With the spotlight on the French capital this summer for the Olympics, there’s never been a more opportune time to visit.
Anchored by the Eiffel Tower, intersected by the Seine, and adorned with expanding grand gardens in its quest to become one of Europe’s greenest cities, Paris stands as one of the world’s most remarkable destinations. Here are 17 ways to explore the City of Lights this summer.
- Go electric on a classic city tour
Experience a Classic City Tour in an Electric Vehicle Over the past decade, battery-powered cars have become a common sight in Paris as part of the city’s plan to transition to e-vehicles exclusively by 2030. Take a silent ride in a vintage Renault 4L, retrofitted with a specially designed battery by the tour company 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie. Glide quietly through the eighth arrondissement, past the honey-colored apartments and cast iron balconies, the grand alabaster Arc de Triomphe, and the broad, lattice-like base of the Eiffel Tower, close enough to see its inner workings. This year marks 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924, and to commemorate the occasion, the Eiffel Tower is being repainted gold, the color originally chosen by Gustave Eiffel.
- Enjoy the Paris Plages From
July to September, Paris transforms into beach mode, turning sections of its iconic river and canals into temporary urban beaches, complete with deckchairs, potted palm trees, ice cream vendors, and entertainment. At Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), the quays along the Seine between Pont d’Arcole and Pont Neuf buzz with outdoor, family-friendly activities such as a mini via ferrata, football, giant chess, and sun-loungers among potted palm trees and pétanque. Across the water on the left bank, experience urban beach life on the stretch of ‘beach’ between Pont d’Alma and Pont de la Concorde. The prime swimming hub for Paris Plages is Bassin de la Villette—until 2025, when three open-water swimming spots will open for summer swimming in the Seine: at Bras Marie beneath Pont Marie (4e), near the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir footbridge in Bercy (12e), and at Port de Grenelle (15e).
- Stay in a Floating Hotel on the Seine
Moored at the foot of the Gare d’Austerlitz in central Paris, Off Paris Seine offers a unique aquatic living experience. This floating hotel gently rocks with the wake of passing barges and features 58 rooms that face either the city or the Seine. The design draws inspiration from its natural surroundings, with warm wood accents complemented by bright pops of gold and neon orange. The designer Sunset suite takes maximalism to new heights, with everything from the four-poster bed to the bathtub in a vibrant tangerine hue. In the evening, savor a plate of roast octopus with pepper cream by the pool on the sheltered restaurant terrace. Here, you can watch shoals of tiny fish ripple across the water and observe the serene riverbank life. Rates start from €230 (£197) for a quay-view double, including breakfast.
- Sail the Waterways in an E-Boat
Life slows down along the banks of the Bassin de la Villette, Paris’s largest artificial lake, located 20 minutes northeast of Gare de l’Est. Once an industrial port, this tranquil area is now a haven where cormorants float on yellow buoys and dogs trot in the shade of tall trees. Parisians gather here to play pétanque and picnic on crusty baguettes, with their legs dangling over the water’s edge. One of the best ways to experience this serene setting is by renting an electric boat. From Marin D’Eau Douce’s marina at the southern end, you can journey north at a leisurely pace, accompanied by the sounds of lapping waves, distant clinking glasses, and the tinny music of a carousel that occasionally appears on the banks. You’ll know you’ve reached Parc de la Villette when you see the metallic orb-shaped cinema and the Canal de L’Ourcq, whose banks serve as an outdoor gallery for street artists. Three hours of e-boat rental for five people start at €110 (£94), with no license required.
- Claim a Deckchair at the Molitor, Birthplace of the Bikini
Late summer at the Molitor in the 16th arrondissement sees bathers lounging in fluffy white bathrobes, basking in the sunlight filtering through the clouds as swimmers glide lazily through the pool. This urban oasis, enclosed by tall, canary-yellow walls, offers a peaceful escape from the city’s frenetic pace. When it opened in 1929, the Molitor was both a retreat and a social hub, where Parisians could relax with a glass of Chablis among the palms.
The Molitor hosted various events, from artists’ galas to beauty contests, and even featured a tobacconist and hair salon. It was known for its avant-garde spirit, most famously as the site where French designer Louis Réard unveiled the first bikini in 1946. The design was so scandalous that he had to use an exotic dancer to model it, as no professional model would.
