The 53 Most Glorious Things To Do In Paris – The Summer Edition, July 2019

July in Paris is sizzling hot days and glorious warm evenings with plenty of parties and fireworks to celebrate Bastille Day! The city is filled with stellar events like the Tour de France 2019, the urban beach party that is Paris Plages, and the Quartier d'Éte Festival, an annual neighborhood cultural celebration. July is also the perfect month to take a dreamy day trip to Claude Monet's gardens at nearby Giverny, the chateau and gardens of Versailles, or Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy.

Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris July 2019

Skip the Lines at the Louvre Museum

Nearly 10 million visitors a year means that the Louvre is full of art lovers and there are always long lines waiting to get in. That's why we insist on booking a skip-the-line tour to get past the crowds and into the museum quickly. Visit masterpieces of the ancient Greeks, the Italian Renaissance, and French emperors. You'll also spend time with the Big Three — Venus, Nike and Mona !

Evening Tour of the Louvre + Wine Tasting

Our personal favorite combines two of our best-loved activities — fine wine and fine art. If you think it can't get better than that, listen up — you also get to skip the lines at the Louvre for an evening guided tour, when the crowds are smaller. Looking at great art makes you thirsty, so afterwards follow your guide to a nearby wine bar to a guided tasting of a flight of French wines.

Dinner on the Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise & Moulin Rouge

Combine the best of all Paris worlds in one glorious evening. Dine at the Eiffel Tower, take a Seine River illuminations cruise, then finish the evening with a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge. Everything is included — dinner with wine, river cruise, tickets to Moulin Rouge, and champagne (of course!). This is a very popular activity and sure to sell out. Also see, The 6 Best Evenings In Paris…

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

Wine. Champagne. Are you starting to see a pattern in the activities we like the most? This one pairs Paris with champagne — to us the perfect combination. Glide past world-famous monuments while sipping bubbly in a 3-champagne tasting guided by an expert sommelier. You learn about the champagnes as your guide also fills you in on the sights of Paris as you cruise by.

Exclusive VIP Access – Louvre & Eiffel Tower Plus Private City Tour

This full-day, small-group tour starts with pick-up at your Paris address for a morning tour of the Louvre with a professional guide. Next, your car takes you across town to the Eiffel Tower, where you also enjoy VIP access to get up the tower and take in the best views of the city. Your driver next takes you to historic Î le de la Cité to visit the island and Notre Dame before heading up the hill to visit Montmartre. It's a very full and very satisfying day in Paris!

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise with Hotel Pickup

This very popular 3-hour evening sightseeing dinner cruise combines glamorous dining in Paris with views of the must-see attractions from a classic Bateaux Parisiens river boat. A live band entertains you while you take in the lights of the city. Hotel pickup is included as is champagne and wine. What else would you expect in Paris? Also see, The Six Top Dinner Cruises in Paris…

Don't Stand in the Lines at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is immensely popular and there are always long-ups. Since we hate waiting in line, we always search for an Eiffel Tower activity that lets us skip the queues. We've found a few that we'll share with you. Since availability and times tend to change regularly, the best way to approach a no-wait ET visit is to check with the Skip the Eiffel Tower Lines link below. Also see, Big List of Eiffel Tower Tours…

Eiffel Tower Priority Access with Host

This guided entry to the Eiffel Tower is available on most days in July, so it's a good bet to try.

Nighttime City Tour & Moulin Rouge Dinner and Show

This is another complete evening out in Paris. Your driver meets you at your address and takes you on a magical illumination tour of Paris, ending at Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge. Dine at the number-one rated nightclub in Europe, and take in the amazing cabaret show. No need to figure out how to get there or what to do when you're ready to leave — your transportation is waiting for you. Also see, Seven Ways To See The Hottest Show in Town…

VIP Twilight Tour – Champagne Cruise + Eiffel Tower

It's easy to see why this combination evening activity has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. Your guide leads you to the banks of the Seine where you board a bateau for a twilight river cruise. Gaze upon the sights of Paris while you sip bubbly in a VIP area at the front of the boat. Back at the dock, you head to the Eiffel Tower, past the long line-ups, and up to Level Two for even better views of Paris. We've done this tour and it's as good as it sounds!

Montmartre Impressionist Art Walking Tour + Musée d'Orsay

Visit the fascinating hilltop setting of Montmartre for a tour focusing on the history of the artists who made this area famous. See the house where Van Gogh lived, the famous windmill cabaret of Renoir, and the site of Picasso's early studio. Also included is a skip-the-line ticket for Musée d'Orsay. This activity has hundreds of 5-star reviews, so be sure to book early.

