Unmissable Things To Do In Paris In July 2025 – Summer In The City

There's no such thing as a quiet July in Paris — the city is buzzing, the skies stay light forever, and there's something happening in nearly every corner. From late-night river cruises to leisurely palace day trips, the list of things to do in Paris in July reads like a love letter to summer — minus the mosquitoes and folding chairs.

Whether you're here for the big events or just the buttery croissants, there's no shortage of things to do in Paris in July. With Bastille Day celebrations, dreamy Seine River dinner cruises, and visits to Claude Monet's gardens at nearby Giverny, it's the kind of month where you'll wish walking shoes counted as formalwear. And yes, the Bastille Day fireworks over the Eiffel Tower really are as ridiculous as they sound — in the best way.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

Things to Do in Paris July 2025

Savor Summer Evenings on the Seine

Summer in Paris can get loud. A dinner cruise is the classy way to slip out the back door. Float past glowing landmarks while digging into a meal that proves the French still know what they're doing in the kitchen. There's music, there's wine, and there's no traffic. It's like a postcard — except you're in it, and someone else is doing the dishes. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.

Versailles in Full Bloom

Versailles in July is a full-blown spectacle — fountains on, gardens thriving, and enough grandeur to make even the sun feel underdressed. Its peak season for a reason, but our recommended tours help you skip the heat and the hassle. Glide past the ticket lines, head straight to the good stuff, and let someone else do the narrating. Versailles is a classic — but it's better with a little Paris Insiders help.

The Original Supper Club Sets Sail

Maxim's of Paris didn't survive the 20th century on charm alone. On this dinner cruise, the legendary Paris brasserie trades its Art Nouveau walls for open water, swapping chandeliers for starlight. The food? Still classic, still unapologetically French. Think foie gras, fine wine, and the sort of desserts that come with their own glow. The Seine sparkles, someone's playing something smooth, and Paris looks better than it probably should.

The Louvre Without the Stress

The Louvre is massive — and mildly overwhelming. That's why we point you to guided tours that cut through the confusion and take you straight to the highlights. Mona Lisa? Of course. Venus de Milo? Naturally. But also the juicy stories and secret corners most people miss. It's the smartest way to tackle the world's most famous museum — without getting lost in a wing full of sarcophagi.

Bastille Day: Fireworks, Five Courses, Zero Effort

The hardest part of this Bastille Day cruise is putting your fork down long enough to look out the window. You'll be sailing down the Seine with a five-course dinner, champagne, and live music while Paris rolls by in full sparkle mode. Then come the fireworks — launched right above the Eiffel Tower — with front-row views from your comfy riverside seat. Space is limited and this will sell out. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In July.

Liberty, Equality, Elevated Views

Celebrate Bastille Month by storming the Eiffel Tower – minus the revolution. With skip-the-line access, you'll swiftly rise above the July crowds to the second floor or summit. From this perch, witness Paris in full summer swing, with festivals, fireworks, and joie de vivre unfolding beneath you. Vive la France, indeed!

Vivaldi and Stained Glass

Paris doesn't do understatement, and neither do these concerts set in historic churches. You'll sit in a centuries-old chapel while a string ensemble absolutely lets loose on some 19th-century masterpiece. The stained glass throws colors everywhere. The echo carries for days. And you? You're just glad you picked something that feels this good without needing subtitles. It's drama, elegance, and acoustics that deserve their own standing ovation.

Three Courses & No Inhibitions

By the time your entrée arrives, you've already noticed the room's got energy. And that's before the curtain even rises. Paradis Latin serves up a full three-course meal before launching into a cabaret so tightly choreographed it might just reset your expectations for live entertainment. This isn't subtle, and that's the point. Paris goes big — and here, you're along for the ride.

Chilled Champagne, Eiffel Tower Views

When the city feels a little too busy, this cruise is your escape plan. Hop aboard, sit back, and let Paris do its thing while you sample three champagnes that feel way too fancy for how easy this is. The sommelier keeps things casual and fun, and the only thing expected of you is to sip and enjoy the view. Paris can be a lot. This tour? Not so much.

From Tower to CanCan in One Night

You could spend the evening choosing between Paris icons — or you could do all of them before midnight. Start with Eiffel Tower views that skip the wait, then head to the river for a cruise where dinner feels like a celebration and the skyline plays backdrop. Then it's straight to the Moulin Rouge, where the stage explodes with sequins, sass, and champagne. This isn't sightseeing — it's style-hopping. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In July.

