It’s almost summer in Paris 2026! A visit to Paris in the summer is always a good idea. The Parisians know better than anyone how to enjoy summer days. As soon as the weather warms up, the best summer terraces in Paris and best rooftop bars in Paris fill up with people enjoying a café au lait or a good glass of wine while relaxing and watching the world go by. With summer temperatures you can also fully enjoy the many parks in the city from early in the morning until late at night. Or let yourself be surprised by the many events and festivals organized between June and September in the city of lights. Don’t miss Paris Plages 2026 this year either. And this summer you can once again swim in the Seine in three places. You can also rent a bike in Paris and explore the city at your own pace.
Whether you choose a charming café in the quaint Montmartre district or a trendy spot in the Jewish quarter Le Marais, the lively atmosphere is everywhere in summer. Paris in the summer is the high season, so book your hotel and tickets for attractions in Paris as much in advance as possible. Many Parisians go on holiday elsewhere in August, so it is generally a little less busy during this period. From lazing on the beach to shopping during the sales, you have many fun options in the French capital to keep you entertained during the summer. We tip our favorite activities during the summer in Paris 2026.
• TIP: cooling off in Paris? To cool off, go underground and visit the famous catacombs in Paris
• Fun to do: Tickets Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus + Cruise on the Seine (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Paris Plages 2026: urban beaches and swimming in the Seine
• Paris Plages 2026: an American summer theme in Paris
In summer 2026, Paris will once again be fully dedicated to Paris Plages, this year featuring a special theme celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. This free event brings a festive, international atmosphere to the city and runs from early June to the end of August across multiple locations.
• Urban beaches across Paris
From July 4 to August 30, 2026, some of the city’s most iconic locations will be transformed into summer beach zones. Visitors can relax on sun loungers under parasols at Parc Rives de Seine, the Bassin de la Villette, and Canal Saint-Martin. Refreshment areas, shaded spaces, and free activities will be available throughout, creating a true holiday atmosphere in the heart of the city.
• Swimming in the Seine
One of the highlights of Paris Plages 2026 is the return of urban swimming areas in the Seine. Three official swimming sites will be available for visitors: near Pont Louis-Philippe (4th arrondissement), at Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir (12th arrondissement), and in the Bras de Grenelle (15th arrondissement). These locations make it possible to swim safely in the river right in the middle of Paris.
• Sports, games, and relaxation
In addition to swimming, a wide range of activities will be offered for all ages. These include sports sessions, dance classes, water games, board games, and reading areas. Paris Plages continues to be a place where relaxation and active experiences come together.
• A summer atmosphere extending to City Hall
The festivities will continue even longer at the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville, where the program starts on June 6 and runs until September 20, 2026. In this way, the entire Parisian summer becomes a continuous series of free outdoor activities and public gathering spaces.
2. Drinking cocktails at the coolest rooftop bars
The warm weather is of course the ideal weather to enjoy a nice snack and drink at one of the many rooftop bars in Paris. The perfect places to enjoy delicious cocktails with a beautiful view over Paris. In recent years, a lot of nice rooftop bars have been added. Many of these are hotels and restaurants participating in this trend.
• Below are 6 of our favorite rooftop bars to enjoy during your next city trip to Paris:
– Le Perchoir Marais (4th): Cool hotspot in the trendy Le Marais district
– Rooftop de l’Hôtel Dame des Arts (6th): brand new hotel with panoramic roof bar
– Bar Rochechouart (9th): breathtaking view of the Sacré-Coeur
– Terrass” Hotel (18th): cozy roof terrace in Montmartre
– Sequoia Rooftop Bar (2nd): elegant bar and garden with sublime 360-degree views
– The Shed (2nd): a hidden and green oasis on the roof of the Hotel des Grands Boulevards
• Read also: 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Paris With View (of Eiffel Tower) →
3. A day of shopping during the summer sales in Paris
This year’s summer sales in Paris will run from June 26 to July 24, 2026. Shops in Paris will then sell their current range at greatly reduced prices to make way for the latest collections afterwards. The perfect opportunity to go on a bargain hunt in Paris for well-known French fashion brands and find heart-stopping pieces to complement your wardrobe. Many stores will already offer sales of 50% and even 70% at the start of the sales.
• Read also: Paris Sales 2026: Ultimate Winter & Summer Shopping Guide →
4. Celebrate the start of summer with Fête de la Musique 2026
Fête de la Musique is back this year on Friday 21 June 2026. In Paris, but also everywhere in France. Get ready to dance to the beat of live music thanks to the many free concerts and DJ sets organized outdoors. But there is also a party in concert halls, museums and restaurants in Paris. Whether you are a lover of rock, jazz, electro, rap, metal or even classical music, you are sure to find what you are looking for as the music festival honors all styles and genres. Not to be missed if you are in Paris on this day!
