Planning to visit Paris in summer 2026? You’re in for a treat. Summer is one of the best times to experience the French capital, with long sunny days, lively terraces, outdoor events, and countless attractions. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Paris in summer, relaxing parks, rooftop bars, or seasonal festivals, there’s something for everyone.
As temperatures rise, Parisians flock to the city’s charming cafés, the best rooftop bars in Paris, and sunny terraces to enjoy a coffee, an apéritif, or a glass of French wine. The city’s beautiful parks, including the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, are perfect for picnics, walks, or simply soaking up the sunshine. Summer is also packed with exciting events, including Paris Plages 2026, open-air festivals, and free cultural activities across the city. This year, visitors can once again swim in the Seine at three designated locations, while cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike and discover Paris at their own pace.
From the charming streets of Montmartre to the trendy cafés and boutiques of Le Marais, every neighborhood has its own summer atmosphere. Keep in mind that summer is the busiest tourist season in Paris, so it’s wise to book your hotel and attraction tickets well in advance. Although many locals leave the city for their holidays in August, Paris remains full of life with plenty of events and a slightly more relaxed vibe.
From Paris Plages 2026 to the Olympic Flame in the Jardin des Tuileries, summer in Paris offers endless opportunities. This guide features the very best things to do in Paris in summer 2026, helping you plan an unforgettable city break in the French capital.
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Parisiens (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 is a free summer event in Paris with an American theme celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence. From June to the end of August, several areas across the city—such as the Seine riverbanks, Bassin de la Villette, and Canal Saint-Martin—are transformed into urban beaches with sun loungers, shade areas, and entertainment. Visitors can also swim in the Seine at three designated locations. In addition, a wide range of free activities is offered, including sports, dance, games, and reading areas, creating a summer filled with outdoor leisure and recreation throughout the city.
• Paris Plages 2026: Summer Beaches & Swimming in the Seine →
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.
• 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Paris With View (of Eiffel Tower) →
3. See the Olympic Flame return to Paris this summer
One of the most spectacular summer attractions in Paris is the Olympic Flame housed in the iconic Vasque Olympique. Following its huge success during the Olympic Games, this impressive installation has returned to the Jardin des Tuileries for another summer. During the day, visitors can admire the Olympic Flame up close, while at sunset the balloon rises once again, creating a breathtaking spectacle above the Paris skyline.
Admission is free, and a visit can easily be combined with a stroll past the Louvre, along the Seine, or down the Champs-Élysées. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Paris in the summer.
4. 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.
• Paris Summer Sales 2026: Shopping Guide, Dates & Top Deals →
5. 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!
6. 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 (cancelled due to the heat!) | 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
7. 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?
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Frequently asked questions about visiting Paris in July & August
• How hot is Paris in summer?
Summer temperatures in Paris typically range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), although heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
• Is Paris crowded in summer?
Yes, especially around the city’s most popular attractions. August is often slightly quieter, as many Parisians leave the city for their summer holidays.
• What are the best things to do in Paris during hot weather or a heatwave?
When temperatures rise, parks, museums, rooftop bars, Seine river cruises, and outdoor swimming areas are excellent ways to stay cool while enjoying the city.
• Should I book tickets in advance for Paris in summer?
Yes. Popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and river cruises often sell out, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
• Are shops and restaurants open during the summer?
Most major attractions, shops, and restaurants remain open throughout the summer. However, some smaller independent businesses may close for a few weeks during August.
• What’s the best way to get around Paris in summer?
The Metro is the fastest option for longer distances, while walking or renting a bike is the perfect way to explore Paris at a relaxed pace and enjoy the city’s beautiful streets.
• Is Paris safe in summer?
Yes, Paris is generally a safe destination. As with any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your belongings, especially in busy tourist areas where pickpocketing can occur.
