs from June by means of September, and most days are genuinely nice.
Count on heat afternoons, gentle mornings and evenings, and the occasional rain bathe—particularly in June. From July to early September, it stays principally snug, with daytime highs round 25 °C (77 °F).
However when a canicule hits—normally in July or August—it will get intense, and it’s making summers much less predictable. Temps can shoot previous 35 °C (95 °F), and nights provide little aid.
➤ Additionally Learn: Paris When It’s Scorching: 15 Methods to Beat the Warmth
These scorching spells aren’t uncommon anymore. They hit each summer season, generally two or 3 times, typically with barely a break in between.
That’s when locals keep indoors, shutters keep shut, and parks turn into the one bearable locations.
Summer time Crowds and Vacation Closures
July and August are the excessive season of the excessive season. It’s peak tourism when worldwide guests flood in simply as Parisians head out. Lengthy strains on the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame (in fact) are the norm. That is the busiest the town will get.
There’s a standard assumption—principally from August critics—that Paris shuts down utterly. It doesn’t. Particularly not within the centre.
Positive, right here and there a café takes its summer season break. However most eating places, retailers, and bars round central Paris keep open to fulfill vacationer demand.
Within the outer arrondissements and extra residential neighbourhoods, closures are extra noticeable. You would possibly discover a boulangerie or your favorite nook bistro closed for a number of weeks. Nonetheless, you’re by no means removed from an open one—there are many alternate options.
And vacationer sights? All the time open.
Air Conditioning in Paris: Don’t Depend On It
Air-con is perhaps customary elsewhere—however not in Paris. Most eating places don’t have it. Many retailers don’t both. Even the museum are getting surprisingly scorching. And in motels? It’s removed from assured.
In case your lodge doesn’t clearly point out air‑conditioning, assume it’s not there. It’s not customary, particularly in older buildings. So throughout summer season, be sure that to guide lodging that’s clearly mentioning that they’ve AC.
Summer time in Paris: Finest Issues to Do
Whether or not June or late August, the town gives wealthy experiences past sightseeing. For those who love occasions, then the summer season months are the finest time to go to Paris.
Listed here are my prime picks:
#1 Go to the Prime Sights (and guide early!)
➤ Additionally learn 12 Should-See Sights for First-Time Guests
No Paris summer season is full with out the classics—the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, Sacré-Cœur, and Notre-Dame.
They’re on each listing for a motive, and summer season isn’t any exception. However anticipate crowds. And lengthy queues—typically in full solar.
To skip the worst of it, guide your tickets upfront. Many in style spots promote out days forward, particularly in July and August. A bit planning saves numerous time—and sweat.
Right here’s an inventory of sights for you that promote out particularly fast:
#2 Attend Fête de la Musique
On June 21, Paris turns into one big open-air music competition—and for those who’re on the town, it’s unattainable to overlook.
From cafés and bars to sidewalks and plazas, free concert events get away all over the place. Large phases draw crowds, however the very best moments typically come from the smaller ones—only a voice and a guitar in some facet road.
I normally hop off the metro at République and zigzag by means of the Marais, throughout Île de la Cité, and as much as the Panthéon—taking detours each time one thing catches my ear.
#3 Loosen up at Paris Plages
Paris Plages kicks off it’s summer season vacation program on July 5, 2025, and runs by means of August 31. Some places stay even open till early September. The theme this 12 months? Brazil!
Think about city seashores with deckchairs, palm bushes, and pop-up bars lining the Seine, Canal Saint-Martin, and Bassin de la Villette.
You’ll discover all the pieces there—concert events, dance workshops, pétanque courts, swimming swimming pools within the nineteenth arrondissement, video games for youths and adults alike, plus meals vans and ice cream stalls
It’s an ideal place to unwind: chill out by the water, be a part of a dance class, sip a chilly drink, or simply absorb the festive vibe.