However, by the 1970s, the pool began to deteriorate due to chlorine damage, leading to its closure in 1989. The once-glamorous Molitor fell into disrepair, becoming a canvas for graffiti artists and a venue for underground raves. But its story didn’t end there.
In 2014, the Molitor was restored and reopened as a hotel. The artists who once painted its walls during its abandonment were invited back to decorate the lobby and create murals, including a graffiti-covered Rolls-Royce. The hotel now features 124 rooms designed to mimic the feel of an ocean liner, with porthole windows overlooking the pool and its relaxed atmosphere. The Molitor even made its Hollywood debut in “The Life of Pi,” and today, it continues to draw Parisians back to its historic deckchairs. Rooms start from €330 (£283) per night, including breakfast, and a day pass with room access for two costs from €290 (£248).
- Stay Cool in Open-Air Pools
Piscine Joséphine Baker
Named after the iconic Jazz Age performer, this pool offers a unique swimming experience on the Seine in the 13th arrondissement, not far from Bastille. Set on a permanently moored barge, the pool features a retractable glass roof for sunbathing on deck during good weather. In addition to the main pool, there’s a children’s paddling pool, solariums, saunas, a gym, and changing rooms.
Piscine Roger le Gall
Located in the 12th arrondissement to the east of the city, the 164ft Roger Le Gall pool is part of a sports complex. Its retractable roof allows for outdoor swimming on sunny summer days. Named after a French resistance fighter, the pool is surrounded by rolling lawns for sunbathing and offers dedicated naturist sessions each month.
Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles
Situated in the southern 13th arrondissement, the Butte-aux-Cailles pool complex, opened in 1924, is one of Paris’s rare listed pool complexes. The main indoor pool retains its art deco arches, while there are also two outdoor pools. All pools are open year-round and are kept warm at a comfortable 28°C thanks to the complex’s natural sulphur spring.
- Discovering Paris’s Belle Époque on Foot
In Paris, it’s effortless to journey back in time; remnants of the gilded Belle Époque era are scattered throughout the city center, enchanting those who wander its streets. This era of bohemianism, optimism, and technological advancement thrived in the tranquil years from 1871 to the onset of the Second World War. To witness its legacy firsthand, one needs only to step into establishments like Bouillon Chartier, a captivating “workers’ bistro” constructed with flamboyant grandeur in 1896, where communal tables foster conviviality and waitstaff, adorned in uniforms, still tally bills on tablecloths. The Grand Palais, Alexandre III Bridge, Musée d’Orsay, and Galeries Lafayette also stand as testaments to this illustrious period.
Numerous walking tours cater to those eager to immerse themselves in the Belle Époque era. Family-friendly guide Ana Gimena transports visitors to the era through tours of the galleries at the Petit Palais and strolls along the Seine’s esplanades, donning period attire for an authentic experience. Alternatively, embark on the “Visit Montmartre with Hysterical Feminists” tour by Feminists in the City, delving into the tales of resilient and often overlooked female figures from this opulent period.
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- Master the Art of Impressionism
Mark the 150th anniversary of Impressionism in the very city where it all began. Renowned artists like Monet, Cézanne, and Bonnard flocked to Paris, captivated by its skies and landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll along the Seine or explore the Gardens of Versailles, Tuileries Garden, and Luxembourg Gardens to find inspiration aplenty for your own painting session. Join Rola Cusson, a knowledgeable tour guide and art instructor who operates a studio on La Grande Jatte—the picturesque island immortalized in Seurat’s iconic 1884 painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” For a taste of contemporary art, head to 59 Rivoli, a former artists’ squat transformed into a dynamic gallery and exhibition space, where free concerts are held every Saturday and Sunday.
- Embark on a Street Art Adventure
Embarking on a street-art treasure hunt in Paris unveils the mosaics of the city’s enigmatic street artist, Invader, leading you on a thrilling chase through lesser-known streets, squares, and hidden courtyards. To contribute to the 23 million “flashes” recorded since 2014, download the FlashInvaders app and capture each pixelated masterpiece you encounter. Invader’s works feature space aliens reminiscent of the 1978 arcade game, as well as iconic pop culture figures like Bugs Bunny, Cinderella, Mario, Picasso, and Nina Simone. Earn 100 points for discovering Paris’s highest (on the Eiffel Tower), largest (at Place Igor Stravinsky), and most recent (Invader’s 1500th Parisian mosaic, atop a blue rooftop pipe at Centre Pompidou, erected in February 2024) installations.
