6 things to do in Paris in summer

Did you know? There are over 200 fountains in the capital. Each has its own story to tell. On a hot July day in Paris, take the time to cool off by the Warsaw fountains in the Trocadero gardens. Built in 1937 by architects Roger-Henri Expert, Paul Maître and Adolphe Thiers, they were exhibited at the Exposition des Arts et Techniques with the Palais de Chaillot that same year. They are the largest fountains in Paris. Their 20 oblique water cannons have a range of 50 metres and propel no less than 2,500 litres per second. Impressive, isn't it? 

Whatever the time of day, couples of lovers stroll through the park hand in hand. It has to be said that this Paris park is romantic as can be. Located in the 8ᵉ arrondissement of the French capital, Parc Monceau is surrounded by private mansions. Criss-crossed by wide avenues, it's easy to find a shady spot to take a rest. It's not just a romantic stroll, but also a historical one... a chance to learn a little more about French culture. There are statues of Chopin, Maupassant and Musset. There's also a Renaissance arcade in the former Paris City Hall.

Other parks to discover in Paris :

Bois de Vincennes - Bois de Boulogne and Jardin d'acclimatation - Parc de la Villette - Parc des Buttes Chaumont - Parc Montsouris

See also: Where to dine in the parks and gardens of Paris?

Don't know Berthillon yet? It's impossible to leave Paris without stopping here. Established in the French capital since 1954, this ice cream parlour offers artisanal products for the enjoyment of young and old alike. You'll melt at the sight of their ice creams and sorbets, some with their own original flavours. Choose the pear, caramel or tangerine and chocolate blends, rather than the great classics. If you're not in a hurry, take a break in their tearoom near Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, reopened to visitors in December 2024.

29-31 rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile, 75004 Paris

Read more:

The ice cream parlour that will melt your heart this summer in Paris

This is a district that tourists visiting the French capital know little about. And yet, it is well worth the diversions. Nestling in the heart of the 13ᵉ arrondissement, the Butte-aux-Cailles has retained its traditional setting with cobbled streets and pretty little houses. A friendly place that doesn't lack charm when the fine weather is on. Parisians love to gather here on summer evenings to enjoy the terraces. When it comes to bars and restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice, particularly in the Rue des Cinq-Diamants. Fans of street art will also be impressed by the many works scattered throughout the district.

Read more: 12 terraces to make the most of summer in Paris

If there's one thing you can do in Paris in summer, it's to cruise the Seine, preferably at dusk. It's a chance to discover or rediscover the city's most beautiful monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Musée de Chaillot, via Les Invalides, the Conciergerie, Notre-Dame, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum, the Petit and Grand Palais and the Hôtel de Ville, home to the Paris Town Hall. An open-air show aboard the Vedettes de Paris, which offer one-hour cruises on the Seine by day or night aboard electric boats. It's the perfect way to step back in time to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Once the cruise is over, you can continue admiring the Parisian monuments by taking advantage of the temporary installations (lawns, deckchairs, parasols) at Paris Plages in the Parc Rives de Seine, between the Pont des Arts and the Pont de Sully.  

In a bucolic atmosphere, there are cruises on the Canal Saint-Martin and lock crossings. Lovers of water sports can also hire a small electric boat to take them to the Bassin de la Villette.

Further information: Vedettes de Paris / Bateaux Mouches / Bateaux parisiens / Canauxrama / Vedettes du Pont Neuf / Street Art Cruise on the Ourcq Canal / Paris Plage

It's one of the events that Parisians look forward to when the fine weather arrives. Every summer, around twenty films are shown on the big screen in the heart of the Parc de la Villette and the Bassin de la Villette, which take on the air of a seaside resort. Sitting on the grass or in deckchairs, you'll feel like your head is in the stars. A great show! On the programme: humour, emotion, suspense... All in all, a great adventure to enjoy with your family or friends.

Other not-to-be-missed festivals and events to discover in Paris in July and throughout the summer include We Love Green, the Paris l'été festival, Rock en Seine, numerous open-air shows and concerts with young musicians and DJ sets, not forgetting the great classical music concert organised at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on 14 July.

Read: A guide to slow tourism spots in and around Paris