Vive la Vie en Seine

July in Paris is bustling, hot, and glorious — and the Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise is your escape hatch. You'll coast past crowds, past monuments, and past the need to do anything but sit back and enjoy the show. The food is French (obviously), the music's live, and the Eiffel Tower doesn't take a night off. It's Bastille vibes all month long — no revolution required.

Taste St-Germain-des-Prés the French Way

Skip the souvenir shopping — this is the Left Bank experience you'll actually remember. On this guided food tour, you'll sample a curated spread of champagne, cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate while soaking up the stories and sidewalk charm of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It's the Paris food fantasy with no guesswork and no bad bites — just a delicious few hours of flavor, fizz, and French savoir-faire.

Leave the Airport Like a Local

Not the kind of local who takes the Metro with a suitcase — the other kind, with a private car waiting. This airport transfer gets you from Charles de Gaulle or Orly to your Paris hotel with zero drama. Your driver meets you at the gate, handles your luggage, and doesn't ask you to decode a map. It's the quietest journey of your whole trip.

The Left Bank is the Place to Be

The Left Bank doesn't care if you're running late. It assumes you're going somewhere interesting, and your hotel probably already helped you get a table. There's an quiet confidence to this part of town — and the hotels are in on it. They're just the right kind of polished: not fussy, not flashy, but quietly excellent. Book here if you like calm with a side of character.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris July 2025

Gardens & Grandeur Galore

Experience a day where natural beauty and architectural magnificence collide. Wander through the vibrant flora of Monet's Giverny, capturing the scenes that fueled his artistic genius. Then, be transported to the lavish world of Versailles. Explore the opulent palace rooms and stroll through the meticulously designed gardens, a perfect blend of inspiration and indulgence. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In July.

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

If you don't want to spend a full day at Versailles, then we recommend this highly-rated half-day tour that also starts in central Paris. It's with a small group to ensure that you get individual attention from your expert guide. Choose from morning and afternoon tours.

Cycling, Snacking, Skipping Lines

A bike, a baguette, and a whole royal estate — this tour delivers the works. You'll hit up the market, coast through the gardens, see where Marie Antoinette pretended to be a farm girl, and skip straight into the palace without blinking at the entrance queue. The biking's easy, the views are splendiferous, and your guide knows just how much storytelling is too much (and when it's time to coast).

Glorious Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris July 2025

Bubbly Business: A Day in the Champagne Region

This is the kind of day trip where time slows down and priorities shift. Today's to-do list? Drink champagne. Eat well. Repeat. You'll visit iconic houses and lesser-known spots that win you over with charm and really good vintage. No crowds, no pressure, just you and the good stuff. A leisurely lunch keeps you grounded — or at least vertical — until it's time to float back to Paris.

Reflect on History at Normandy's D-Day Beaches

Discover the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy on this full-day tour from Paris. Explore Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, visit the American Cemetery, and learn about the bravery of the Allied forces through monuments and museums. With your guide's detailed narration, you'll gain a deep understanding of this historic event. A cider tasting at a Normandy producer adds a cultural element to this moving and informative day trip.

A Day of Castles & Culture in the Loire

Delve into the heart of French history on a day trip to the Loire Valley, where you'll visit the iconic chateaux of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise. Learn about the Renaissance era as you explore grand interiors and expansive gardens. A wine tasting introduces you to the Loire's exceptional varietals, adding a flavorful touch to the day. This guided tour from Paris is a refreshing and culturally rich escape during the height of summer.

A Painter's Playground, Yours for the Day

Claude Monet may have had his quirks, but the man knew how to pick real estate. On this guided trip to Giverny, you'll explore the house, the famous water garden, and the spots that landed in more canvases than you can count. It's peaceful, photogenic, and not the kind of place you want to rush. Come for the lilies, stay for the tranquility. And maybe the wallpaper.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris July 2025

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

Souvenirs fade. Cheese memories live forever. In this cellar, seven cheeses await, each paired with wines that make them sing (or at least hum). Your host walks you through it all — textures, regions, and just enough chemistry to make it fascinating. It's cozy, educational, tasty, and maybe even emotional. You might not remember the Eiffel Tower's exact height, but you'll remember that Brie. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In July.

Montmartre's Best Food & Wine Tour

Immerse yourself in the tastes and traditions of Montmartre on a guided culinary tour through this vibrant neighborhood. Sample a variety of French delicacies, including cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and wines. Walk the cobblestone streets where artists once roamed, and hear fascinating stories of the area's history. End your journey with panoramic views of Paris from Montmartre's hilltop vantage point.