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- Discover Sculptures Along the Seine
A leisurely stroll along the Left Bank of the Seine, between the Pont de Sully and Pont d’Austerlitz bridges, unveils an expansive outdoor gallery spanning nearly half a mile along the waterfront. Established in 1980 within the Jardin Tino Rossi, the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air remains impeccably maintained, showcasing graffiti-free works by prominent 20th-century artists such as César, Constantin Brancusi, Nicolas Schöffer, and Émile Gilioli. Some sculptures proudly line the quayside like oversized mooring posts, while others gracefully weather among the beautifully landscaped gardens along the riverside, encountering only occasional passersby—joggers, dog walkers, commuters, and the occasional tourist.
Notable pieces include “Demeurre 1,” a striking, blackened bronze assembly of totemic structures by Etienne Martin from the 1950s, and “La Grande Fenetre” by Cuban artist Augustin Cardenas. The latter forms a luminous white marble waterfront ‘window,’ offering a picturesque frame for observing the tourist boats passing by. During summer weekends, the sculptures transform into backdrops for couples practicing tango in the small amphitheaters nestled into the Quai Saint-Bernard promenade.
- Explore Paris on Two Wheels
With over 250 miles of cycleways, including 75 miles of recently added lanes connecting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and other venues slated for the upcoming Olympics, discovering Paris by bike has never been more convenient. Dedicated bike tracks seamlessly merge with shared bike-bus lanes and car-free paths accessible to cyclists and pedestrians alike. Optimal routes include a scenic loop along the Seine, offering glimpses of landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre-Dame; a leisurely ride along Canal St-Martin, passing charming 19th-century locks and lift bridges; and an invigorating urban journey along ‘Street Art Avenue’ leading to France’s national stadium in Saint-Denis.
- Join the Pari Rollers for a Night Out
Experience the thrill of the Friday Night Fever skate tour organized by the Pari Rollers association, one of the world’s largest gatherings of its kind. This lively event offers rollerbladers an exhilarating nocturnal tour of the city. Starting from Place Raoul Dautry, the weekly 13-mile urban skate attracts over 800 participants, creating a vibrant carnival-like atmosphere. While the tour is geared towards confident skaters rather than beginners, it welcomes all levels of enthusiasts. The event features impressive displays of skating prowess by seasoned pros, accompanied by music from portable speakers, participants dressed in elaborate costumes, and even parents pushing off-road prams. For those less comfortable with rollerblading, there’s the option to join cyclists, e-scooter riders, and longboarders bringing up the rear of the procession—or simply spectate as skaters zoom through the streets of Paris.
- Explore Reimagined City Railways
The original High Line isn’t found in New York—it’s right here in Paris. The Coulée Verte René-Dumont, also known as the Promenade Plantée, was the world’s pioneering elevated urban park when it debuted in the late 1980s. It repurposed a defunct railway viaduct into a linear garden teeming with swaying trees, chirping starlings, and serene reflecting pools. Paris has set ambitious goals to become one of Europe’s greenest capitals, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo pledging a “massive greening” initiative upon her election, including plans to plant 170,000 trees by 2026.
Simultaneously, focus has shifted to La Petite Ceinture, another disused railway line encircling the city. Though most sections remain closed to the public due to active electrical lines, some short stretches have been opened for urban hikers. Parisians are divided on the fate of this ghost line, with debates ranging from preserving its biodiversity to fully opening it up for pedestrian use. Currently, the ‘Little Belt’ exists as a disjointed loop, with portions transformed into thriving community gardens and hosting vibrant craft fairs, while others revert to nature’s embrace as they await decisions from the authorities.
- Ascend to Lafayette’s Summer Terrace
The eighth-floor terrace of Paris’s renowned department store serves as a fashionable rendezvous for the city’s stylish crowd during the summer months. Set against the backdrop of Galeries Lafayette’s iconic cathedral-like glass dome, patrons pose with cocktails while enjoying sweeping views of the city. From here, you can catch sight of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, and Notre-Dame. The terrace’s pop-up restaurant typically opens from May until the end of September, featuring a menu curated by esteemed French chef Julien Sebbag. His vegetarian small plates showcase Eastern Mediterranean-inspired salads and focaccias, including the popular “Summertime Sadness” starring courgettes, best savored alongside a spritz of prosecco, orange blossom, cognac, and apricot liqueur.
