Visiting the French capital this summer? Check out our guide to what's on in Paris this summer
Film star Audrey Hepburn allegedly once uttered the line: “Paris is always a good idea,” Few would disagree with her. Summer in the City of Light summons up thoughts of warm days and balmy evenings – perhaps spent beside the Seine or dining in a boat as it drifts down the river.
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.
There’s so much to see and do that visitors will be spoilt for choice. Here the MCC team has put together a list of suggestions.
- If you’re thinking of making a trip, why not let MCC help? 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.
MUSIC
Saint-Cloud. Rock en Seine. Rock music festival. Lots of activities. August 25-28 and August 30.
St Germain de Près. Jazz Festival at St Germain de Près. Rescheduled from May. Various locations. Until September 7 2022
Parc Floral. Classique au Vert. Program of concerts in the open air in the park. Afternoon concerts are free, evening events chargeable.
Until September 7.
THEATER
Various locations. Festival Paris L'Été. Large programme of art, dance and theater activities. July 11-31
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.
ART
Musée d’Orsay. Gaudí exhibition. Large-scale exhibition for the first time in 50 years in France. Until July 17.
Musée d’Orsay. Manet/ Degas exhibition. Until July 23.
Centre Georges Pompidou. The People of Tomorrow Exhibition for children. Until July 18.
Louvre. Another Louvre. Guided tours away from the crowds, including a Friday night opening. Every Friday and Saturday. Extra tours in summer until August 31.
SPORT
Champs Elysees. Final day of the Tour De France. Cyclists circle the Champs Elysees. July 12
Saint-Denis. Stade de France. Small soccer fans will love a stadium tour. All year.
FILM
The Louvre. Cinéma Paradiso. Free open-air cinema in the Louvre courtyard. Until July 18.
La Villette. Open-Air Cinema at La Villette. July 20 to August 21 2022.
12th Arrondissement. Hotel Paradiso. Free open-air cinema on the rooftop of the hotel with great views of Paris. Until end of September.
MIXED ACTIVITIES
Seine river and Bassin de la Villette. Paris Plages. Riverbanks turned into holiday beaches, with lots of activities. July 9 to August 21 2022.
Various locations. Bastille Day celebrations. Parade, Champs Elysées, 10am. Fireworks 11pm. July 14.
St Denis and various locations. Été du Canal. Floating concerts, street art. July 9 to August 14 2022. Versailles. Night Fountains Show. It’s an hour out of Paris but a beautiful display. Until September 17.
Seine River. Cruising on the river by day or night, with or without dinner. Great way to see the city, particularly on Bastille Day. Running all year.
FAMILY/CHILDREN
Chessy. Disneyland Paris. About 20 miles outside Paris but it has to be mentioned for the sake of the children! All year.
La Villette. Europa Kids - The Village of Inflatables. Loads of fun activities for children. Until August 28.
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. Until August 28.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Theatre Guignol Anatole. Famous outdoor puppet theater. For all the family. Until September 7.
Parc Floral. Les Pestacles. Open-air music concerts for children every Wednesday. Until September 7.
Montmartre. Grévin Museum. The wax museum celebrates its 140th birthday with an events program. Until December 31.
Various locations. Explorhappy offers downloadable walking routes for families, with sights, games, suggestions and detailed step-by-step maps.
SEE MORE EUROPEAN DESTINATION GUIDES
– What's on in London July and August 2022
– London’s hottest new restaurants spring 2022
– Best rooftop restaurants in London, summer 2022
– Mykonos restaurant guide
– Ultimate guide to Santorini
– Guide to the best London markets
– Marbella restaurant guide
– Complete guide to Mallorca
– Best restaurants in Forte dei Marmi summer 2022
