Best Summer Attractions in Paris
The sun has finally arrived in France and though summer time sometimes rhyme with empty city, we’ll prove you that it’s not with these top Parisian summer attractions. Indeed, the Paris City Council has planned lots of great activities for those spending the summer in the city, the tourists and those looking for fresh air during these hot days !
- Paris Plages (now until August 18)
Bring the beach in the City of Lights. For 12 years, this extravagant thought becomes a reality during the months of July and August, totally free of charge. Opened every day from 9 a.m until midnight, this major summer event comprises three key locations : the most famous one is at the heart of Paris, a stone’s throw away from the Notre-Dame cathedral and on the banks of the Seine River, making the scene extremely scenic ; the second one is right behind this first location on the esplanade of the Paris City Hall and the third one is situated in the 19th district where the Villette artificial river basin is situated. Every location is divided into three types of activities : sports, culture and children. Sand, water fountains, petanque strips, tai-chi and dance classes, a temporary library along with exhibitions and electric go-karts for the kids, everything has been designed so as to have as much fun as possible !
- Fête des Loges (now until August 18)
One of the biggest fun fairs in Europe (8 hectares) and the oldest one in France (361st edition this year) counts 200 rides for all the family and adrenaline lovers ! 3 millions of visitors are expected this year and not only is the Fete des Loges the unmissable place to have fun, it is also the place to be if you’re getting hungry and fancy a different kind of ride. Indeed, the Kitchen Alley is a ride around the world ; you get the traditional candy apples, churros and roasted suckling pig but also Brazilian food ! Around 20 restaurants and grill rooms are here to satisfy your palate so stop waiting, have fun and indulge in some fun fair sweetness ! Located 20 minutes away from Paris.
- The biggest firework in Europe (September 7)
Get ready to be blown away with the biggest firework in Europe ! Every year in the Saint-Cloud Park, west of Paris, a magnificent firework lights up the night. It is shot opposite the Great Waterfall, gathers more than 23,000 people and lasts for two hours so don’t forget your ear buds. The Saint-Cloud Park is a very pleasant and elegant one, with fountains and sculptures and has been designed by André le Nôtre, the famous gardener of Louis XIV, who also designed the garden of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte and Chantilly.
- Titanic, the exhibition (now until September 15)
More than 100 years after the tragic sinking and after 25 millions of visitors woldwide, Titanic the exhibition drops the anchor in Paris until mid-September. Everything has been made so that the visitors feel like they’ve boarded on the famous boat. Upon entrance, they are given a replica of the original boarding pass and thanks to a handset, they can walk through the exhibition at their own pace. The exhibition focuses on the stories of those who boarded the tragically famous boat thanks to the display of more than 280 items ; perfume made by a craftman going to New York in order to sell his samples , a cook’s hat or a bag belonging to a passenger . It also comprises reconstructions of the cabins, the story of the boat from its conception through videos and pictures and an ice cube reminding the iceberg the boat hit. Located in Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.
- The tropical agronomy garden (all year round)
In the south-east of Paris, a strange, wild and well-hidden garden contains monuments and remains from the colonial era most of the times covered with greenery : tropical greehouses, ancient buildings from the colonial exhibition of 1907. Back then, five different villages are set up in the garden and present the supposed life in the five colonies of the French Empire with natives from some of the different colonies (Madagascar, Indochina, Congo, Sudan and North Africa). Researches in tropical agronomy also took place there but everything has been transferred in Montpellier in 1976 and the buildings are now abandoned hence the greenery on them but this is what makes this garden very special and mysterious as well. Enjoy the shaded paths during the hot summer days !
- Outdoor Cinema (now until August 28)
With almost one movie every night during one month, this outdoor cinema will satisfy movie lovers by offering a varied mix of movies, from comedies to dramas and animated movies for the children. (Re)discover Soul Kitchen by Fatih Akin, Rio Bravo by Howard Hawks, The Last Show by Robert Altman or Les Plages d’Agnès by Agnès Varda and many more. On a deck-chair, on the grass, on a blanket, whatever you choose, don’t forget to bring a cardigan for the movie starts at dusk ! You’ll never know what the night holds for you.
- la Villette Jazz Festival (from September 3 until September 15)
In the Cité de la Musique, this festival emphasises the sound testings and alliances because the artists mix jazz with hip-hop, rock and funk. Stroll through the city and enter the many venues taking part in the festival (the Cabaret Sauvage, the Trabendo, or the MK2 Cinemas) and fill your ears with the sound of the music, with concerts including Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter and Bryan Ferry. If you haven’t had enough, this festival also offers movie projections such as Martin Scorsese presents… The Blues and concerts for kids !