Create Croissants in a Parisian Kitchen

Take a break from sightseeing and step into a Parisian kitchen to master the art of croissant baking. With guidance from a professional chef, you'll work through each stage, from mixing the dough to rolling perfect layers. This small-group class ensures personal attention, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Enjoy the satisfaction of tasting your creations fresh from the oven, and take home the skills to bake croissants in your own kitchen.

A Gourmet Tour of the Marais

Experience the Marais's culinary heritage on a walking tour that takes you to its finest food shops and markets. Sample French classics, including creamy cheeses, savory charcuterie, crusty baguettes, and indulgent chocolates. Your guide shares the history and traditions behind each bite, creating a rich and flavorful journey through this historic Parisian neighborhood.

The Art of Sweet Treats in Saint-Germain

Dive into the world of artisanal confections on this walking tour of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Visit acclaimed chocolate and pastry shops, learning about the meticulous techniques that transform simple ingredients into edible masterpieces. Along the way, taste a variety of delights, from luxurious truffles to flaky, golden croissants. The small group size fosters a cozy, interactive atmosphere.

One Wine Cellar, Many Grapes

You're in Paris. You could get wine anywhere. But this cellar near the Louvre makes it worth slowing down and actually paying attention. You'll try several French wines — all killer, no filler — and get the kind of info that's easy to remember and surprisingly useful. It's laid-back, informative, and way more fun than trying to navigate a wine list with panic in your eyes. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In July.

Bateaux Parisiens Gourmet Lunch Cruise

Spend an afternoon on the Seine the Paris Insiders Way. This fun & casual river cruise includes a classic multi-course lunch. Relax and dine with friends as the best of the Paris landmarks drift past your view. Take a break from sightseeing to combine great dining with a tour of Paris… riverside.

A Memorable Meal on a Monument

Let's be honest — most of your meals won't involve a world-famous monument under your chair. So make this one count. Madame Brasserie is everything you want a meal on the Eiffel Tower to be: well-executed, surprisingly chill, and full of people saying "wow" under their breath. Come hungry, book Grande Dame if you're feeling bold, and don't forget to look out the window between bites.

Cooking French Classics: Market Tour & Class

Enhance your Paris visit with a market tour and French cooking class. Begin by exploring a local market, meeting vendors, and selecting ingredients for a three-course lunch. Then, head to the cooking studio to prepare classic French dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef. Enjoy your meal with wine as you soak in the essence of Parisian gastronomy. This small-group experience is perfect for food lovers eager to learn and savor.

New Exhibits at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris July 2025

Impressionist Culture with Air-Conditioning

Paris in July is big, crowded, and occasionally sizzling. Good news: this skip-the-line Musée d'Orsay tour offers a cool, calm break from the chaos. Step inside the stunning former train station and get cozy with Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and the rest of the paint-splattered revolutionaries. Your guide serves up stories, context, and just the right amount of gossip. You'll leave cultured, refreshed, and maybe a little smug.

Haute Couture Reimagines Art

This exhibition features couture creations inspired by the Louvre's masterpieces, blending classical motifs with modern design. The collection showcases how fashion pays homage to art through innovative silhouettes and details, illustrating the enduring impact of the Louvre's treasures on contemporary creativity. A stunning tribute to the power of artistic influence.
• the Louvre
• Ends July 21, 2025
• Information…

A Transatlantic Artistic Collaboration

The Met and the Louvre join forces in this exhibition, blending their collections to showcase the shared legacies of two iconic institutions. Featuring works from different cultures and eras, it highlights the universal themes that have shaped artistic expression across time and geography. An inspiring testament to the power of collaboration..
• The Louvre
• Ends September 28, 2025
• Information…

Urban Life Through the Artist's Eye

The exhibition captures the connection between art and the streets, presenting works that reflect the vibrancy and complexity of urban life. From classical depictions of Paris to the raw energy of street art, the collection demonstrates how cityscapes have inspired generations of artists to reimagine public spaces.
• Musée d'Orsay
• March 18 to July 06, 2025
• Information…

Justice on Trial: The Dreyfus Affair

Through letters, artworks, and historical documents, the exhibition reveals the social and political impact of the Dreyfus Affair. It reflects on the challenges of combating prejudice and defending justice, shedding light on the broader implications of this landmark case for modern society. At the Paris Jewish museum.
• Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme
• March 13 to August 31, 2025
• Information…