• Info & program on Fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr →
5. Summer evenings at the best music festivals in 2026
Paris has a busy festival calendar all year round with music, theatre, film, dance, street art… There is something for everyone and for all ages. Each event attracts tourists and Parisians and is the opportunity to get together for a good time with family or friends. In the summer, festival-goers can enjoy great events in the most beautiful locations outdoors.
Must-see music festivals in Paris this summer 2026:
• We Love Green: from June 5 to 7, 2026 | Welovegreen.fr
• Solidays: from June 26 to 28, 2026 | Solidays.org
• La Defense Jazz Festival: cancelled in 2026 | Ladefensejazzfestival.hauts-de-seine.fr
• Fnac Live Paris: cancelled in 2026 | Leclaireur.fnac.com
• Lollapalooza Paris: cancelled in 2026 | Lollaparis.com
• Rock en Seine: from 26 to Sunday 30 August 2026 | Rockenseine.com
• Jazz à la Villette: August 28 to September 6, 2026 | Jazzalavillette.com
• Read also: 9 Best Jazz Clubs in Paris + Live Jazz Festivals 2026 →
6. Enjoying a nice ice cream: time for refreshment!
During the summer in Paris, it’s hard to resist a nice ice cream. With sweet scents and flavors of vanilla, hazelnut, raspberry, strawberry or lemon, it’s time to refresh your taste buds. There is something for every ice cream lover. At high temperatures you can of course also go to many places in Paris for the best ice cream, made artisanally. Perfect places to satisfy your ice cream hunger on balmy days (or just all year round). You can also enjoy your ice cream on the banks of the Seine or in one of the beautiful parks such as Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. In a jar or in a cone, please?
• Read also: 9 Best Ice Cream & Gelato Shops in Paris Right Now →
7. Discover Paris in summer by bike
Walking is always a good idea, but it does limit the distance you can travel. That’s why summer in Paris is one of the best times to rent a bike. When the parks and gardens are in full bloom, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the days are filled with sunshine, cycling in Paris is wonderful. In recent years, a huge number of new cycle paths have been built and it is becoming easier and safer to cycle in Paris.
• Fun to do: Paris highlights bike tour (4h) →
8. Take a boat trip on the Seine along the highlights
A boat trip on the Seine remains a unique experience and of course also fun to do during the summer. You see Paris in a different way and the view of the beautiful historic buildings and bridges are truly beautiful.
You usually depart from the Eiffel Tower and you sail past famous sights of Paris such as the Grand Palais, Notre Dame, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre-III and of course the Eiffel Tower.
Paris in summer is the perfect season to explore the city of lights. Summer in Paris is great fun because there is always so much happening and there is so much to see and experience. Also discover the 10 best things to do in Paris & places to visit. Time to enjoy summer days and Paris Plages 2026!
FAQ about visiting Paris in the Summer and Paris Plages 2026
• Is summer a good time to visit Paris?
Yes, but bring your sunhat! Summer in Paris is lively, beautiful, and full of events. The days are long, cafés spill into the streets, and the city buzzes with energy.
• How hot does it get in Paris during summer?
Temperatures usually range between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F), but occasional heatwaves can push it higher. Sunscreen, water, and shade are your best friends.
• What should I pack for Paris in summer?
Think light layers: dresses, shorts, breathable shirts, comfy shoes for walking, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A light scarf or jacket is handy for cooler evenings.
• Is Paris crowded in the summer?
Yes, especially in July and August. But the city is big enough to escape the crowds, try quieter neighborhoods, visit museums early, or explore Paris by bike.
• What can I do outdoors in the summer?
So much! Picnic by the Seine, stroll through parks like Jardin du Luxembourg, take a boat ride, relax at Paris Plages (artificial beaches), or enjoy rooftop bars with a view.
• Are there any special summer events?
Absolutely! Look out for Bastille Day fireworks on July 14, open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette, music festivals, street performances, and late-night museum openings.
• What’s open in Paris during August?
Many locals go on vacation, so some small shops and restaurants may close. But major attractions, museums, and plenty of cafés stay open, tourism doesn’t take a break!
• How do I stay cool in the city?
Dip your feet in the fountains (some are allowed), visit air-conditioned museums or churches, or sip iced coffee on a shady terrace. Some pools and even floating swimming spots are open too.
• Is summer a good time for day trips?
Definitely. Escape the heat with a trip to Versailles, Giverny (Monet’s garden), or the Loire Valley castles. Early morning trains are best to beat the heat.
• Any tips for enjoying Paris like a local in summer?
Slow down. Grab a baguette, some cheese and wine, and lounge in a park. Skip the long lines when you can, bike along the Canal Saint-Martin, and watch the sunset from Montmartre.
