Parijs in de zomer: festivals, zonsondergangen en hoe koel te blijven

Summer in Paris (June to August) is a vibrant, sun-soaked season of festivals, golden-hour strolls, and riverside picnics. With late sunsets and a festive spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to experience the city’s lighter, livelier side.

But summer also comes with high temperatures, crowds, and the quirky reality of many locals leaving the city in August. This guide helps you enjoy the best of Parisian summer — from where to cool off to what to wear.

🌞 Long Days & Late Sunsets

Summer days in Paris are long and luminous, with:

• Sunrise around 5:45–6:00 AM
• Sunset between 9:30–10:00 PM in late June

💡 Pro tip: Save major attractions for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Use the golden hours for photo walks and relaxed sightseeing.

🎉 Major Summer Events & Festivals

🎶 Fête de la Musique (June 21)

• The city transforms into a giant open-air concert
• Expect live music in parks, on street corners, in bars and museums — most of it free

📽️ Open-Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette (July–August)

• Bring a blanket and enjoy films under the stars
  👉 Check Screening Schedule

🌊 Paris Plages (Mid-July to August)

• Sand, deckchairs, and umbrellas along the Seine
• Great for riverside lounging without leaving the city

🎆 Bastille Day (July 14)

• Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower
• Military parade on the Champs-Élysées
• Evening bals populaires (street dances) in many neighborhoods

🧊 How to Stay Cool in the Paris Heat

☀️ Visit Shaded Parks

• Jardin du Luxembourg – shaded chairs under chestnut trees
• Parc Monceau – romantic and quiet
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – dramatic cliffs and grassy hills with breezes

🧒 Splash Zones & Fountains

• Trocadéro Fountains (near the Eiffel Tower)
• Jardin Nelson Mandela – kid-friendly water play
• Kanaal Saint-Martin – sit with your feet in the water and enjoy a drink

🍦 Cool Treats to Try

• Berthillon (Île Saint-Louis) – iconic artisanal ice cream
• Amorino – flower-shaped gelato cones
• Une Glace à Paris (Le Marais) – gourmet and seasonal flavors

🚶 What to Expect in August

Many Parisians go on holiday in August, especially mid-month. Here’s how that affects your trip:

✅ What’s Open:

• Major museums and monuments (Louvre, Orsay, Eiffel Tower)
• Tourist-friendly restaurants and bakeries
• Summer events like Paris Plages and night markets

❌ What Might Be Closed:

• Some small cafés, boutiques, and bakeries — especially in local neighborhoods
• Family-run bistros (check Google hours or call ahead)

💡 Tip: Stay central or near major sites to avoid closures, and enjoy the rare calm of Paris with fewer locals.

👗 What to Wear in Paris in Summer

• Lightweight clothes (linen, cotton, breathable fabrics)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• A compact umbrella or light jacket (for occasional showers)
• Sunglasses + hat for sun protection
• Refillable water bottle – many parks have drinking fountains
• Avoid overly sporty or beachwear-style outfits if you want to blend in with locals

👜 Style tip: Parisian summer style is simple and chic — think sundresses, white sneakers, neutral tones, and minimalist accessories.

🌇 Top Summer Sunset Spots in Paris

• Pont Alexandre III – golden views of the Seine
• Montmartre steps (Sacré-Cœur) – sweeping city panorama
• Seine riverbanks near Notre-Dame – watch the city glow
• Rooftop bars like Le Perchoir of Terrass” Hotel for cocktails at dusk

🧳 Quick Summer Travel Tips

• Book tickets in advance for major attractions — summer lines are long
• Consider the Paris Museum Pass to skip queues
• Use the Metro or Vélib’ bikes to avoid walking in the heat
• Take breaks at cafés or shaded squares — it’s part of the experience!

Paris in summer is full of energy and light — a city in celebration. With the right timing, a shady park bench, and a cone of Berthillon in hand, you’ll see why so many fall in love with Paris in the sunshine.

👉 Browse Summer Tours, Museum Passes & Sunset Cruises