Summer is my favorite season in Paris.
After living in the city for three years, I learned that the best experiences aren’t always the ones packed with tourists.
Some of my favorite summer memories are picnicking beneath shady trees in Bois de Vincennes, watching the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower, and discovering quiet streets overflowing with flowers that most visitors never find.
If you’re planning a trip, this guide goes beyond the obvious attractions.
Alongside iconic landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur, you’ll find local restaurants, hidden parks, outdoor art, and peaceful neighborhoods best visited during the warmer months.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Disclosure Policy
Is Paris Worth Visiting in the Summer?
I’ll be honest: if you asked most people, they’d probably tell you to avoid Paris in summer. It’s hot, it’s busy, and the biggest attractions can be packed.
I understand why people hesitate because I wondered the same thing. But after spending summers wandering the city, I can tell you it’s absolutely worth it.
Yes, some days are warm, and some places are crowded. But that’s part of the magic.
The steps of Sacré-Cœur are a perfect example. I’ve gone on busy afternoons, and the stairs were packed with people sitting shoulder to shoulder, listening to musicians and looking out over the rooftops.
It wasn’t quiet or peaceful, and that’s exactly why I loved it. There’s an energy in summer that you won’t find at any other time of year.
But you need to come prepared and plan ahead. If there is an attraction or museum you want to visit, it’s worth reserving tickets in advance so you don’t miss out. If you can do that, you’ll no doubt enjoy your trip.
My 11 Favorite Things to See and Do
1. Wander Down Rue des Thermopyles
I’m always hunting for the quiet corners of well-known cities, and Paris makes that search even more rewarding.
When the main boulevards are packed with tourists and buzzing with heat, these tucked-away streets feel like a different city entirely.
My top pick is easily Rue des Thermopyles.
Here, you can expect flower-covered windowsills, charming doorways, and locals going about their day.
I remember my first visit. I went on a July afternoon, and I was the only person around.
I walked up and down, taking photos of everything. I still haven’t found a street more beautiful in Paris.
2. Explore the Open-Air Street Art Gallery on Boulevard Paris 13
Since its debut in 2009, the Boulevard Paris 13 open-air street art gallery has been drawing major urban artists from around the world, and summer is honestly the best time to experience it.
The long daylight hours mean you can visit any time of day.
The first time I visited was during a heatwave in July, so I went early in the morning. I was surrounded by these enormous, jaw-dropping murals with barely anyone else around. It was like having a private gallery to myself.
Most, if not all, are hand-painted on the sides of apartment complexes, buildings, and metro stations, but they can still be easy to miss.
Because some are easy to miss, I’d suggest planning your route.
3. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
While Sacré-Cœur is beautiful at any time of year, summer is when the atmosphere around it is most memorable. The first thing I always notice is the energy on the steps.
Yes, it’s busy, but that’s part of the experience.
People sit shoulder to shoulder in the afternoon sun, chatting with friends, listening to musicians, and looking out over the city below. It isn’t calm or hidden; it’s lively, social, and exactly the kind of energy that makes Paris Paris.
I’ve been up there in the afternoon when the stairs were packed, and the heat made the climb more of a commitment, but once I reached the top, I understood why so many people stay.
There’s something about seeing the domes, the crowds, and the rooftops stretching out below that makes it worth it.
4. Go Swimming at Aquaboulevard
Aquaboulevard is one of the most unexpected places I visited in Paris. I never imagined I’d end up at a water park in the middle of the city, but on a hot summer day, it sounded too good to pass up.
Between the water slides, wave pools, waterfalls, and sandy lounging areas, it felt more like a mini summer escape than a city activity.
What I liked about it was that there was a little bit of everything. You could be racing down slides one minute and relaxing by the water the next. It’s a fun option if you’ve spent days walking around museums and monuments.
But be careful with your choice of swimwear. I had read that Aquaboulevard was strict, but I didn’t realize just how strict until we got there, and my husband’s swimsuit wasn’t allowed.
He ended up having to buy an overpriced one at the Decathlon next door, and we quickly realized we weren’t the only people getting caught by the rule. It definitely felt frustrating, so if you go, double-check the swimwear requirements before you arrive.
5. Escape the Heat With a Picnic at Bois de Vincennes
When the summer heat starts to feel suffocating, and the city noise becomes too much, Bois de Vincennes is where I go.
I’ve spent many lazy July afternoons here, stretched out on a blanket with a baguette, some cheese, and a cold rosé while the rest of Paris bakes on the boulevards.
This park is my sanctuary. It’s full of walking paths, biking trails, and gardens. Bois de Vincennes is also home to Parc Floral de Paris, Château de Vincennes, and the largest Buddha in Europe.
I can’t recommend a better place to escape the busy streets.
6. Visit the Conciergerie
The Conciergerie ended up being one of those places I appreciated more than I expected.
I went on a hot day when I needed a break from the heat, and the cool interior was an instant relief after being outside.
Escaping the heat was a bonus, but I ended up loving how clearly it brought Paris’ history into focus.
One of the details I remember most was the tablet I was given at the entrance. As I moved through each room, I could hold it up and see what the space would have looked like in the past.
Instead of just reading signs and trying to imagine it, I could picture how the rooms had once been used. That interactive element made the experience far more memorable and really brought the history to life.
7. Walk along La Coulée Verte
Whenever Paris starts to get too loud, too hot, or too crowded, La Coulée Verte is one of the places I go to breathe.
