Updated on July 1st, 2025
As spring turns into summer in Paris, the city comes alive with endless things to do! Known for being a birthplace of art, music, fashion, and of course delicious French cuisine, Paris offers endless chances to mingle with the locals and experience the city’s culture in the summertime. Combined with a number of easy and fun day trips that you can take from Paris, the possibilities for summer fun are boundless. If you’re not already dreaming of your next Paris vacation, read on for our full guide and imagine yourself living like a local this summer in the City of Lights.
Soak Up Some Sun at Paris Plages
One of our favorite hidden gems and perhaps one of the most unique city-wide tributes to summer is Paris Plages (Paris Beaches for our English speakers). During the months of July and August, the banks of the River Seine, the Saint-Martin’s Canal and La Villette Canal Basin are transformed into sandy beaches, complete with umbrellas, palm trees and lounge chairs, providing a free space for Parisians to relax and enjoy the warm weather (without traveling all the way to the French Riviera!). Since 2025, for the first time in a hundred years, swimming is now allowed in the Seine, with three natural swimming spots open daily at Bras Marie, Bras de Grenelle and Quai de Bercy. La Villette Canal Basin, especially popular with families, also offers a swimming area, water activities, pétanque, a trampoline, and even a zipline
At the end of a day at Paris Plages, come home to this 3-bedroom duplex furnished rental. The bright, summery color palette and south-facing windows ensure that this apartment will let you maximize your sunny days in Paris. The rental also features 2 full bathrooms with plenty of space for washing up before dinner at one of Paris’s many wonderful restaurants. Or stay home and prepare a hearty French meal in this apartment’s full modern kitchen! The location of this apartment in the 19th Arrondissement also puts you close to La Villette Canal Basin, so visiting the “beach” there is a breeze!
Dine at La Felicitá
Located within Xavier Niel’s Station F, Restaurant La Felicità remains one of the city’s most dynamic and expansive food halls. Since its opening in 2018, this 4,400 square meter (48,000 square foot) space has drawn locals and visitors alike with its lively atmosphere and wide variety of offerings. La Felicità offers Italian-inspired cuisine —including fresh pasta, pizza, and gelato— as well as espresso bars, craft beer stations, and street food-style BBQ. The food hall features greenery, communal tables, and string lighting, creating a casual, social dining experience in the heart of Paris’s tech and innovation hub.
Summer on the Canal
Regardless of your reason for visiting Paris, all travelers will enjoy the activities offered at this year’s Été du Canal festival on the banks of the Canal de l’Ourcq. The festival offers everything ranging from concerts and dancing to street art exhibitions and open air cinema. You can also just stroll along the banks of the canal or enjoy the water shuttle rides to and from the heart of Paris. The full schedule of festival activities starts the first week of July until the beginning of August and is a great way to experience summer in Paris for the whole family.
Enjoy the long days of summer in Paris from this 4-bedroom furnished vacation rental in the 10th Arrondissement. The apartment is filled with large windows, including the living room windows, which feature panoramic views of the garden and terrace. Not only is this apartment beautiful and luxurious, but it’s also conducive to a longer stay as you can enjoy the opportunity to prepare meals in the full kitchen with a dishwasher. The living room has plenty of seating, perfect for gathering at the end of the day, whether it’s with friends or family. Plus, proximity to Canal Saint Martin means you’ll be connected to Paris’s beautiful waterways all summer long.
Celebrate Another Side of French Culture With the Carnaval Tropical de Paris
On the first Sunday of July the Champs-Elysées will bursts with the energy, and bright colors and the joyous spirit of Caribbean nations as the city celebrates Carnaval Tropical de Paris. This parade through the city showcases the music, dance and traditional costumes of people from the Antilles. Enjoy the spectacle of sight and sound as dance groups from all over the world and more than a dozen floats parade down Avenue Champs-Elysées, showing off their moves to traditional music. You can also sample Caribbean food from food trucks along the parade route!
If you come to Paris in search of a modern place to stay, you’ll love this 1-bedroom furnished apartment in Champs Elysées. This bright apartment features white tiled floors, high ceilings and large windows overlooking a quiet courtyard. This modern apartment balances refinement and energy – a serene space with a bold red kitchen – a nod to the Caribbean’s colorful flair. Best of all, its location puts you extremely close to Champs-Elysées and the center of the action, including excellent shopping spots in Paris– perfect for when the Summer Sales roll around!
Skip the Lines at the Louvre
If it’s your first time in Paris, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are probably high on your destination list and among the things you absolutely have to do in Paris. While summer is a peak travel time to these popular places, there are also best-kept secrets that allow you to visit without waiting in line! While the tickets are free for those under 18, don’t forget to plan ahead! If you want to visit the Eiffel Tower, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line before heading to the observation deck. In addition, the Louvre offers special evening tour packages with wine tastings for those ages 18 and up.
If you came to Paris for art, you’ll love the location of this 1-bedroom furnished apartment near the Louvre. The sleek, peaceful style of this apartment’s lighting and furniture will make you feel like you’re right at home in your own personal art gallery. With hardwood floor and large windows, this space is an equal mix of comfort and style, close proximity close to both the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
See France in Full Bloom
In Paris, there are no shortage of chances to see the more natural side of summertime’s beauty in any of the city’s fabulous parks, but if you’re looking to really get in touch with the country, consider taking a day trip out of Paris to Claude Monet’s former home in Giverny, France. The site is famed for its beautiful gardens as well as tours of his home and studio. Giverny is just over an hour’s drive from the heart of Paris, and touring the village is a wonderful way to spend a peaceful, sunny summer day!
Another way to see the beauty of France’s botanicals is at Jardins et Parc de Bagatelle in the 16th Arrondissement. The park is known for its exquisite rose garden, and if you happen to be traveling to Paris in early summer, you can visit during the annual Concours international de roses nouvelles, an internationally-recognized rose contest held every year in June.
You can further immerse yourself in the romance of Paris after a day in Bagatelle in this 2-bedroom furnished apartment in the Invalides district. This classically French apartment features a touch of grandeur like a decorative fireplace, gilded mirrors, chandeliers, and a large selection of artwork on the walls. There’s even a grand piano in the living room for entertaining guests or just that special someone. Finally, you’ll never forget where you are in this apartment, as some of its windows offer views of the Eiffel Tower!
If you come to Paris looking for culture, history, relaxation, art or cuisine, you’ll find it all and more this summer. With special opportunities to see the sights, eat outside, or enjoy free activities hosted by the city, and do it all while living in your perfect furnished rental, now is the perfect time to plan an unforgettable summer trip to Paris!
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