The Best Things To Do In Paris In August 2024 – It's Summer In The City!

The Best Things To Do In Paris For August 2024

It's a Paris Insider's secret that August is one of the best months to visit Paris. The weather is superb and, with many Parisians out of town for les vacances — the annual month-long vacation — the crowds are smaller. The city becomes your own personal playground, yet there are still plenty of spectacular events, guided tours of Versailles, gourmet dinner cruises, and classical music concerts. C'est l'été en ville !

Let's take a look at more than forty ways to explore and enjoy the City of Light. In Summer 2024.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

The Best Things to Do in Paris – August 2024

Dinner Cruise

It's no wonder this multi-faceted nighttime activity is so popular. It combines cruising along the river with dining on a gourmet dinner and listening to live music. You'll find that everything in Paris looks better from a bateau on the river at night. Famous landmarks pass by as you enjoy a multi-course French meal with wine. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, champagne, and the ultimate experience.

Lunch or Dinner on the Eiffel Tower

Dinner on the Eiffel Tower

Finding a table for lunch or dinner on the Eiffel Tower is not only a magnificent idea, it's easier than it may sound. Simply make a reservation at Madame Brasserie, by Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx. The views are fantastic and the menu is wonderful. Choose the Grande Dame – Paris View for the best experience.

Maxim's of Paris

Summertime in Paris is the perfect season to board a bateau on the banks of the Seine River for a dinner cruise hosted by Maxim's of Paris, the historic brasserie that debuted in 1900. Now, more than a century later, you have the chance to enjoy Maxim's iconic atmosphere and signature dishes — with truffles, lobster and fresh seafood featured on the menu.

Masterpieces of the Louvre

Don't just show up at the world's biggest museum only to wait in line. Skip the queues and go straight to the Louvre's greatest masterpieces. Instead of standing in line, you'll be admiring the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and of course, the Mona Lisa. This small-group tour is led by an expert museum guide. After the tour ends you're free to explore the museum as long as you like.

Classical Music in Paris

Paris is renowned for its magnificent Gothic churches; many of these historic buildings are also venues for classical music. The acoustically-perfect La Sainte Chapelle is one our favourite venues. This jewel of Paris — with massive stained glass walls and soaring ceilings — was recently restored in in a dazzling renovation. It's the perfect way to spend a sizzling August evening in Paris. Concerts do sell out, so book today.

Versailles Walking Tour With Fountain Show

Versailles is a symbol of grandeur and royal decadence. The chateaux and gardens are don't-miss destinations when you're in Paris — and close enough that it's an easy day trip. The only way to avoid standing in the long lines is to go the royal route. Book a skip-the-line tour with a driver/guide to make the past come alive. Includes transportation to and from central Paris and a multi-course lunch.

Dinner & Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge

ET, dinner cruise, Moulin Rouge

A great evening in Paris is one spent at the Moulin Rouge. It starts with a leisurely multi-course meal featuring a classic French menu and champagne. The evening gets even better after dinner when the world-famous show opens at Europe’s most popular and enduring cabaret. Dress code at the Moulin Rouge is elegant attire — dress your best, you're in Paris!

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

You know why this is one of our favorite activities, don't you? It matches Paris with champagne — a marriage made in France. From your perch at the front of the bateau sit back and enjoy the scenery. And what a scenery it is! Glide past world-famous monuments while sipping bubbly and discovering that perhaps the best way to see the City of Lights is from the river.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Tour

The Eiffel Tower is the most popular monument in the world and the ticket lines are always long. We don't know about you, but we don't want to spend our precious time in Paris standing in lines. That's why we strongly recommend skip-the-line tours that get you to the very top, for the best views.

Airport Transfer

One of our most appreciated pieces of advice is to pre-arrange transportation from the airport into central Paris. It's comforting to know what's going to happen when you arrive. Our favorite way is to have a private driver waiting upon our arrival to whisk us directly to our hotel. There's something magical about starting your trip to Paris with a touch of luxury and comfort.

The Best Left Bank Hotels

Top Left Bank Hotels

Who doesn't love staying on the Left Bank of Paris? Since Hemingway and the Jazz Age, the Left Bank has defined the essence of Paris. The Saint-Germain neighborhood is charming, and so are the best of the hotels in the quartier. Let's take a look at our top picks of Left Bank hotels, updated for 2024.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris August 2024

Half-Day, Skip-the-Line Tour of Versailles

VIP Versailles

If you don't want to spend a full day, another good way to see Versailles is a half-day tour that also includes priority access and an expert guide. This is a small-group morning tour with transportation right from central Paris. If you prefer, you can opt for a private tour, for just you and your group.

