Most people are unaware how incredible it is to visit Paris in the summer. Most locals are away on vacation in the South of France hence the streets are much quieter. The days are longer leading to more events like festivals, musical performances, and outdoor carnivals. The best part about these events is that they are usually free of charge.
As the locals are away, tourists are free to roam and meet fellow travelers from all around the world. Sunny long days allow for picnics in extravagant parks and gardens and nights dancing away at glamorous nightclubs. Everyone should experience Paris in summer at least once in their lives as you can enjoy all the famous landmarks and monuments while enjoying the perks of the warm and long days.
Visit a festival
If you plan on arriving in Paris in mid to late June, you cannot miss the Fete de la Musique aka the Paris Street Music Festival. To avoid the busy metros and commuter trains, get an affordable shuttle bus from the airport so you don’t have to miss any of your favorite performers.
At this free street festival, you can choose to see any of the hundreds of musicians varying in genres from jazz, rock, hip-hop, or electronic. The festival is completely complimentary.
Have a picnic
A picnic is a perfect way to enjoy Paris’ sunny weather and try some local delicacies. It is both inexpensive and fun for the whole family. The options for picnic spots in Paris are endless.
For a beautiful and fun filled afternoon, visit Les Poumons de Paris, aka “Paris’s Lungs.” This is a stunning park filled with lakes, gazebos, and most importantly, picturesque picnic locations. If you thought Central Park was big, Les Poumons de Paris is 3 times bigger. Inside you’ll find a zoo, farm, a botanical park, and fairgrounds.
Watch an outdoor movie
An outdoor movie allows you get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy free entertainment. The Cinema en Plein Air festival has a movie showing every day from July 22nd to August 23rd.
Catch a movie right on the lawn of the Parc de la Villette and grab a bottle of wine to share. This makes for the perfect budget date night that doesn’t require much planning. Not to worry, they do often show several English language films.
Dance at a Nightclub
To unwind after a long day of exploring the city, enjoy some drinks and dancing at Paris’ top clubs. Batofar, Chez Moune, and Chacha club are the top 3 in the city. All clubs offer unique experiences as one is found on a floating barge and another one has a 1930’s theme.
The Batofar is indeed a club found floating on the Seine on a barge. It is always busy and features many genres of music such as hip-hop, rock, and techno. Chez Moune and Chacha are traditional clubs with themed décor. Chez Moune charges no entry fee.
Shop at a flea market
In Paris, you can shop at the world’s largest flea market, Puces de Saint-Ouen. This is a 150-year old flea market filled with bargains and various booths as well as famous bistros and galleries.
Puces de Saint-Ouen’s hours are weekends 9-6pm and Monday 10-5pm. Ensure you arrive early and come with your best bargaining skills.
Take a boat ride on the Seine
This is a fun and exciting way to experience Paris and all of its beautiful monuments. This tour is the perfect way to take advantage of a hot sunny day and get some sun while on a 2-6 hour tour.
Batobus is one company that provides these boat tours 7 days a week from 10am-9:30pm. The boats leave every 20 minutes from several stops in Paris. Some of these stops include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Another area to see and explore in France is the Antibes along the French Riviera. It is a stunning and quiet town unlike the tourist filled Cannes and St. Tropez.
Sit under a candlelit French Chateau
Just an hour drive out of the city you will reach the stunning Vaux-le-Vicomte. This is a famous chateau known all throughout France. Every Saturday, the chateau is lit with over 2,000 candles from the months of May to October.
You can either enjoy a posh dinner on the terrace facing the castle or sip on champagne in the gardens. Don’t leave before the extravagant firework display at 10:50pm.
Be a kid again and enjoy an outdoor carnival
Enjoy a fun carnival in the heart of Paris from June 25th- August 28th. Fete des Tuileries is an outdoor carnival with over 80 rides, a massive Ferris wheel, and picturesque carousel.
Be sure to fully enjoy the carnival with delicious snacks like crepes, waffles, and cotton candy. The best part about this carnival and most activities in Paris: It’s free. You only have to pay for the rides you go on!
Soak in the art and music at Versailles
As one of the most visited monuments in the world, visiting the Versailles in summer is something you can’t miss. During this time, the Versailles features some major international artists.
In the summer evenings, the Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes event brings fireworks and various musical and dance performances to life. One of the performances is the Royal Serenade of the Hall of mirrors.