What to do in Paris this summer
Canceled summer plans? No need to worry. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the lovely weather in tourist-free Paris. It’s time to seize the moment! The summer has finally arrived and Paris has never been this calm before. Eiffel Tower Instagram postings have never been this low. Or berets purchases...
We have listed some of our favourite activities during summertime in Paris; read on to see our ultimate guide on what to do with your friends this summer!
Rooftop bar with a view
Paris might be known for all its cute terrace bars, but this city is also home to a lot of amazing rooftop bars. Relaxing, high up in the sky and sipping on a cocktail while overlooking the wonderful city? Oh, the French dream! Get your friends together for an afternoon apéro in the sunset. Located on the 7th floor in the Le Marais neighbourhood, you will find Le Perchoir, a lovely rooftop garden with a great atmosphere and delicious cocktails.
Pro tip! The rooftop could be quite busy so better go there early to avoid queuing!
Photo by @martincdv
Boat adventures on the Seine
Sunny weekend ahead? We have the best idea! Call your friends and rent a permit-free boat for the day. You can do so in La Villette. It goes without saying you should put a lot of sunblock on.
Relaxing afternoon in the Tuileries garden
Photo by @varsovianna
Cloudy day and you don’t know what to do? What about grabbing a book, getting snacks and heading to the Tuileries garden for some afternoon reading. All around the park you can find cute green chairs to sit on for free. We recommend you pick a chair right in front of the fountain. The sound of the water, the birds singing, the great temperature - just perfect! Don’t forget to stretch your legs and walk around the beautiful garden. If you want to learn more about the Louvre and the Tuileries, download our podcast tour of the garden HERE.
Dreamy picnic by the Seine
What could possibly beat a picnic on the Seine riverbanks with friends on a sunny day? This is for sure one of our favourite summer activities in Paris! Prepare your picnic basket, buy French cheese, charcuteries, and a baguette, and you are good to go! Head to the Seine and pick a spot where you can admire the stunning sunset - an absolutely amazing experience that you won’t regret!
Photo by @varsovianna
Sip a cocktail in the Buttes Chaumont park
Away from the crowds you find the beautiful Buttes Chaumont garden. The park is actually the biggest one in Paris, which makes it the ideal place to go when you want to avoid people and find an intimate space. This picturesque park has something for all, whether you want to have a relaxing picnic in the sun, a cooling glass of wine at one of the charming bars or simply a workout session with a breathtaking view.
Photo by @guillaumetaron
Far away from the tourist trails, right in the heart of the Buttes Chaumont park, you will find this amazing hidden gem - Rosa Bonheur. This hipster bar is the place to be on a sunny day. Order a glass of French wine and enjoy the great atmosphere with your friends.
Photo by @hebdomania
Paris Plage
Photo by @espanhapravoce
Paris, and plage…? OUI! That’s right! During summer some parts of the Seine river bank turn into a beach with sand, sunbeds, showers and beach volleyball. This is definitely the most popular summer activity in Paris. You will feel like you are on a real beach, despite actually being in the city of Paris. Great activity for those hot days where you need to cool off a bit.
Rediscover the city with a self-guided podcast tour
Running out of Instagram inspiration? Take the day to spice up your feed with Vidi Guides! Go on a self-guided Instagram walk on Île Saint-Louis where you will be guided through the top photography hotspots of Paris. You will get photography tips while discovering the hidden gems of the city. You can get the app HERE.
Photo by @zax66