Paris in the Summer. 10 fun things to do in Paris in the Summertime in 2023

With summertime right around the corner, I thought now would be an optimal time to discuss what to do in Paris in the summer. Below, this article will outline 10 things to do in Paris during the summer. This is actually one of my favorite times of year in Paris. I can't get enough of the warm weather and shining sun!

Before you visit Paris in the summer, you should know about a few fundamental differences you will see between Paris and the USA. For one, there is no air conditioning, and if the hotel or Airbnb you are staying at has it, it won’t be like what you are used to in the USA. It’s definitely less powerful, and doesn’t get as cold. As far as air conditioning in public places or restaurants, you can forget about it. It also doesn’t exist. 

The second thing you probably will notice is that you don’t get ice cubes in water. In the USA you are used to water being freezing cold, in France it could be refrigeration but most likely it will be room temperature. 

The last thing to keep in mind, is if you are visiting Paris during August, many restaurants will be closed. This is because August is the month when locals take their vacation. However, with that being said, I strongly believe that visiting Paris in the summer is one of the best times of the year. Now that we got some of the differences out of the way, let’s go ahead and dive in to what to do when visiting Paris in the summer. 

1. Have a picnic in front of famous the Eiffel Tower, in the Luxembourg Gardens, or at Invalids

One of my favorite things to do during the summer in Paris is to go to the grocery store and bakery to grab a baguette and then head to the Eiffel Tower for a picnic. I could spend hours sitting outside, spending time with friends, enjoying the Eiffel Tower. Most people will pick up a bottle of wine as well. What is extremely nice about having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower is that it’s not just something people do during the day. At night you will see the area filled up. 

2. Enjoy Gelato from a local Parisian shop

During the summer, many local gelato places begin to open! This is my favorite time of year to grab gelato and take a stroll around Paris. If you aren’t a big Gelato fan, don’t worry, you can easily enjoy a crêpe instead. The best gelato in Paris includes the following: Il Gelato del Marchese, Grom, Pozzetto, Amorino. 

3. Visit the Thinker statue at the famous Rodin Museum

One of my favorite museums the Rodin is absolutely beautiful during this time of the year, and it is home to one of my favorite statues in Paris, The Thinker. What is incredible about this museum, is that there is a huge outdoor area. So grab a book, stay a while and enjoy not only this beautiful museum but the garden outside that hosts the famous Thinker statue. 

4. Jardin des Tuileries opens its fun carnival

Jardin des Tuileries is a must-do if you visit Paris during the summer. This fun carnival is all day and night long. It will bring you back to your childhood glory days. Enjoy a tall ferris wheel that overlooks the city, indulge in cotton candy bigger than your head, and play fun carnival games all night long. The carnival is one event I look forward to in Paris every summer. 

5. Head to one of the famous bars on the Seine river

During the summertime in Paris, many restaurants and bars alike open their doors on the Seine River. Take a stroll along the seine or even check out one of the famous restaurants or bars in the area. Or if you prefer, grab a bottle of wine, some red plastic cups and sit along the river with some friends. Unlike the USA, you’re able to enjoy a bottle of wine or beer outside amongst friends.

6. Enjoy an outdoor movie in the Park at Parc de la Villette

Another incredible thing to do in the summertime in Paris is enjoying an outdoor movie at the Park. Head over to Parc de la Villette to enjoy free outdoor movies in July and August! Grab some friends and some popcorn and head over to Parc De la Villette to enjoy a free movie night! Make sure you pack a chair, food to eat, and something to drink!

7. Celebrate Bastille Day with France!

If you are in Paris on July 14th you must celebrate Bastille Day with the French! Every year, people line the streets to celebrate this holiday. The French National Day also known as Bastille Day is the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution. If you are wanting to enjoy the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, I recommend you arrive early to get a spot. The best location is at Trocadero, however, people start gathering there at around 3PM for the fireworks. If you want a more relaxing place, check out some rooftop bars in Paris, but definitely book a reservation or arrive early to secure a spot! 

8. Enjoy Festivals with the French

The summer in Paris is filled with Festivals. This is the time of year to enjoy outdoor festivals all over Paris! The good news is that festivals are everywhere, and in the summertime that's not an exception. Au Fil des Voix in Paris, Les Femmes s’en mêlent across Paris. World Music Day, Fête de la Musique takes over the Paris streets, Solidays at the Hippodrome de Longchamp, Lollapalooza Paris, and last but not least the major Rock en Seine.

9. Check out the Paris Flea markets

With the warm weather brings more frequent Paris Flea markets. I love shopping in Paris, vintage luxury shopping, and flea market shopping. You can truly find some amazing gems hidden away. If you are looking for something unique, then this is where you can find it. Head over to Porte de Clignancourt to find the biggest Paris flea market in all of France. An estimate of 120,000 to 180,000 people visit each weekend. My recommendation if you want to avoid the crowds, go early! 

10. Sit outside and enjoy a nice coffee and croissant

Since the weather is finally warm in Paris in the summer, the terrace seating outside is perfect to enjoy a nice coffee and croissant. I never get sick of sitting outside when the weather is nice, enjoying a coffee. There are so many places that you can enjoy coffee in Paris that my favorite thing to do is try new spots every week! Don't forget to indulge in macaroons while in Paris!

Quick Recap of Paris in the Summer: 10 fun things to do in Paris in the Summertime  

To summarize 10 things to do in Paris in the summertime are the following: Have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, at the Luxembourg Gardens, or Invalids Park. Enjoy gelato or a crêpe from a local Parisian shop. Visit the thinker statue at the Rodin Museum. Head to a famous. Enjoy free movies in the Park. Celebrate Bastille Day with the locals. Enjoy French festivals. Check out the Paris Flea Market. Slow down a bit and sit outside, enjoy the nice weather and have a coffee at an outdoor café.  

I would love to hear what are your favorite things to do in Paris in the summer? Leave a comment below with your favorite Parisian summertime activities. 

Sincerely Petite in Paris,

Diane