The 6 best summer activities in Paris you don’t want to miss

Paris in summer transforms as the warm weather brings people from around the world to explore the charming streets, iconic landmarks, and delectable culinary scene. Visit the eye-catching Eiffel Tower and experience Parisian history at the famous Moulin Rouge. Unwind at the lush Tuileries Garden or while sipping an apéro on the Seine. Journey through Paris’ rich aromas and flavors on a wine and food tour, and explore iconic neighborhoods on a guided bike tour. Discover the best things to do in Paris with this curated summer guide.

Best cultural activities in Paris for summer

1. Experience the beauty of the Eiffel Tower

With its imposing size and daring design, the Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ best-known sights — and fun fact: it was supposed to be destroyed. Take time to peer up at this iconic landmark from below at the Champs des Mars, enjoy a luxurious meal at the Eiffel Tower’s first-floor restaurant, or head up to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of Paris.

Insider tip:

In the summer the ticket queues can get quite long. If you want to avoid these long lines, pre-book your ticket and plan your visit for earlier in the morning mid-week.

Address and opening hours:

Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM all summer, with the last entry at 11:45 PM

2. Add some sparkle to your night with a Parisian cabaret

Step inside the Moulin Rouge and enter a world of glitz and glamor at Paris’ premier cabaret venue. Spend a warm summer evening basking in the awe-inspiring environment of the Moulin Rouge as you watch dynamic performances and admire the beautiful costumes.

Insider tip:

If you want a more lavish experience, book a ticket for the dinner show or a late-night show with a bottle of champagne.

Address and opening hours:

Moulin Rouge, 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
There are multiple night shows, the first at 7:00 PM and the last at 11:00 PM.

3. Join a wine and food tour to discover delicious Parisian flavors

Duck into a wine cellar during a hot summer day and cool down as you sip some delicious French wines. Learn about French winemaking, discover Paris’ vinicultural history, explore quaint wine bars and historic cellars, and savor delicious Parisian food while you sip on some of France’s best wines.

Insider tip:

A guided tour of Paris’ food and wine is a fantastic way to learn about a different side of the city while exploring some of its most famous and historic neighborhoods.

Best outdoor activities in Paris for summer

4. Discover a green oasis in the heart of Paris

Whether you are a city or a nature person, Paris is perfect for you as it is home to many beautiful public parks, with my favorite being Tuileries Garden. This historic park is the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun in the heart of the city. Explore the pathways, sit on a bench in the shade, and bring a picnic to enjoy near one of the ponds.

Insider tip:

On the edge of Tuileries Garden, you can find the stunning Musée de l’Orangerie; if you don’t want to visit the museum, stroll along the paths and discover the park’s collection of impressive sculptures surrounded by lush greenery.

Address and opening hours:

Tuileries Garden, 75001 Paris, France
Open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM June to August.

5. Don’t miss out on al fresco apéro on the Seine

On a warm summer day, enjoy a tasty apéro, an alcoholic beverage, before dinner to “open your appetite.” Engage in this French tradition and share a moment with friends or family by the Seine River. You can find pop-up bars along the river banks or book a ticket for a river cruise to enjoy an apéro as you take in the views at sunset,

Insider tip:

Stop at a riverside pop-up bar to sip on an al fresco apéro to prepare your appetite for dinner aboard a Seine River dinner cruise.

6. Uncover more of the city on a bike tour

While the weather is warm and sunny, get out and explore Paris on a guided tour. Walking can be exhausting, but a bike tour is a fantastic alternative way to get around the city. Cycle through Paris’ iconic neighborhoods, learn about the city, and discover hidden gems

Insider tip:

A bike tour is an excellent way to get a good overview of the city and uncover some lesser-known areas and landmarks you may want to explore later.

FAQ

What is the weather like in Paris during the summer?

Summer in Paris is warm, and there can be heatwaves in July and August. Average temperatures during the day range from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit — around 18°C to 27°C — then drop in the evenings.

Are there any special events in Paris during the summer?

With the excellent weather, Paris has fantastic events all summer. From Fête de la Musique in June, where you can watch free concerts throughout the city, to Bastille Day on July 14, which ends with fireworks, or the free open-air cinema festival that runs all summer at Parc de la Villette.

How do I navigate the city during the summer?

With the good weather, walking or renting a bike are excellent ways to get around the city. Paris also has an excellent public transportation system that can get you around the city quickly but can be quite busy, so give yourself some extra travel time.

How crowded is Paris in summer?

Summer is the peak tourist season, and the city can become quite crowded. If you want to visit any major attractions, book your tickets in advance and plan your visit for early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s less crowded. Staying for a little longer also allows you to soak up the sights in your own time and see more of Paris' surroundings — in 5 days in Paris you can see a lot.

What is the best way to stay cool in Paris during the summer heat?

To beat the summer heat, spend time in Paris’ numerous parks that offer shade or visit some of Paris’ public swimming areas, including the Paris Plages on the banks of the Seine. You can also plan your activities for earlier in the morning and later in the evening when it is cooler. On humid days, visit cool wine cellars or air-conditioned museums.

Ineke is a travel photographer who wants to encourage people to chase an exceptional life, live and travel outdoors, stay in unique places and discover themselves and our beautiful planet along the way. Check her Instagram here.