From mid-June on the weather in Paris gets warmer and warmer. Summer time in Paris is very enjoyable, especially now that the French government has lifted several of the pandemic-related restrictions and people are allowed to go back to their favourite public spots.
If you decide for a weekend or even a week break in Paris this summer, besides the tropical beach paradise vibe in the air, the many cocktails, delicious French gastronomy and refreshing gelatos at every corner, you’ll also be able to enjoy all the rest the city has to offer – the many museums and attractions that make Paris worldwide famous – without the crowd of visitors and the long lines. You can enjoy the local life like a Parisian at its best!
Here are 5 of the best things to do in Paris summer 2021.
1. Flâner in the streets of Paris
‘Flâner’, means literally walking or wandering around, and is usually associated with spending time. It comes from the term ‘flâneur’, first employed in the 19th century for the urban explorer on the streets of Paris. Parisians love ‘flâner’ more than anything. Once in Paris, do like the locals do and wander around!
A great way to ‘flâner’ with a purpose, that is, taking advantage of your stroll to learn in a unique and fun way about the history and the culture of Paris, is to join a 100 Point Challenge game.
100 Point Challenge is a race around the city and a competition to complete challenges and collect points. You explore Paris 100% outdoors and in a completely analogue way (using your mobile phone is forbidden!), and compete in teams to solve as many challenges as you can within 2 hours, with the ultimate score being… 100 Points!
There are three games available in Paris: Genevieve’s Glory, if it’s your first time in Paris; Gallivant de Germain, if you already have some local knowledge and would like to put it to the test; and the Mini Outdoor Game of Paris 100 Point Challenge, if you wish to challenge yourself and your friends in a shorter game (1 hour 30 minute duration). You can get more information about the outdoor games here.
2. Sit out on a terrasse
All restaurants are welcoming customers onto their terrasses again, that is, tables placed in open air. If enjoying a meal or a drink outdoors with others was a typical Parisian tradition before the pandemic, now more than ever this is a must-do activity!
The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Paris made a list of the best addresses with terrasses and rooftops in Paris, from the ones located inside or next to famous museums and monuments to the hidden, romantic, exotic and even the temporary ones.
3. Visit new spots freshly re-opened post pandemic
In Paris something new is always happening. New museums are opening, such as the Bourse de Commerce de Paris – Pinault Collection. Located in the very heart of Paris in a historical building – the old stock exchange building with a circular form crowned by an impressive dome – this exquisite building was restored and transformed into a museum for contemporary arts by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Located close to the Louvre Museum, at 2, rue de Viarmes, 75001.
Also close to the Louvre Museum and the Bourse de Commerce, and one of the most anticipated re-openings is actually not a museum, but a department store. La Samaritaine is one of the traditional grand magasins of Paris from the 19th century, and after being closed for 16 years, has just reopened with a lot of buzz.
It’s worth visiting just to see its gorgeous art nouveau style, which was restored by LVMH to ensure it keeps its original aesthetic. The store also holds a dozen restaurants and the biggest space dedicated to beauty in Europe. It’s located at 9 rue de la Monnaie, 75001.
Another new museum that has been attracting more and more visitors and long queues (you’d better book your ticket in advance online) is the Museum of Illusions, soon also available in Lyon. This unusual Museum is dedicated to all kinds of trompesl'œil and puzzles, and also makes its spaces available for private events. Located at number 98 rue Saint-Denis, 75001 Paris.
4. Get to know the (hidden) green side of Paris
Did you know that a city the size of Paris has around 487,000 trees, 2,000 animal species, 102 shared gardens and 700 beehives? Paris is going more and more green, with the opening of several pedestrian streets and the opening of many cycle paths in the city centre.
This green transformation was accelerated by the choice of Paris as the venue for the summer Olympic Games in 2024, which the City of Paris wants to be the most ecological ever. To do this, the city has embarked on a new sustainable development program, in which tourism plays a key role.
New experiences, both for Parisians and visitors, are encouraged with a local and organic approach: the ‘parisculteurs’ projects Paris sous les fraises - on the roofs of Galeries Lafayettes (Paris 9th arrondissement) - and Topager, on the roof and the Opera Bastille (Paris 12th arrondissement); La Pairie du Canal - La Sauge, a micro-farm in Bobigny (93000); the Saffron field in the 13th district Safranières – Bien élevées; and the only cheese-maker in Paris Laiterie de Paris at 74 rue des Poissonniers, in the 18th district.
There are so many surprising places and spaces to discover that will give you the feeling of being in the French countryside - who doesn’t love that?!
5. Enjoy the beach in Paris
Just because you're in town doesn't mean you can't go to the beach this summer. Paris is overflowing with places to enjoy the heat with your feet on the sand. Starting with Paris Plage, urban spaces on the quays have been redeveloped every summer since 2002 to provide a coastal atmosphere.
Formerly only organised on the right bank of the Seine, the event extends this year from July 10 to August 22 in the Parc Rives de Seine, on the quai de Loire, on the quai de Seine in the Bassin de la Villette, in the gardens of the Trocadéro and on the Town Hall esplanade.
In the Bassin de la Villette, in addition to being able to swim in the Canal de l'Ourcq (either freely or in a few pop-up swimming pools), the place is full of restaurants and pop-up bars, beyond plenty of other sports activities for all ages. Find all the information here.
In addition, there are more and more restaurants offering the opportunity to sit on the terrace with your feet in the sand: from the ice creams of the Hôtel de Crillon, with tables in the heart of the Place de la Concorde, to La Beach Parisienne du Châtelet du Lac, in the Bois de Vincennes. These are just a few places not to be missed this summer if you fancy a beach but don’t want to leave the French capital.
To conclude with a golden key this list of tips to make the most of the summer in Paris, here is one last tip: the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, with the support of the City of Paris, is launching the festival “Let yourself be guided this summer”, a campaign to support the work of local tour guides.
From July 15 to August 15, you are welcome to explore Paris from another angle, by joining the running tours Paris Je t'aime light (6 km) or Green Run in the Latin Quarter of Paris (6 km); or to engage in an unusual team competition which will make you discover Paris and challenge your knowledge Mini Outdoor Game of Paris 100 Point Challenge.
All these three activities take place in French and English, with a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes and a promotional price of 25 € p/p. Only from July 15 to August 15, 2021. Ready? On your marks ... let's go! Book now on runruntours.com.