Monet's Magical Gardens at Giverny

The only thing more popular than visiting Versailles or Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny is visiting them both on the same day. Meet your guide in Paris and head out to Versailles. Afterwards, you visit Monet's house & grounds where the gardens will be at the peak of the season. Lunch and transportation are included. And, yes, that's Rachel McAdams kissing Owen Wilson at Monet's lily pond!

Versailles Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Entrance

We love this summer 2-in-1 activity. Explore the Versailles countryside on two wheels as you glide through forests and pastures, to the local market, to the gardens of Versailles, and past the historic grounds & buildings. You also use your priority-access passes to explore the chateau as long as you like. This makes for a wonderful day, but be sure to book right now!

Glorious Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris August 2024

Monet's House & Gardens

The gardens where Claude Monet painted will be at their peak of summer perfection, as will the waterlilies on the idyllic pond. No need to worry about trains or tickets. Choose this small-group tour to spend the afternoon on all things Monet — his stunning pink house & the historic gardens in Giverny. Includes transportation from central Paris.

D-Day Tours

Ride through the beautiful Normandy countryside on your way to visit the most important sites of World War II — memorials, landing beaches, and cemeteries. Hard to believe that it was three-quarters of a century ago that the end of that war began on the beaches of Normandy. A classic French lunch is included as is a special tasting session of the region's famous cider.

A Day In Champagne

Focus on the Land of Bubbly on a day trip to the famous Champagne region, just an hour from Paris. Get picked up at your hotel and driven through the beautiful wine country to visit the most famous champagne houses. Finish with a guided tasting of the Grand Crus of Champagne. Sample as much as you want — your expert guide is doing the driving! Hotel pick-up and a multi-course lunch are also included.

Chateaux of the Loire Valley Day Tour

This magnificent Renaissance valley is known for more that just its famous chateaux. The Loire Valley also produces world-renowned wines. This very popular tour gets you into the most famous castles, and also includes a wine tasting of the best varietals from the region. Also included is a multi-course French lunch. It's like two trips in one!

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris August 2024

Dinner Cruise + Live Music

Indulge your inner romantic when you're in the City of Love by booking a table on this memorable evening cruise to view Paris at its most magical. While you dine on a classic multi-course French dinner, accompanied by live music on-board, your bateau slowly floats past the most famous illuminated landmarks — Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower. Sailing at 8:30 PM.

Cheese & Wine Tasting

This is our #1 food activity in Paris. Visit the Marais to descend into a private cheese cellar with an affineur — an expert in aging cheeses. Learn about the proper way to age seven classic French cheeses and how to match them with wines. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you! Be sure to book early.

The Food & Wine of the Marais

Food & Wine of the Marais

Explore the Marais, a culinary hotspot, with a gourmet expert to dive into the rich melting pot of French cuisine. Walk the historic neighborhood to visit the top 10 food shops. What do you taste? The best food of France, like cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and the most famous wines. Includes a visit to the oldest food market in Paris.

Seine River Gourmet Lunch

Cruise along the Seine while enjoying a classic 3-course French lunch aboard Bateaux Parisiens. Soak in the views of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Musée d'Orsay as you choose from an a la carte menu with wine. The extras? Live entertainment and a glass of cool champagne to start your adventure. Choose the Service Privilege option to guarantee a window seat.

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

France, Paris, Wine — they just go together, don't they? Take the opportunity to learn about the country's wine regions and taste the wines, with guidance from an expert sommelier. We recommend the 2-hour grand cru tasting — it gives the rare opportunity to taste some of the finest wines of France. It all takes place in a charming wine bar very near the Louvre.

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Tour

Montmartre, the quartier on the hill is famous for its cobblestone streets, café and terraces, and also for the bohemian crowd who once lived here. Today, it's also famous for its food shops. Join a food-expert guide for a walking tour of the historic district to taste some of the best of French cuisine — cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and chocolate paired with French wine.

Classic French Pastry Class at Galeries Lafayette

Classic French Pastry Class

Learn the secrets of making classic French pastry from a chef trained at the prestigious Ferrandi School of Culinary Art. It all takes place in the pristine kitchens of Galeries Lafayette, the grand department store. You'll receive the excellent & professional hands-on instruction and discover how to produce French pastries in you town kitchen. Class size is limited to 6 participants.

