Tips for Visiting Paris in the Summer
In many ways, Paris in the summertime is the least Parisian of times in the city of lights. Since French people generally have several weeks of paid vacation a year, huge numbers of locals flee town for vacations in the South of France or elsewhere, and the influx of visitors turns the city into a perpetual Babel, with foreign languages heard just as frequently as French in metro cars or cafes.
The pace slows, the streets are calmer, the nights longer, and summer festivals and special events promise some fun days and nights out in the warm (or muggy) air.
Love It (The Pros)
Summer might not strike every traveler as the ideal time to visit, but for some, it'll strike all the right chords.
It's a prime time for festivals and great open-air events, and many of these, including the Paris Street Music Festival (Fete de la Musique), or the open-air cinema at the Villette park in the city's north, are entirely free.
Visitors rule the city during the summer. Paris is always geared toward tourists, who flock here in the millions year-round. But in the summer, since most Parisians are gone, you can truly enjoy the city on your own terms. Meeting people from around the world is another fun prospect, especially for student travelers who may be using the summer break to explore the city.
The atmosphere is relaxed and carefree, and opportunities for great nightlife in Paris abound. Sprawl out and have a picnic at one of Paris's elegant parks and gardens or along the banks of the Seine or have an all-nighter by hopping between some great Parisian nightclubs.
And Now, the Cons
It can be prohibitively expensive: A spike in airfares during peak season means reserving well ahead is a must (Look for a travel package and book direct via TripAdvisor). If you're taking the train, book tickets well ahead (Buy direct at Rail Europe).
It's not for the crowd-shy: Tourism peaks between May and early October most years in Paris, so you're going to have to accept having...erm, lots of company during your visits to Notre Dame Cathedral or the Eiffel Tower.
The metro is generally crowded, and often, hot and congested, so make sure to wear layers even if it's relatively cool out.
The weather can be erratic and unpredictable: Spells of rain or intense heat waves can ruin plans for outdoor activities, and extreme heat can be dangerous for elderly or young visitors. Make sure to bring lots of water with you on long excursions, and dress appropriately (again, I recommend layers to make sure you're prepared for sudden rain or heat spells).
What to Do?
Summer is festival season, and with the extra-long days and (generally) warm nights, you'll have no trouble finding things to keep your schedule full and exciting. Here are just a few ideas for what to do-- click through to explore these in detail:
Sun, Sand, and Fun at Paris Plages (Pop-Up Beaches)
Launched in 2002, Paris Beach (or "Paris Plages" in French) is a free summer event that transforms several spots in Paris into full-fledged beaches, each with their own distinctive themes and attractions. The brainchild of former Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe who was well-known for launching ambitious municipal events, Paris Plages has become a permanent fixture in the Parisian summertime scene. From sunning in the sand to swimming in pools suspended over the Seine, kayaking, or enjoying free evening concerts, Paris Plage offers activities that everyone will enjoy and is especially ideal if you're visiting Paris with kids.
2018 Locations and Hours
The 2018 beach operation will be open daily from early July to late August. Precise dates have yet to be announced; visit this page in late May for more details. Beaches are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. This summer, Paris Plages will have three main locations:
The first beach (generally the most popular and crowded) is located on the right bank of the Seine in central Paris, stretching from the Pont Neuf near the Louvre to the Pont de Sully near Hotel de Ville (City Hall).
The second "plage" is a sandy beach along the stretch of the right bank quay known as the "Voie Georges Pompidou."
Finally, heading northeast, the third major beach stretches alongside the picturesque canal known as the "Bassin de la Villette" (near metro Jaures/Stalingrad), in northeastern Paris (19th arrondissement). Scroll down for more details on each of the beaches and their highlights, from activities for kids and adults, dining, drinking, and entertaining.
Are the Beaches Accessible to All?
All Paris beach sites have been designed to be as accessible as possible to visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Ramps allow easy access to beaches. Water fountains, swimming pools, and some boats at the Villette site are also accessible.
Free Concerts
Every year, a score of free concerts are held in tandem with Paris Plages, bringing an exciting lineup of contemporary artists to liven up the evenings at the makeshift beaches.
The FNAC Live festival will take place this year in front of Hotel de Ville.
Activities and Ambiance at Paris Plages 2018
"Traditional" Beach (Pont Neuf to Pont de Sully): This is the most traditional of the three Paris Beach locations and features sand and grass beaches, and stretches for some three kilometers along some of the most coveted stretches of the Seine River. Here, you can relax under parasols and on chaise longues (rental is free, but the competition is fierce, so arrive early!), splash around in fountains and mini pools to cool off, and enjoy a variety of sports and games. Boardwalk-style cafes and snack bars line the beach (beer and wine are available for purchase at many), and at night a series of free concerts around Hotel de Ville liven up the strip.
Water Sports and Boating at La Villette: Stretching from the Rotonde de Ledoux near the Jaurès Metro station to the former Magasins Généraux on Rue de Crimee, this is the beach to choose if you'd like to see a more contemporary side of Paris, and are interested in getting in the water. For water sports enthusiasts, the beach of choice will be at La Villette, where the Canal de l'Ourq affords participants a choice between a variety of relaxed water sports. Kayaks, pedal boats, sailboats, canoes, and more are open to the public at no charge until 9:00 p.m. with instructors on the scene to help ensure a safe experience. You'll be able to glide along over 53,000 square feet of water, and after boating, a cold drink on one of the beach's waterside cafes will be in order.