#4 Swim within the Seine
This summer season, swimming within the Seine isn’t only a dream—it’s taking place. For the primary time in over a century, three swimming websites open July 5 to August 31, 2025:
Town spent greater than €1 billion cleansing the river for the 2024 Olympics and this summer season it’s open to everybody, at no cost! Every spot options lifeguards, altering rooms, lockers,and showers.
#5 Take pleasure in Competition Fnac Dwell Paris
From July 2 to 4, 2025, the Fnac Dwell Competition returns to the Hôtel de Ville, bringing three nights of free concert events to central Paris.
The road-up contains 20 artists that take the stage from 17:00 to midnight on the newly greened parvis. Count on a combination large names and recent expertise, with sounds overlaying all the pieces from pop to indie to electro.
This 12 months’s acts embrace St. Vincent, Eddy de Pretto, Olivia Ruiz, Air, and lots of extra.
#6 Watch Movies Outdoor at La Villette
Now in its thirty fourth version, the open-air cinema at La Villette is likely one of the hottest summer season occasions in northeast Paris.
From July 23 to August 17, free screenings run 5 nights every week at La Villette.
This 12 months, there’s much more: 6 p.m. household classes, and 9 p.m. classics—early sufficient to catch the final metro dwelling.
Deliver a blanket or guide a deckchair on-line. It’s relaxed, native, and at all times attracts a crowd. You possibly can take a look on the program right here.
#7 Be part of a River Cruise on the Seine
➤ Additionally learn 5 Finest Seine River Cruise in Paris: Your Final Information
A cruise on the Seine is at all times a wise transfer— cool breeze (hopefully) and iconic views, all whilst you can lean again and chill out.
Basic choices like Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf run all day and night, providing all the pieces from easy one-hour loops to full dinner cruises.
➤ That is the most affordable and hottest Sightseeing Cruise in Paris ➤
Sit on the highest deck for the very best views, however don’t overlook sunscreen and a hat—there’s no shade, and the solar can hit onerous. The wind normally helps take the sting off, however doesn’t stop sunburns.
My Tip: The view from inside is simply pretty much as good—and it’s typically a lot calmer than the packed higher deck.
#8 Picnic by the Seine at Sundown
➤ For snack concepts, learn: Apéro Time: All concerning the Apéritif in France
A picnic is likely one of the finest summer season rituals in Paris. Even on the most popular days, evenings quiet down simply sufficient to make it bearable.
If the solar’s an excessive amount of, head to the Rive Gauche—there’s extra shade, particularly close to Musée d’Orsay or Jussieu. For golden mild and environment, the Marais-side quays are nonetheless the loveliest.
Seize a baguette, cheese, some fruit, chilly cuts, and a bottle of wine or a number of beers. That’s all you want.
A heads-up: consuming in public isn’t technically allowed—however for those who maintain it low-key, you gained’t have points. Suppose quiet group, relaxed vibe—not rowdy crowd.
#9 Rock out at Rock en Seine
Held on the third weekend of August, Rock en Seine marks the unofficial finish of summer season holidays in Paris. Most locals are again, the climate’s nonetheless nice, and it’s the final large likelihood to let unfastened earlier than routines kick in.
The competition stretches over three full days, plus a number of bonus concert events. Count on 5 phases, a packed lineup, solar, crowds in a great temper, and all of the necessities—meals stalls, beer, wine, and sure, even a champagne bar. It’s France, in any case.
I’ve gone almost yearly. My private Rock en Seine reminiscence? Ready within the pit for Oasis—solely to search out out they’d simply break up up backstage. The present by no means occurred.
#10 Take a brief journey to Normandy’s coast
➤ Additionally learn: 21+ Finest Seashores close to Paris (straightforward to go to!)
If the warmth or crowds put on you down, a brief escape to the Normandy coast does wonders.
It’s simply round 2 hours by automotive, and also you’ll discover seashores, breeze, and area to breathe. My favourites are:
- Étretat for the cliffs
- Trouville for attraction
- Dieppe for a mixture of each
For those who’re into historical past, the WWII touchdown seashores are additionally definitely worth the journey—shifting, highly effective, and just some hours away.