Boudin's Skies: Masterpieces of Light

Eugene Boudin's mastery of light is evident in his atmospheric skies and serene landscapes. These works inspired Impressionist techniques. Among Paris events, this exhibition invites visitors to experience the natural beauty that defined a pivotal moment in art history.
• Musée Marmatton Monet
• Ends August 31, 2005
• Information…

Deserts: Survival in Extreme Environments

How do organisms endure the harsh realities of deserts? This exhibition examines the innovative adaptations of desert-dwelling plants and animals, offering insight into their survival in unforgiving climates.
• Natural History Museum
• Ends November 30
• Information…

A Retrospective That Spans Decades

David Hockney's career spans over six decades, and this exhibition showcases how he has continually pushed boundaries. From his early paintings and photography experiments to his later digital works, it's clear that Hockney thrives on innovation. Each piece offers a glimpse into his boundless curiosity and ability to reinvent his artistic language.
• Ends January 9, 2026
• Information…

A Shared Passion for Art

Matisse's work in prints and engravings was one of the many areas where father and daughter found common ground. Marguerite played a key role in his experiments with lithography, encouraging his exploration of new forms and techniques. The pieces on display highlight their shared enthusiasm for the medium, revealing the unseen impact she had on his artistic evolution.
• Musée de Art Moderne
• Ends August 24
• Information…

Machines That Breathe and Dance

Jean Tinguely saw machines as living entities, capable of mischief, chaos, and beauty. His kinetic sculptures — part absurd, part poetic — whir and clatter with unpredictable energy. Alongside Niki de Saint Phalle's vibrant, larger-than-life figures, his work reveals a shared passion for transforming mechanical precision into something unruly, expressive, and alive.
• Grand Palais
• Ends January 4, 2026
• Information…

A Cinematic Portrait of Paris

Agnes Varda's art portrays Paris through a filmmaker's eye, showcasing its people and neighborhoods with insight and charm. Rare photographs and film excerpts reflect her connection to the city. This exhibition invites visitors to experience Paris through the lens of one of its most celebrated creative figures.

• Musée Carnavalet
• Ends August 24, 2025
• Information…

Africa Rising II — Barbara Chase-Riboud

Step outside the Louvre to encounter Chase-Ribouds monumental works. Africa Rising II transforms the museum grounds and Tuileries Garden into a celebration of cultural legacy and artistic innovation, open for all to experience.

• The Louvre
• Ends 10 September 2025
• Information…

The Dakar–Djibouti Mission Revisited

Led by Marcel Griaule and joined by writer Michel Leiris, the Dakar–Djibouti mission was part science, part show of empire. They claimed it was research. The local populations might've called it looting. This new take reframes the story from both sides of the lens.

• Musée du Quai Branly
• Ends September 14, 2025
• Information…

Anna Maria Maiolino – I Am Here, Estou Aqui

From analog photo-poems to soft clay coils and striking woven sculptures, Anna Maria Maiolino flips humble materials into expressions of body, resistance and belonging. Her work riffs on domestic rituals and migration, making form and matter speak with visceral clarity.

• >Musée Picasso
• Ends September 21, 2025
• Information…

Musika Automatika – Sound & Memory

In 2025, composer‑performer Junior Mvunzi takes over the sound‑box space with Musika Automatika, layering rumba‑inspired beats, field recordings and live‑drum interplay. Expect a blend of groove, memory and transformation — where rhythm and resonance meet unexpected textures.

• Musée du Quai Branly
• Ends February 26, 2026
• Information…

Colors of Modernity – Gabriele Münter

Gabriele Münter's art is a vivid blend of tradition and innovation. Her mastery of color and her ability to transform ordinary moments into compelling compositions made her a key figure in the Blaue Reiter group. This exhibition reveals her lasting impact on modern art.

• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• Ends August 24, 2025
• Information…

Philippe Perrot – Intimate Mindscapes

Philippe Perrot (1967–2015) staged family drama on canvas, mixing oil with antiseptics like Betadine and eosin. His floating figures — pained, whimsical, unresolved — trace childhood wounds and buried secrets. Expect funny-bad-joke undertones in scenes that feel like hallucinated home movies.

• MAM
• Ends November 2, 2025
• Information…

Christian Krohg: Art Rooted in Nordic Reality

The paintings of Christian Krohg highlight the daily lives and struggles of people in the North. With a commitment to social realism, his works present raw and honest depictions of labor, community, and nature's challenges. The exhibition offers an intimate view of the human spirit through Krohg's powerful artistic lens.

