Discover Paris’s 200 best Summer spots for your trip

The Champ-de-Mars was originally a parade ground for the adjacent military academy before becoming the public park it is today, hosting the 1889 and 1900 World's Fairs along with countless picnics and gatherings at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. It remains one of the best free spots in Paris to sit, picnic, and watch the tower, especially as it lights up at night.

The Bois de Boulogne spans nearly 850 hectares on the western edge of Paris, more than twice the size of Central Park, and was landscaped in the 19th century under Napoleon III with lakes, cycling paths, and gardens including the Bagatelle and Jardin d'Acclimatation. Reviewers describe it as a genuinely large-scale escape from the city, well suited to a half-day or more with kids or a bike.

The Luxembourg Palace was built in the early 17th century for Marie de' Medici and now houses the French Senate, set within the beloved Jardin du Luxembourg. While the palace interior has limited public access, the surrounding gardens — with their fountains, tree-lined paths, and green metal chairs — are one of the most cherished green spaces in Paris.

Petit Bain is a boat-turned-concert-venue docked on the Seine near the national library, hosting a wide range of live music and club nights alongside a restaurant with river views. Reviewers consistently praise it as a great, well-priced venue with an easy layout to navigate even when busy.

The Bois de Vincennes is even larger than the Bois de Boulogne and anchors the eastern edge of Paris, combining woodland, a boating lake, the Paris Zoo, and the medieval Château de Vincennes within its grounds. It offers enough to fill a full day, and reviewers note it rewards a longer visit rather than a quick pass-through.

Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower remains the defining symbol of Paris and one of the most visited monuments in the world. This ticket gives access to either the 2nd floor, with sweeping city views, or all the way to the summit, weather permitting, and reviewers consistently praise the guided assistance included with the ticket.

The Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles dates to the 1920s and is known for using naturally warm artesian well water, a distinctive feature among Paris's public pools. Reviewers consistently call it beautiful, though it does get crowded, and note it has occasionally closed earlier than scheduled.

Terrass Rooftop Bar, on top of the Hotel Terrass in Montmartre, offers one of the better rooftop views in Paris, looking out over the rooftops toward the Eiffel Tower and beyond. Its long hours and relaxed, social atmosphere make it a favorite for both sunset drinks and small celebrations.

The Piscine Joséphine Baker floats on the Seine near the Bibliothèque Nationale, its retractable roof allowing it to operate as an open-air pool in summer with river views on either side. Reviewers describe it as a genuine highlight for cooling off during Paris summers, though it draws big crowds on hot days.

This quarter-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty was given to Paris by the American community in the city in 1889, marking the centenary of the French Revolution, and faces down the Seine toward its larger sibling in New York. It stands at the western tip of the Île aux Cygnes, a slender walking path down the middle of the river that offers an unusual, tourist-light perspective on the city.

Montmartre rose to fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as home to artists like Picasso, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec, and its steep, winding streets and staircases still carry that bohemian, village-like character despite the crowds. The Sacré-Cœur basilica and Place du Tertre are the main draws, but the quieter streets just off the tourist path retain much of the neighborhood's original charm.

La Station – Gare des Mines occupies a raw, converted industrial space near Porte d'Aubervilliers, hosting club nights, concerts, and cultural events geared toward Paris's alternative and underground scene. It's a destination for those looking for something further off the beaten path than the central nightlife districts.

The Jardin d'Acclimatation combines rides, gardens, and family attractions across a leafy corner of the Bois de Boulogne, and has been a Paris institution for families since the 19th century. This pass covers a full day of access, and reviewers consistently describe it as a magical, well-maintained outing that suits younger children especially well.

EGP 18 is a well-equipped, free-to-use skate park near Porte de la Chapelle, popular with local skaters and BMX riders. Reviewers highlight that it's genuinely free to enter and use, with protective gear available to borrow for those who need it.

A roughly 2-hour dinner cruise aboard the Capitaine Fracasse, gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. The seated 3-course dinner is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and guests can step out onto the open-air terrace at any point during the cruise for photos and views.

Rent a rowboat by the hour to explore Lac Daumesnil, a 12-hectare lake in the Bois de Vincennes. A leisurely full loop around the lake takes about 45 minutes.