And they’re even simpler to go to, as guided excursions depart Paris within the morning and produce you again within the night. (➤ Right here’s a small group tour that I like to recommend)
#11 Hunt for Bargains: Paris Summer time Gross sales
Each summer season, Paris transforms right into a purchasing paradise throughout les soldes d’été—the official summer season gross sales that each style lover anticipates.
In 2025, the gross sales kick off on Wednesday, June 25, and run for 4 full weeks, wrapping up on Tuesday, July 22.
Costs drop every Wednesday in phases—first week brings the very best inventory with modest reductions, whereas the final week typically leaves solely stale remnants from previous seasons.
My insider tip: for those who love a selected boutique, go to the day earlier than the gross sales begin. Outlets lay out the items that can go on sale, supplying you with a quiet likelihood to attempt issues on. Then on opening day, you’ll know precisely what to seize—and normally snap it up earlier than anybody else.
#12 Discover Native Markets
You already know {that a} picnic by the Seine or in a Parisian park is a summer season important. However the place to buy snacks?
Native markets are the nice place to replenish. Suppose recent cherries, apricots, cheese, chilly cuts, pastries—no matter you are feeling like consuming below the solar.
Listed here are three of my favourites:
- Marché d’Aligre (twelfth arrondissement)
- Marché des Enfants Rouge (4th arrondissement, the oldest market in Paris)
- Marché Edgar-Quinet (14th arrondissement)
However actually, they’re all a bit the identical with related merchandise. Right here you discover the Parisian market schedule for every day.
#13 Fête des Tuileries
From June 22 to August 24, 2025, the Tuileries Gardens host the beloved summer season funfair, simply after Fête de la Musique.
Count on 60 rides, together with bumper vehicles, ghost trains, an enormous Ferris wheel with an distinctive view over Paris, proper between Concorde and the Louvre.
Entry is free; you simply pay for the rides or snacks like waffles, sweet apples, and churros.
#14 See the Olympic flame cauldron
One 12 months after the Olympics, Paris nonetheless carries the Olympic spirit.
The flame cauldron is again in place within the Tuileries Backyard, lighting up each night at 9 p.m. from June 22 to August 24.
It’s a placing sight—particularly from the highest of the Ferris wheel on the Fête des Tuileries. A novel piece of Parisian summer season you gained’t see once more quickly… or perhaps you’ll subsequent 12 months, who is aware of.
#15 Loosen up in a Roof Prime Bar
Summer time in Paris means rooftop season. Annually, extra bars appear to pop up on terraces throughout the town. And actually, it is smart. There’s nothing fairly like sipping a chilly drink with the Paris skyline stretched out in entrance of you.
My decide this 12 months? La Bellevilloise. A stunning rooftop with views over Paris and the Eiffel Tower within the distance. And surprisingly, costs are nonetheless cheap—at the very least for Paris.
Go early, although. They open at 18h, and it fills quick. Arrive quarter-hour earlier than, and also you’ll nearly at all times rating a great place with a view.
Heading to Belleville? ➤ Belleville Paris: Road Artwork, Meals & Views (Native Information)
#16 Go to a Backyard Outdoors Paris
If Paris begins to really feel like an oven however you’re not prepared for a full seaside escape, head simply exterior the town.
There are many regional parks and chateau gardens that provide peace, shade, and area to breathe. Removed from the crowds, you may unwind below bushes, stroll by means of landscaped grounds, or simply stretch out within the grass.
My favourites:
- Parc Vallée-aux-Loups – inexperienced, wild and infrequently packed.
- Jardin Tropical – quiet, and stuffed with surprises.
- Parc de Bagatelle – roses, peacocks, and a peaceable escape contained in the Bois de Boulogne.
#17 See the Sundown from Sacre Coeur
Montmartre is at all times a good suggestion—however for sundown, it’s top-of-the-line spots in Paris.
Simply seize a seat on the steps in entrance of Sacré-Cœur, watch the sunshine shift over the town, and let the environment take over. There’s nearly at all times a road musician taking part in, and flying beer sellers making the rounds.