Night Bike Ride + River Cruise

Visitors love this tour, especially on a summer evening in Paris. Follow your experienced guide as you pedal down ancient streets to visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and glide down the Champs Elysées. Cycle through Île de la Cité and witness Notre Dame as it is reconstructed. Then you hop on a river boat for a nighttime cruise on the Seine. A glass of wine is included, of course!

Dinner Cruise with Marina de Paris

Marina de Paris is well known for its dinner cruises, and has a fleet of glass-walled boats to give diners the best nighttime views. Comfortably seated at a private table, you admire the beauty of the City of Light as you glide over the water. Along the banks of the Seine you'll see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée d'Orsay, and much more. Transportation to and from the center of Paris is included and hotel pick-up is available for this affordable evening activity.

Airport Transfers

Know what's going to happen when you land at the airport — arrange transportation into Paris in advance. An easy and affordable way to do that is to book a shuttle van service right to your hotel. Readers have liked these services that also pick you up when you're ready to depart. But we suggest you go with our best Insiders tip — a VIP private transfer in a luxurious Mercedes S-Class. Honestly, it's the only way to do it!

Classical Music in Paris – July 2019

The acoustically-perfect La Saint-Chapelle is travelers' favourite classical music venue in the city. Located in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité, La Sainte-Chapelle's roots stretch back to 1289. Today its magnificence shines with walls of stained glass and soaring ceilings. Don't miss it! Palais Garnier, the Belle Epoque opera house, is another center of cultural life. It's worth attending a ballet or opera performance just to see the fantastic interior.

Paris City Pass

We know that most travelers want to save time in Paris, but why not save money as well? With the Paris City Pass you get into the museums for free and ride the Metro for free. Even better, we've arranged special savings for our readers. Use the discount code INSIDERS5 for our readers' discount. But for us the big advantage is bypassing the looong Paris lines. Also see, Complete Guide to the Paris City Pass…

The Best Latin Quarter Hotels

The historic and charming Latin Quarter is one of the best places to stay in Paris. Luckily, it's also home to some of our favourite hotels in the city. Here, you are in the center of things, with easy access to Saint-Germain, the Marais, the Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral. Let's take a look at our newly-updated, 2019 list of the best hotels in the Latin Quarter, with current prices.

The Best Ways to Visit Versailles from Paris

Things to Do in Paris July 2019

Best of Versailles with Skip-the-Line Access + Grand Canal Lunch

The day starts at your Paris address, whence your driver/guide whisks to the royal estate of Versailles, 40 minutes away. Included in your dossier are priority, skip-the-line tickets. Go directly inside to experience the grandeur of the chateau on a guided tour. Then stroll through the gardens until lunch near the Grand Canal. Afternoon finds you at the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's farm, before you're driven back to Paris.

Morning 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 include hotel pick-up. It's with a small group to ensure that you get individual attention from your expert guide. A private tour is also available.

Versailles Bike Tour + Chateau Visit

Kickstart summer with this 2-in-1 tour. You'll cruise the country around Versailles as your guide takes you through forests and pastures, to the local market and then into the gardens of Versailles to ride past the historic buildings, including Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet. Then use your passes to explore the chateau as long as you like. A great tour, but be sure to book right now!

VIP Versailles Tour With Private Viewing of the Royal Quarters

See the hidden rooms of Versailles other visitors will never see — Louis XVI's private apartments, his personal library, and the Royal Chapel built for the wedding of Louis and Marie Antoinette. If you opt for the morning tour, you get priority access to the Hall of Mirrors just as the doors of the palace open and before the crowds arrive.

Claude Monet's Gardens + Versailles in One Day

This 2-in-1 activity takes you to two essential landmarks in one day — the chateau and gardens of the royal estate at Versailles, plus the famous gardens of Impressionist master Claude Monet at nearby Giverny. On this small-group tour (no more than 8 people, to ensure personal attention) you are picked up at your Paris address and driven to both locations for guided tours. Lunch is also included on this very popular day trip from Paris.

Summer-Only Fountain Show at Versailles

In the magnificent gardens of Versailles experience the summer-only fountain show, choreographed to music from the court of Louis XIV. It's one of those events that you don't want to miss and can only be seen on weekends in the summer months. This half-day tour also includes priority access to the palace. Weekends in July.