Chocolate and Pastry Walking Tour

If wine and Paris go together, what about Paris, chocolate and pastries? Is it a wonder that visitors love this guided walking tour? Get behind the scenes of traditional French desserts, including regional specialities. Along with plenty of sampling of course! And don't worry, any calories will be burned off by the walking.

Learn to Make Croissants with a Pastry Chef

Flaky, buttery croissants are a lasting taste memory from any trip to Paris. While you're here in the City of Food, take the opportunity to learn how to make croissants in a Parisian kitchen. A professional chef takes you through all the steps to master this iconic French pastry.

What's On At the Museums

Things to Do in Paris August 2024

Louvre & Orsay Museums Skip-the-Line Tour

Louvre & Orsay Museums Skip-the-Line Tour

Time is precious when you're in Paris. Enjoy skip-the-line access on this small-group combo tour. You'll get ahead of the long lines at both the enormous Louvre Museum AND at Musée d'Orsay. See the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo at the Louvre, before heading to the d'Orsay to view the Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Group size is limited to 8 to ensure a personalized experience.

Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt

The "Divine" Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), actress and artist, is the focus of this exhibition. As a matter of fact, the Petit Palais houses one the best portraits of her, by Georges Clairin, as well as several of her own sculptures. The must-see exhibition includes more than 600 works tracing Sarah Bernhardt's life and career.
• Petit Palais
• Ends August 27, 2024
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Senghor et les Arts

A portrait of the writer, poet and statesman Léopold Sédar Senghor (1909-2001) following the independence of Senegal. (If his name rings a bell it may be because the pedestrian bridge in front of Musée d'Orsay is named for him.)

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Anne Eisner – Une Artiste Américaine au Congo

In 1946, American artist Anne Eisner (1911-1967) traveled to Africa for the first time. She stayed for seven years, documenting the daily lives of the Mbuti pygmy people in the Belgian Congo.

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Naples in Paris: Masterpieces from the Museo di Capodimonte

See masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, never before seen outside of Naples. Sixty masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum will be exhibited in the glamorous Grande Galerie, the Salle de la Chapelle, and the Salle de l'Horloge.

  • Louvre Grande Galerie
  • Ends January 8, 2024

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Moï Ver – Ci-Contre

Forgotten genius, Moï Ver (1904-1995) was an early master of the photographic montage. Born in Lithuania, he studied painting with Klee, Kandinsky, and Albers. This retrospective brings together more than 300 photographs, paintings, drawings and prints, many of them on display for the first time.

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Picasso Celebration: The Collection in a New Light

For the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso's death on April 8, 1973 British designer Paul Smith, famous for his work with color, tailoring, and detail, will lead the direction of this exhibition showcasing the best of the museum's collection.

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Philippe Starck – Paris is Pataphysique

FYI, pataphysique is described as the "science of imaginary solutions". As a youngster, Philippe Starck skipped school and took refuge in the parks and gardens and museums of Paris. One of them was Musée Carnavalet, where he found inspiration. Paris has always been his muse — for his interior design, architecture, restaurants, hotels, and everyday objects. This exhibition explores the link between Paris and Philippe Starck.

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris August 2024

Paris Plage

Paris Plage

Can't make it to the beach? No worries, the beach will come to you. 30 days of summer, 1350 tons of sand, 2 miles of Seine banks, and 250 umbrellas make this one of the greatest annual events in Paris.
• On the banks of the Seine
• Ends late August

Jazz à la Villette

Annual Paris Jazz Festival

More than 30,000 jazz enthusiasts will attend concerts by well-known musicians and by up-and-coming talent. There will also be film screenings, exhibitions and master classes to celebrate all things Jazz.
• Parc Floral de Vincennes
• June 30 to September 8, 2024
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Étê du Canal – Summer on the Canal

The Canal de l'Ourcq celebrates the summer with a fun program of dance, concerts, water activities including boat cruises, films screenings and street art. Canal de L'Ourcq is a trendy part of the Parisian canal network up in the 19th Arrondissement.

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Rock en Seine

Join Parisians as they rock out on the edge of the city!

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Assomption – Assumption Day

This is a national holiday in France. Many shops, restaurants and services will be closed. So, not really different than Covid lockdown.

  • August 15 2024

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