I do know it’s controversial, however actually? I at all times purchase from them. A chilly can handed proper to you, no line, no fuss—sure please. Simply sip quietly and benefit from the view.
#18 Eat Ice Cream (in fact!)
➤ Additionally Learn: 7 Should-Strive Ice Cream Outlets in Paris
Paris was by no means a gelato paradise—and actually, the town’s obsession with ice cream is sort of new.
But it surely caught on quick. Now, nice ice cream spots are all over the place, and it’s straightforward to eat your manner by means of city one scoop at a time.
As a result of actually—what’s higher than ice cream in summer season? Listed here are a few of my favourites: 7 Should-Strive Ice Cream Outlets in Paris
#19 Go to the Catacombs
➤ Additionally Learn Paris Catacombs: Suggestions, Historical past & Tickets
The Catacombs of Paris aren’t for everybody—slender tunnels, a lot of stairs, and partitions lined with bones.
For those who’re claustrophobic or have mobility points, it’s most likely a cross. However for individuals who are curious, it’s an enchanting and oddly peaceable place.
And right here’s the very best half in summer season: it’s a gradual 14 °C underground. You would possibly even desire a sweater.
#20 Wander By way of Père Lachaise
➤ Additionally Learn: Père Lachaise Cemetery: Suggestions for a Memorable Go to
Père Lachaise is likely one of the most fascinating spots in Paris. It’s not only a cemetery—it’s a stroll by means of historical past. Writers like Victor Hugo, artists like Eugène Delacroix, but additionally icons like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde are buried right here.
If you wish to get out of the dense metropolis centre, it is a excellent escape. The cemetery is crammed with towering bushes, winding paths, and deep shade that retains the air cool even on scorching days.
#21 Cruise the Canal Saint-Martin
➤ Additionally Learn Canal Saint-Martin Cruise: Discover Paris In another way!
Need a summer season cruise in Paris however not into baking on the Seine in full solar? Strive the Canal Saint-Martin as an alternative.
It’s a quieter, extra native route. The cruise begins with a brief stretch on the Seine earlier than turning into the canal—passing by means of locks, below bridges, and even cruising by means of the underground vault beneath Bastille.
A lot of the route is in shade, making it a cooler, calmer journey. You possibly can go from La Villette to Musée d’Orsay or the opposite manner spherical—excellent for those who plan to cease at Paris Plage alongside the best way.
➤ Right here is the tour I took and suggest: Canal Saint-Martin Cruise
Overview: Occasions this Summer time in Paris
Listed here are the summer season 2025 occasions in Paris, sorted by begin date and with hyperlinks to every competition’s official website:
- Fête de la Musique – June 21, 2025
- Fête des Tuileries – June 22 to August 24, 2025
- Competition Chopin – June 22 to July 14, 2025
- La Défense Jazz Competition – June 23 to 29, 2025
- Classique au Vert – June 28 to September 6, 2025
- Paris Jazz Competition – June 29 to September 7, 2025
- Competition Fnac Dwell – July 2 to 4, 2025
- Paris Plages – July 5 to August 31, 2025
- Cinéma en Plein Air – La Villette – July 23 to August 17, 2025
- Rock en Seine – August 20 to 24, 2025
Wrap-Up: Summer time in Paris Is What You Make It
Paris in summer season isn’t flawless—it’s heat, it’s vigorous, and sure, AC may be uncommon.
But it surely’s additionally lively. Music within the air, an occasion calendar that by no means sleeps, golden evenings by the river, and chilled wine on a relaxed terrasse.
Include the proper mindset—and perhaps a bit hand fan—and also you’ll see why so many fall in love with Paris this time of 12 months.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Skilled in: Parisian Life &
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Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You possible want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – for those who don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient possibility.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Excursions & Sights:
- I guide excursions & actions by means of Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets may be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re typically bought out.
- I like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Resorts in Europe I principally guide by means of Reserving.com (examine evaluations rigorously)
- Trip Leases by means of Airbnb or VRBO
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