Summer activities in Paris:
rooftops, markets & mellow evenings
Morning coffee in the sun, a bike ride along the canal, an apéro on a rooftop as the sky turns gold… Summer in Paris is a rhythm, not a checklist.
If you’re looking for summer activities Paris that feel warm, local and light, here’s our guide to slow, beautiful city days.
Summer Activities in Paris: what to do in the capital this summer?
Summer in Paris is a state of mind.
Sun-warmed pavements, the scent of fresh bread drifting from boulangeries, shady squares where locals linger with a book or a glass of rosé. Children splash in fountains, pétanque balls clink in quiet courtyards, and music drifts from open windows. It’s a season of simple pleasures — and spontaneous adventures. Summer is about lingering, observing, and letting the city unfold at its own pace.
Here are some Paris summer activities worth trying:
- Morning markets like Batignolles, Aligre, or Raspail (especially for organic treats). Wander between colourful stalls, chat with cheesemongers, and sample sun-warmed fruit — it’s the most local way to start the day.
- Indoor exhibitions for cool afternoons: Louis Vuitton Foundation, Palais de Tokyo, MEP. Immerse yourself in bold contemporary pieces to photography that lingers in the mind. A refreshing pause, creatively speaking.
- Evening boat rides on the Seine, from traditional bateaux-mouches to quiet solar-powered ones. As golden hour wraps the city in light, glide past Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower with the breeze in your hair.
And for those googling what to do around me today, Paris always replies: parks, concerts, pop-up art. Follow the music or the breeze.
Summer Activities in Paris: open-air favourites
Need space to breathe and move? Here are our top outdoor activities in Paris this summer:
- Napping in Parc Martin Luther King
Tucked away in the heart of Batignolles, this modern park is a local favourite; less touristy, more peaceful. Stretch out between patches of wild grasses, cool off by the water jets, or lounge beneath the birch trees. It’s the perfect mix of urban design and laid-back green space. Bring a book, or just your thoughts. - Picnicking by Canal Saint-Martin or on Île aux Cygnes
Both spots offer their own kind of Parisian charm. The Canal is all about boho energy: boulangerie treats, natural wine, and people-watching from the quays. Île aux Cygnes is more hidden — a slender island on the Seine with a Statue of Liberty at one end and magical sunset views on the water. Choose your vibe.
- Treasure-hunting in vintage shops and weekend brocantes
In the Marais or along rue des Martyrs, vintage finds wait behind every corner — from 70s silk shirts to retro postcards and forgotten vinyl. Weekends bring brocantes (flea markets) to different neighbourhoods, where locals haggle for antiques and furniture with stories to tell. Arrive early, dig deep. - Catching an open-air film at nightfall
Paris in summer turns its parks into cinema screens. Head to Parc de la Villette with a blanket and a bottle for classics and indie gems under the stars. Or stumble upon smaller screenings in neighborhood squares, where locals gather at dusk. It’s free, it’s dreamy, and it’s a summer ritual.
Neighbourhood highlight
On Saturday mornings, the Batignolles market is everything we love about summer: strong coffee, ripe peaches, good bread, soft music. A gentle, sensory way to feel Parisian — even if just for a while.
Summer Activities in Paris: rooftops & mellow nights
As the day fades, the rooftops come alive. Here are a few places to sip and soak in the view:
- Le Perchoir (Ménilmontant or Porte de Versailles) — lush, laid-back, full of life.
- Point Éphémère — rawer, more festive.
- Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers — stylish, discreet, with classic views.
And if you’re looking for Île-de-France summer activities, consider a day trip to the estates of Sceaux or Saint-Cloud: music picnics, pony rides, shady walks.
Ready to discover the best summer activities in Paris?
Make Joli Môme Your Paris Starting Point
Markets, rooftops, open-air cinemas, aperitifs by the water… summer activities in Paris are everywhere, in every corner, every smile, every piece of music in the distance. You can discover them by following the rhythm of the city, guided by simple desires and a few well-chosen addresses. And to fully enjoy this lightheartedness, there’s nothing like a warm and well-located place to stay.
Book your room at Joli Môme, a 3-star hotel in the heart of Batignolles, designed as an urban guesthouse, a peaceful refuge between two sunny getaways.
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