No reservations are needed, boats are available on a walk-up basis, and dogs are welcome. Open daily, with rates from €15 per boat plus a €20 deposit.

Nearby attractions include the Zoo de Paris and the Château de Vincennes.

Parc Montsouris opened in 1878 as part of Baron Haussmann's citywide network of new public parks, with a lake, rolling lawns, and winding paths in the English landscape style. Reviewers consistently recommend it for those seeking a more authentic, local Paris park experience, away from the crowds of the more central gardens.

Parc de Bercy stretches along the Seine on land once occupied by 19th-century wine warehouses, retaining touches of that history — old rail tracks and cobblestones — within its modern landscaped design. Reviewers consistently praise it as a genuinely relaxing escape from the city, well maintained and rarely crowded even on weekends.

Managed by the French Senate, this garden features landmarks such as the Médicis Fountain, the Orangerie, ornamental gates, statues and notable trees. Visitors can join guided tours, free horticulture courses, family-friendly trails and games, or explore the on-site Musée du Luxembourg and Davioud pavilion.

A music kiosk and beehive school add to its varied attractions across the grounds.

Perched on top of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann building, this rooftop spot serves coffee and light drinks with sweeping views over the Paris skyline, including the Opéra Garnier and, on clear days, the Eiffel Tower. It's a popular stop for shoppers looking for a scenic break, though space can be limited during peak hours.

Sequoia Rooftop Bar sits on Boulevard des Capucines in the 2nd arrondissement, open nightly from 5:00 PM to midnight. The bar menu features drinks and food, with a minimum spend of 50€ per person.

Bookings are available online, and the venue can be reached by phone or email for enquiries.

A relaxed one-hour boat cruise along the Seine, departing right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Passengers glide past landmarks including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Hôtel de Ville, with optional audio commentary in 14 languages via an interactive web app.

Departures run every 30-60 minutes depending on season.

Perched atop an industrial building in the 11th arrondissement, this rooftop bar offers a terrace with views of the Sacré-Cœur, chimneys and a garden-like setting with tomato plants, vines and a pergola. A snack cabin and large bar serve drinks, while a restaurant one floor below offers an Italian-American menu overseen by rotating guest chefs.

The space can also be privatized for events of 50 to 300 people.

Parc André Citroën was built in the 1990s on the site of a former Citroën car factory, and today mixes formal gardens, themed greenhouses, and open lawns along the Seine. Its best-known feature is a tethered balloon that lifts visitors above the park for panoramic views, drawing reviewers who describe it as an unforgettable, low-key alternative to the Eiffel Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city.

A one-hour evening cruise along the Seine, departing from Port de Suffren near the Eiffel Tower, taking in illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d'Orsay. There is no onboard guide; commentary is available via a downloadable app in over 10 languages, with background music setting the mood.

Spread over 7,000m² in Paris, Aquaboulevard offers wave pools, waterfalls, geysers, water cannons, family rafting and 11 slides, including a wake box, with water kept at 29°C year-round. Outdoor sand-lined areas open in summer, and the park also runs swim lessons for children, baby-swim classes, and adult aqua fitness activities like aqua jogging and aqua pilates.

Birthday parties and pool parties can also be organized on site.

Le Peloton Café, on the picturesque Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe near the Seine, is one of the most highly reviewed coffee shops in the Marais. Cycling memorabilia lines the walls, and the espresso and pastries draw a loyal following of both locals and visitors exploring the Marais and Île Saint-Louis.

A 75-minute to 2-hour dinner cruise along the Seine, with a seated 3-course French menu (choice of starter, main, dessert) served as the boat passes the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. Live singer on board.

A children's menu is available; not suitable for children under 3.

A 1.5-hour private boat cruise on the Seine for small groups (up to 6), with complimentary rosé wine, Evian water, and macarons served on board. The route passes landmarks including the Grand Palais, Pont Alexandre III, and the Musée d'Orsay, with a captain/guide tailoring commentary to the group.

This day trip travels around two hours from Paris into the Loire Valley, France's celebrated château and wine region, combining visits to historic castles with a guided wine tasting. Reviewers consistently describe the day as efficient and well organized, with guide Dee mentioned favorably for sharing useful context along the way.