8x Summer in Paris: best things to do in 2023!

It’s almost summer in Paris! 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 terraces 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.

Whether you choose a charming café in the quaint Montmartre district or a trendy spot in the Jewish quarter Le Marais in Paris, 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 8 of our favorite activities during the summer in Paris.

TIP: cooling off in Paris? To cool off, go underground and visit the famous catacombs in Paris →

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#1 Paris Plages 2023: experience a summer day at the beach

In the summer months, this year from July 9 to September 3, 2023, bustling Paris will turn into an oasis of relaxation and fun thanks to the unique concept of Paris Plages. Every year, the banks of the Seine are transformed into beautiful beaches, where residents and tourists alike can enjoy an unforgettable summer experience in the heart of the city. Complete with sand, lounge chairs, umbrellas and even palm trees.

You can participate in sporting events such as beach volleyball and pétanque, or enjoy dance and music performances that are regularly organized on the beaches. Or how about kayaking or pedal boating on the Seine? Paris Plages is also recommended for families with children. Special play zones are created where children can play in the sand, jump on trampolines and enjoy fun attractions. Furthermore, there are also plenty of food and beverage outlets dotted around the beaches of Paris Plages where visitors can enjoy treats from refreshing ice creams to delicious local dishes.

#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 7 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
Le Georges (4th): beautiful terrace on the famous Center Pompidou
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

#3 A day of shopping during the sales in Paris

This year’s summer sales in Paris are from June 28 to July 25, 2023. 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.

#4 Celebrate the start of summer with Fête de la Musique

Fête de la Musique is also back this year on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. 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 and film festivals

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. Here’s our selection of must-see music and film festivals in Paris this summer:

We Love Green: from 2 to 4 June 2023 | welovegreen.fr
Solidays: from 23 to 25 June 2023 | solidays.org
La Defense Jazz Festival: from June 26 to July 2, 2023 | parisladefense.com
Fnac Live Paris: from June 28 to June 30, 2023 | leclaireur.fnac.com
Cinéma en plein air: from July 19 to August 20, 2023 | lavillette.com
Lollapalooza Paris: from July 21 to July 23, 2023 | lollaparis.com
Rock en Seine: from 23 to Sunday 27 August 2023 | rockenseine.com

#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?

#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 3-hour bike tour →

#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.

Seine cruise tickets: view all packages →