- Drink farm-fresh cocktails
Indulge in farm-to-glass cocktails amidst the vibrant flavors of summer, sourced directly from Europe’s largest urban rooftop farm, located atop Pavilion 6 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Le Perchoir, aptly named ‘The Perch’, offers a verdant dining experience within a plant-filled conservatory overlooking Nature Urbaine, a cutting-edge farm supplying fresh produce to the 15th arrondissement and neighboring hotels. Utilizing aeroponics, a soil-free cultivation method, this high-tech farm fosters an oasis of edible delights in the midst of urban skyscrapers, conserving water resources while yielding abundant crops. The harvest from this urban haven finds its way onto the menus at Le Perchoir, renowned for its DJ-hosted brunches and cocktail-infused evenings. Savor a ‘la haut’ cocktail featuring gin, citrus shrub, rosemary, Peychaud’s bitters, and house tonic, complemented by a summer vegetable vol au vent, and relish the fragrant essence of rooftop-grown herbs.
- Explore urban wine in Montmartre
Discover the essence of urban viticulture in Montmartre, a historic neighborhood once frequented by luminaries like Dali, Degas, and Van Gogh. Nestled atop a bohemian hilltop, Montmartre is home to Paris’s oldest vineyard, a testament to the city’s rich cultural and oenological heritage. While wine production waned in the Île-de-France region following industrialization in the 19th century, recent years have witnessed a revitalization of the area’s viticultural traditions. Montmartre’s grapes, cultivated without additives, are ceremoniously harvested each October during the Fete du Vendanges, symbolizing a resurgence in local winemaking. This revival is part of a larger trend towards low-intervention wines across the Île-de-France. Embark on a guided walking tour of Montmartre with Paris Wine Walks, meandering through its cobbled backstreets around the Sacre Coeur, and culminating in a tasting session featuring wines from independent vineyards both in Paris and beyond.
- Eat in the Eiffel Tower
Reserve a dining experience at the acclaimed Le Jules Verne, boasting two Michelin stars under the creative direction of renowned French chef Frédéric Anton. Perched 410 feet above the ground on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, the salon offers tantalizing five- and seven-course tasting menus featuring exquisite dishes like scallop soufflé with shellfish butter sauce, caviar, and caramelized calf sweetbread.
Indulge in the exclusive ‘Jardin sur la Seine’ macaron, a delectable raspberry treat infused with single-origin Millot Plantation Madagascar dark chocolate, crafted by master chocolatier-pâtissier Pierre Hermé, available at the tower’s lower-level macaron bar.
Celebrate the seasonal bounty of Parisian farms and kitchen gardens with chef Thierry Marx’s casual menus at Madame Brasserie, located on the tower’s first floor.
Relish in chocolate ice cream, cocktails, and more at the open-air Ferrié Pavilion terrace on the first floor, where cozy garden-style seating offers sweeping views of the city and serves up classic French bistro fare.
Savor the finest French bubbly almost 1,000 feet above Paris’s bustling streets at the tower’s Champagne Bar, a petite yet elegant spot offering a selection of drinks that can be paired with caviar upon request.
For transportation, Eurostar offers 17 daily trains from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord, with fares starting from £39 for a one-way trip taking approximately two hours. Additionally, numerous flights operate weekly from various UK cities to Paris, including Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol.
Navigating Paris is made easy with the Metro; obtain a contactless Navigo travel card for convenient access to daily or weekly passes covering two travel zones, starting from €8.65 (£7.40). Alternatively, the Paris Visite Ticket provides unlimited travel within zones one to three or one to five, priced from €13.95 (£12) to €29.25 (£25) per day.
To explore the city’s expanding network of cycle lanes, rent a bike from one of Paris’s Velib bike-sharing stations.
Consider visiting during spring or autumn to avoid crowds, although July and August boast peak temperatures around 25°C, with August typically seeing fewer locals due to summer holidays.