• Musée d'Orsay
• March 25 to July 27, 2025
• Information…

Lucas Arruda: The Light Within

Lucas Arruda's work invites viewers into meditative landscapes where light and texture merge to create ethereal scenes. Through subtle palettes and masterful brushwork, his paintings evoke emotion and contemplation, blurring the boundaries between memory and imagination. The exhibition highlights his ability to distill the essence of nature into poetic visual expressions.

• Musée d'Orsay
• March 25 to July 27, 2025
• Information…

Bijoux – From Sketches to Masterpieces

Dessins de Bijoux takes you behind the scenes of jewelry design, presenting rarely seen sketches from leading jewelers. The exhibit highlights the creative journey, from initial concept to breathtaking ornament, offering a rare perspective on the artistry and technical brilliance shaping some of the world's most dazzling jewels.

• Petit Palais
• Ends July 20, 2025
• Information…

Art Beyond the Frame

Out of Focus features a range of works that move beyond traditional artistic confines. Highlighting artists who experimented with form, structure, and meaning, the exhibition provides an insightful look at how post-1945 art reflected the complexities of its time. Each piece speaks to the evolution of artistic dialogue.

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends August 18, 2025
• Information…

The Top Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris July 2025

Bastille Day Celebrations – July 14, 2025

Vive la liberté ! Bastille Day commemorates the start of the French Revolution and is the biggest celebration in Paris, and in all of France. In Paris, the military parade starts at 10 AM on the Champs-Elysées. The Eiffel Tower fireworks start at 11 PM, and the best vantage point is from the banks of the river.
• July 14
• Bastille Day Celebrations…

Paris Plages

Who needs the Riviera when Paris Plages turns the city into a beach paradise? From July to early September, swap cobblestones for sand at Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint-Martin, and the Rives de Seine. Dive into free activities like swimming, kayaking, and dance classes. It's the ultimate urban getaway — no passport required.
• Banks of the Seine
• July & August 2025
• Information…

Tour de France

Every July, the Tour de France barrels into Paris like a caffeinated peloton of superhumans in spandex. After weeks of grueling climbs and questionable tan lines, the race wraps up in spectacular style along the Champs-Elysées. Grab a spot near the Arc de Triomphe and prepare to witness legs of steel, speeds that defy logic, and more Lycra than you thought humanly possible. It's peak Paris — literally.

• July 05 to July 27, 2025.
• Information…

Japan Expo Paris

Japan Expo Paris is where anime obsession meets full-blown cultural immersion. Held every summer at the Parc des Expositions, it's four days of cosplay, J-pop, samurai sword demos, manga signings, and enough Pikachu to short-circuit your camera roll. Whether you're here for the food, the fandom, or just to see what happens when Paris goes full Tokyo, this is your deep dive into all things Japan — minus the jet lag.

• Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre
• July 03 to 06, 2025
• Information…

Annual Paris Jazz Festival

The Paris Jazz Festival is proof that Paris doesn't just do jazz — it swings, grooves, and occasionally throws in a trumpet solo that'll stop you mid-sandwich. From late June to early September, the Parc Floral hosts free concerts (just €2.50 to enter the park), where you can lounge in the grass, sip something cold, and pretend you totally understand complex time signatures. No tuxedo required.

• Parc Floral de Vincennes
• June 30 to September 08, 2025
• Information…

Festival Paris L'Été – Arts, Scenes & Sun

Festival Paris L'Été – is what happens when the city decides summer should come with acrobats, rooftop concerts, and theater in places you didn't know were theaters. It's part culture binge, part treasure hunt — with performances popping up in parks, courtyards, museums, and occasionally in midair. Best part? A lot of it's free. It's Paris at its most unpredictable — and honestly, at its most fun.

• Throughout Paris
• July 10 to July 30, 2025
• Information…

Lollapalooza Paris

Lollapalooza Paris is back, turning the Hippodrome de Longchamp into a musical playground. This year, the lineup boasts heavyweights like David Guetta, Olivia Rodrigo, and Justin Timberlake, alongside a mix of rising stars and genre-spanning acts. Whether you're there for the chart-toppers or the next big thing, it's a weekend where Paris lets its hair down and cranks the volume up.

• Hippodrome de Longchamp
• July 10 to 20, 2025
• Information…