It’s almost summer in Paris 2025! 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 2025 this year either. From this summer, you can also swim in the Seine at 3 locations. 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 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 2025.
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 2025: summer day at the beach and go swimming in the Seine
Are you also going swimming in the Seine this summer? From 5 July to 31 August 2025, there will be three new natural swimming areas in the Seine (Bras Marie, Grenelle and Bercy), as part of Paris Plages 2025.
During the summer months, Paris transforms into an oasis of relaxation and fun thanks to the unique concept of Paris Plages. You can go to the banks of the Seine, Bassin de la Villette and Canal Saint-Martin. Every year, the banks of the Seine are transformed into beautiful beaches, where both residents and tourists can enjoy an unforgettable summer experience in the heart of the city. Complete with sand, sun loungers, parasols and even palm trees. You can participate in sporting events such as beach volleyball and jeu de boules, or enjoy dance and music performances that are regularly organised on the beaches. Or how about kayaking or pedal boating on the Seine?
Paris Plages is also recommended for families with children. Special play areas are created where children can play in the sand, jump on trampolines and enjoy fun rides. There are also plenty of food and drink 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
• Read also: 10x Best rooftop bars in Paris with a beautiful view →
3. A day of shopping during the summer sales in Paris
This year’s summer sales in Paris will take place from June 25 to July 22, 2025. 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 season: best shopping places & hotels →
4. Celebrate the start of summer with Fête de la Musique 2025
Fête de la Musique is back this year on Friday 21 June 2025. 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 in 2025
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 and film festivals in Paris this summer:
• We Love Green: from June 6 to 8, 2025 | Welovegreen.fr
• Solidays: from June 27 to 29, 2025 | Solidays.org
• La Defense Jazz Festival: from June 23 to 29, 2025 | Ladefensejazzfestival.hauts-de-seine.fr
• Fnac Live Paris: from July 2 to 4, 2025 | Leclaireur.fnac.com
• Lollapalooza Paris: from July 18 to 20, 2025 | Lollaparis.com
• Rock en Seine: from 20 to Sunday 24 August 2025 | Rockenseine.com
• Jazz à la Villette: from August 28 to September 7, 2025 | Jazzalavillette.com
• Read also: 9x Best jazz cafés and clubs in Paris + jazz festivals →
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: 8x Best ice cream shops in Paris for refreshment! →
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 2025!
FAQ about visiting Paris in the Summer
• 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.
