How to make the most of your trip to Paris this summer

If you’re vacationing in Paris this summer, you’re in for a treat! The French capital is always a delight, but the summer months is when the city bursts into life, as Parisians and visitors take advantage of the warm days and balmy nights. 

It’s still traditional in France for most people to take their annual holidays in August, so in the cities this can mean less traffic, although tourist hotspots are still busy with visitors pouring in from abroad. But there are plenty of events in the capital to amuse visitors of all ages. Yes, there is Euro-Disney, about 20 miles outside the center, but there are loads of things to do within the city.

Here are some suggestions for you to try.

• Call our Bookings service, or message a member of the team via WhatsApp on +966 533 633 607 for assistance with all your travel plans.

ART, FILM & EXHIBITIONS

- La Galerie Dior. Visit the historic mansion at 28 Avenue Montaigne where fashion history was made. A must for fashionistas.

- Fontainebleau. Explore the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau and the incredible artwork displayed there. Until September 17, 2023.

- "Forms" at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum combines fashion, contemporary art and geometric construction, incorporating the works of German artist Claudia Wieser. Until January 14, 2024.

- Immerse yourself (and the kids!) in the magical world of Harry Potter at the Paris Expo’s extended exhibition. Until 15 October.

- Musée d’Orsay. Manet/ Degas exhibition. Catch the exhibition of these contrasting painters until July 23.

- Louvre. Another Louvre. Enjoy a guided tour away from the crowds, including a Friday night opening during the summer. Every Friday and Saturday at 11am. Extra tours in summer until August 31.

- My First Louvre. Something for your little ones to get excited about - a tour of the famous gallery especially for children. 

- La Villette. Discover the secrets of Ramses and the Pharaohs with this exhibition of 180 exceptional pieces. Until September 6.

- Tim Burton, The Labyrinth. An immersive and fun dive into the world of the cult filmmaker at La Villette. Ongoing.

- 12th Arrondissement. Hotel Paradiso. Enjoy ‘Sunday night cinema’ in the open-air cinema on the rooftop of the hotel with great views of Paris. Until end of September.

MUSIC

- Saint-Cloud. Rock en Seine. Rock music festival. Lots of activities. August 25-27.

- Parc Floral. Classique au Vert. Program of concerts in the open air in the park. Afternoon concerts are free, evening events chargeable. Until September 2.

THEATER

- Various locations. Festival Paris L'Été. Large programme of art, dance  and theater activities. Until July 30.

- Bois de Boulogne. Théâtre de Verdure du Jardin Shakespeare. Summer program at a specially constructed outdoor theater. Adults pay, children free. Until September 10.

- Les Invalides. La Nuit Aux Invalides. Night-time son et lumière show about the life of Napoléon, lit by a thousand candles. Until September 1.

FAMILY/CHILDREN

- Disneyland Paris. About 20 miles outside Paris but it has to be mentioned for the sake of the children! All year.

- Louvre museum. My First Louvre. Guided tours for the over-sixes. Every day until August 31.

- Versailles. The Rabbids at Versailles. An hour out of central Paris but this fun app game will amuse small children – playable only when visiting the gardens at Versailles. Educational value. All year.

- Tuileries. Fête des Tuileries. Funfair. Every summer the Tuileries gardens host a fabulous funfair with loads of things to do for children. July 1 to August 27.

- Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Theatre Guignol Anatole. Famous outdoor puppet theater. For all the family. Check website for dates.

- Parc Floral. Les Pestacles. Open-air music concerts for children every Wednesday. Until September 6.

- Various locations. Explorhappy offers downloadable walking routes for families, with sights, games, suggestions and detailed step-by-step maps.

MIXED ACTIVITIES

- Seine river and Bassin de la Villette. Paris Plages. Experience the Parisian riverbanks transformed into holiday beaches, with activities galore! July 9 to September 3.

- St Denis and various locations. Été du Canal. Floating concerts and street art. Until August 13.

- Versailles. Night Fountains Show. It’s an hour out of Paris but worth it for the beautiful display. Every Saturday evening Until September 23.

- Seine River. Cruising on the river by day or night, with or without dinner, is a wonderful way to see the city. Running all year.