03-07-2025
How to have the perfect summer city break in Paris
The uniform sandstone of the Haussmann buildings, the abundance of gilded historic monuments, and the glimmering Seine and its elegant bridges have arguably made Paris the most recognisable and romanticised cityscape in the world. But though the city wears its history – of monarchy, revolution, revolt and artistic innovation – with characteristic style, it is also increasingly looking to the future and outwards to the rest of the world.
Those looking to explore the city's rich heritage can spend long afternoons getting lost in the Louvre, wandering the Musée d'Orsay, or ducking in and out of Paris's countless historical churches (many of which were reinvented as Republican temples after the Revolution). For more contemporary tastes, there's plenty of exploring to be done in the less tourist-trodden outer arrondissements – from arts venues on the sloping streets of Belleville to the boutique hotels and reinvented dive bars of Pigalle.
For further Paris inspiration, see our guides devoted to the French capital's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, bars, things to do, free things to do and shopping.
In this guide:
What's new in Paris this summer
See: David Hockney 25
This summer, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, located on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne park in the upscale west of the city, has invited the legendary British artist for the largest exhibition of his work to date. The dazzling selection has been curated with Hockney's input and features many of his works from the last 25 years, as well as some iconic earlier paintings – 400 pieces will be on display in total (from April 9 to August 31, 2025).
Visit: The Tuileries Gardens for fun and Olympics nostalgia
Every summer from the end of June, the elegant Tuileries Gardens, next to the Louvre, hosts a sprawling fun fair complete with a ghost train, vintage-style carousels and a giant Ferris wheel – a favourite with local families and visitors. From June 23 to September 14, the same park will also be displaying the striking hot-air balloon that held the Olympic flame during the Games last year, in an installation that will repeat every year until the next summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Swim: In the Seine (yes, really)
Paris Plages, the city's summer initiative to add beach vibes along the banks of the Seine (deck chairs, ice cream kiosks, etc) started more than 20 years ago and has seen significant expansion. This year – for the first time in a century – brave swimmers will be able to have a splash in the Seine. Throughout July and August, three urban beaches will open in Bercy in the east, Grenelle in the west and at Bras Marie in the centre of town. The water will be regularly tested to ensure safety.
