What to see in Paris in summer by yourself
Paris is beautiful at any time of the year, and whenever tourists come here, the city is sure to have something to offer them. If you are lucky enough to be here in summer, you can diversify your sightseeing and museum tours by boat on the Seine, or even relax on the beach on hot days.
Need to say, the heat comes to Paris rarely, the average air temperature in the summer months rarely exceeds +25 ° C, but there are exceptions, when residents and tourists are forced to escape from the scorching sun by the water and in the shade of parks. Tourists for summer walks are recommended to take care of comfortable light clothing and headgear.
Attractions in Paris in summer
Without a doubt, no visit to the French capital is not without a visit to the symbol of Paris – the Eiffel Tower, from the height of which opens an excellent panorama of the city. Another must-see tourist attraction in the French capital is the famous Louvre Museum.
Also, visitors explore the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champ de Mars, the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, walk around Montmartre and the Luxembourg Garden, etc. And Notre Dame de Paris, which suffered a devastating fire in 2019, is now experiencing a new wave of tourist interest, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see the interior of the temple after the restoration.
River walks in Paris in summer
One of the popular activities for tourists in the height of summer is boat rides on the Seine. This river – the main waterway of the French capital along its banks are the main attractions of Paris – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the House of Invalids, Orsay Museum, etc. In addition, during the river tour you can see many picturesque historic bridges.
There are several options for boat trips in Paris – day and evening, with lunch or dinner, with excursions, with or without stops. They are offered by several companies, such as Bateaux Mouches, Bateaux Parisiens, Batobus (operated by Bateaux Parisiens) Vedettes de Paris, Vedettes du Pont Neuf. They all run on similar routes, and tickets can be purchased at the piers.
Where to swim and sunbathe in Paris in summer
Tourists certainly do not go to Paris to swim and sunbathe, but if, during their visit to the French capital they happen to be caught by an abnormal heat, and in the luggage there happens to be a bathing suit, you can go to Parisian beaches.
Since 2002 every summer in Paris a project Paris Plages takes place, within the framework of which along the Seine embankments in the center and on the bank of the Bassin de la Villette reservoir in the north-east of the city they create special zones for summer vacation. Citizens and guests can sunbathe in the sand, swim, go kayaking or attend free evening concerts there. Each year, the city imports tons of sand and decorates the areas according to themes. The schedule of the beaches varies each year, for example, this year 2020, the areas open on July 18 and will be available to visitors until August 30.
For example, one of the beaches is traditionally located on the right bank of the Seine near the Louvre, between Pont Neuf and Pont de Sully, near the Hotel de Ville. The total length of recreation zone is 3 km, the entrance is free and it is the most crowded beach of the project. There are mini swimming pools and snack bars.
Another beach, also sandy, is being developed on the right bank of the river, on a stretch of the promenade known as Voie Georges Pompidou. This beach is known for its wide range of activities on offer, from dancing, tai chi, and foosball to reading books at the local beach library.
The third beach is located in the north-east of Paris, along the reservoir Bassin de la Villette (Jaures/Stalingrad metro station). Here you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also ride boats and sailboats, and then have a bite to eat in one of the cafes.
The best summer terraces in Paris
In summer in Paris are open terraces of cafes and restaurants, and by visiting them you can relax, refresh yourself with a cocktail or a glass of wine, have a snack and admire the beautiful panorama of the city from high above or from the water. Among the best terraces are
La Rooftop Lounge terrace on the second floor of Parisian Shangri La hotel is considered one of the most luxurious in Paris, in addition, it has a good view of the Eiffel Tower. You can get here not only the hotel guests, but all comers, however, during certain hours – from 16:00 to 23:30 without reservation during the summer. A great place to watch the sunset!
The terrace of the Hotel Raphael at 17 Avenue Kléber offers signature cocktails and desserts, and the view of the Arc de Triomphe is more than worth the price. From May to September you can also dine on the terrace by reservation through the hotel’s website.
Another great place is the Terrass Hotel in Montmartre, a restaurant on the seventh floor with a terrace from which the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides and the Grand Palais are at your fingertips. Prices in the restaurant are high, but nothing prevents tourists to take just a coffee or a glass of champagne to celebrate a date with Paris. There’s no need to make reservations to visit.
The Terrace Bar Up On the Roof on the ninth floor of the Holiday Inn Paris Notre-Dame, located in the center of the Latin Quarter, is known for its great views of Parisian rooftops, cocktails and a picturesque conservatory. Since the bar can only accommodate 50 people at a time, reservations are required.
On the rooftop terrace of the famous Mama Shelter Hotel, you can dine, order a pizza or have a cocktail in a hammock, on folding chairs, under umbrellas or at a ping-pong table. The terrace is open year-round every Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., but only in good weather.
La Dame de Canton is a very unusual terrace, no elevated view, but a view from the water: it is located next to the floating restaurant of the same name on the Seine. This restaurant is the oldest of its kind in the city, it has a nightclub and a concert stage, and every summer there is a floating terrace with grass, lounge chairs and wicker furniture. It is open from mid-April to the end of September.
La péniche El Alamein is another unusual place, combining the functions of an exotic garden, a terrace and a floating bar on the Seine. There are concerts of live music. The opening hours are from 20:00 to 02:00 daily.
Night walks in Paris
Summer is the perfect time to take a romantic, nocturnal walk in Paris. For this it is worth to go to the quay of the Left Bank of the Seine, where not so long ago has been reconstructed and implemented a project Les berges de Seine. Now you can admire a great view of the Eiffel Tower and the Orsay Museum, have dinner or drink a cocktail in one of the cafes and restaurants. The Bassin de la Villette, on the north east side of the city, is a good place for a night out.
It is also worth a night ride on the Seine on a river streetcar to see the famous sights of Paris in the bright lights, have dinner on board and drink French wine.