The first time I walked it in summer, I remember being surprised by how quickly the city seemed to disappear. One minute I was surrounded by traffic and apartment buildings, and the next I was on this quiet elevated path lined with flowers, trees, and benches.
What I love most about La Coulée Verte in summer is that it’s peaceful without being isolated.
I’d especially recommend coming in the morning or early evening, when the temperatures are lower, and the light makes everything look even greener.
8. Go Zip-Lining at Accrocamp Adventure Park
If you’re looking for something active and completely different from the usual Paris sightseeing, I can’t recommend Accrocamp Adventure Park enough.
I went there with my aunt and cousins one summer, and it was one of the most unexpectedly fun days I had near Paris. Instead of museums, monuments, and crowded streets, we spent the day up in the trees crossing rope bridges, climbing through obstacle courses, and flying down zip lines.
The funniest part was the mini-bungee jump. I was absolutely terrified and stood there for what felt like forever while everyone waited for me to do it. I think it took me about 20 minutes to jump. Once I did, though, I was so glad I didn’t back out, because it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the day.
It’s not in the center of Paris, but it’s easy enough to reach and makes for such a fun day out, especially if you’re traveling with kids or need a break from speaking French.
9. Get Lost in the Père Lachaise Cemetery
For a while, I was lucky enough to live just a short walk from Père Lachaise, and it quickly became my favorite escape.
While most people think of it as a place to see famous graves, for me, it was the neighborhood green space I’d slip into whenever I needed a breather.
Summer was when I loved it most. The tree-lined paths were cool, even in July, and it never felt too busy, despite the number of well-known artists and authors buried there.
I rarely went in with a plan. That was the whole point. I’d pick a direction, follow the cobblestones, and let myself get lost.
Some days I’d stumble across ivy-covered tombs, and others I’d turn a corner to find an elaborate mausoleum I never noticed before. Even after countless visits, the place always had another quiet section waiting for me.
10. Discover Paris’ Abandoned Railway
La Petite Ceinture is a version of Paris most visitors never see. The first time I went, I remember being struck by how wild and quiet it felt compared with the rest of the city.
One minute I was in a normal Paris neighborhood, and the next I was walking along an old railway line surrounded by tall grass, flowers, and overgrown greenery, with barely another person in sight.
What I loved most was how untamed it felt. Unlike Paris’ formal parks and gardens, La Petite Ceinture is a little hidden and imperfect in the best possible way.
In summer, the plants are thick and lush, and the whole path is more like a secret nature trail than something you’d expect to find in the capital.
The stretch in the 15th arrondissement was my favorite. As I walked, I could hear birds, see wildflowers growing between the old tracks, and enjoy the city without the usual noise. It reminded me of The Secret Garden.
11. Watch the Eiffel Tower Glow at Sunrise
Since its debut in 1889 at the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower has become a cultural icon of France and the most-visited paid monument in the world.
But here’s what most visitors don’t realize: summer completely transforms the experience of seeing it at sunrise.
In July and August, the sun rises around 6:00 am, which means you can be standing at Trocadéro in the soft early light while the rest of Paris is still asleep.
It’s one of those moments that makes you understand exactly why people fall so hard for this city.
The next question is: where is the best place to see the Eiffel Tower?
My favorite spot to see the Eiffel Tower at sunrise is Trocadéro. Here, you will have a perfect view and the entire place to yourself.
Where to Stay
Paris is a big city, and most of the main attractions aren’t near each other. That’s why I recommend staying near the center or a major metro line, so you’re not wasting time getting to and from your hotel.
- Hôtel de Roubaix: A well-located hotel with spacious rooms. It’s within walking distance of the metro and bus stations. The breakfast is also delicious.
- Hôtel Mansart – Esprit de France: This hotel is known for its beautiful rooms and incredibly helpful staff. The location is perfect, and the breakfast is fantastic.
- Hotel Monsieur & Spa: Perfect if you want a little extra luxury for your trip. The rooms are spacious and very clean. It’s also near some of the top attractions in the city.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of restaurants in Paris. But there are a few places that I keep going back to. And I’ve listed those below.
- L’Auberge Aveyronnaise: Their specialty is Aveyron cuisine. But what I love most is the friendly and welcoming environment. It’s like eating at home with your friends and family.
- Il Capriccio: This restaurant was down the street from where I lived. The food here is Italian, and it is divine. The food bursts with flavor and, when paired with a glass of red wine, it’s to die for.
- Le Lock Groove: A rock bar with the best burgers in Paris. The atmosphere is fun, and the food is delicious.
Final Thoughts
Paris is where I stumbled through my first conversations in French, discovered what it means to slow down over a long lunch, and realized that nowhere else in the world makes you fall in love with everyday life.
Summer brings a completely different energy to Paris.
The terraces are buzzing with people, the sun is almost always shining, and it’s the perfect time to picnic in one of the many parks. Even though I live in Strasbourg, I go back to Paris as often as I can.
Every recommendation on this list comes from summers I actually spent living in Paris, not just passing through.
Some of these experiences are iconic for good reason, and others are the kind of local favorites you’d only stumble across if you lived here.
And now that you know how to spend your summer in Paris, it’s time to start planning the rest of your trip. Here are the websites that I use to travel in France.
Read More Articles on France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- The Perfect Paris to Lyon Day Trip Itinerary (by a Local)
- The Perfect Paris to Lille Day Trip (Local’s Guide)
- The Perfect Paris to Amiens Day Trip Itinerary
- The Perfect Day Trip to Strasbourg from Paris (by a Local)