The Top Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris July 2019

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

Visit the Land of Bubbly. On this day tour your driver/guide picks you up at your Paris hotel to take you to the Champagne Region, just about an hour away. You start your visit in Reims at the historic cathedral. But the day is mostly about visiting champagne makers and sampling, sampling, sampling. Lunch at a regional restaurant is included. Also available as a private tour. Also see, The 3 Top Day Trips to Champagne…

Loire Valley – Castles + Wines

Discover the Renaissance castles of the Loire Valley and the wines produced in this fertile valley on a day trip from Paris. The day begins with a drive to the largest castle, Château de Chambord. Lunch is served at Château de Nitray vineyards with a selection of fresh, local ingredients and a tasting of the best of the region's wines. The final stop is Château de Chenonceau, considered the loveliest of the Loire Châteaux.

Three Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux

On this day trip you concentrate on the castles and spend more time visiting Chenonceau, Cheverny & Chambord, the three most spectacular castles in the valley. Also available as a private tour.

Mont Saint-Michel, Loire Valley Chateaux + Wine Tasting

We like this 2-day trip from Paris that takes you to the fairytale island just off the Normandy coast. Explore the Benedictine abbey that becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. On day two you explore the best chateaux of the Loire Valley. Everything is included on this popular tour from Paris — tickets, guides, meals, accommodations, and a guided tasting of Loire wines on day two. Also see, The Best Ways to Visit Mont Saint-Michel…

Visit Marvellous Mont Saint-Michel

Concentrate on the island and abbey of Mont Saint-Michel off the coast of Normandy on this day trip from Paris. The drive from Paris takes you through the picturesque Normandy countryside. Everything is included, even pick-up at your hotel, so no need to worry about anything.

Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

To concentrate on Monet and his house & gardens in Giverny, choose this affordable small-group afternoon tour that includes pick-up at your Paris address. The gardens will be at their peak of summer perfection as well as the waterlilies at the idyllic pond where Monet painted for 43 years. Also available as a private tour.

Visit London for the Day… From Paris!

Modern high-speed trains and the channel tunnel have made it possible to visit London on a day trip from Paris. At Gare du Nord in Paris you meet your tour guide and hop on the Eurostar to London. The day includes an extensive, open-top bus tour around London and guided walking tours, including The Beatles London Walking Tour. It's an exhilarating trip that gets you back to Paris the very same day.

D-Day Tour – 75th Anniversary

It was the largest seaborne invasion of World War II, and in history. Codenamed Operation Neptune, the Normandy landings marked the beginning of the road to liberation. On this compelling day trip from Paris you will visit the memorials, landing beaches and cemeteries that dot the haunting landscape. Your personal driver will pick you up at your Paris hotel or apartment. Lunch is included.

Mont St-Michel, Honfleur, D-Day Beaches

This two-day trip takes you to the best of the Normandy region, including Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches. You also visit the colorful port city of Honfleur and enjoy a guided tour of Saint Malo. Hotel, guides, transportation, most meals, even pick-up at your hotel is included. It's worth it to spend a couple of days discovering the beauty of Normandy.

The Top Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris July 2019

The Food & Wine of the Marais

This delightful small-group food tour through the Marais is garnering high praise. You start the tour at the oldest food market in the city, and then follow your food-expert guide through the historic Marais neighborhood to visit the top food & wine shops, tasting the best of French food like cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and wine.

Chocolate & Pastry Tour of Saint-Germain

Paris + Chocolate + Pastries. Could any three things be more perfect together? Is it a wonder that we (and our readers) love this guided walking tour? It gives you a chance to get behind-the-scenes of Paris dessert specialities and chocolate shops, along with plenty of sampling of course, including regional specialities.

Lunch Cruise on the Seine with La Marina de Paris

Spend the early afternoon on a riverboat on the Seine — even better, this cruise includes a classic 3-course lunch. This is a fun, casual, and affordable cruise along the river while supping & sipping with friends. A cruise on a bateau is something you must do in Paris, so why not have lunch at the same time? Take a break from sightseeing to combine great dining with a tour of Paris… riverside. This lunch cruise is very popular, so book early.

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

In Paris the top cheese sellers (fromagères) also age their cheeses in special cheese caves beneath their stores. This unique & unusual tour is led by a Master Affineur, who ages and sells cheese. You not only get to taste some of the most famous cheese of France, but you learn about their history, production techniques, and which wines to drink with them. Also see, Five Top Cheese Tastings In Paris…

Lunch on the Eiffel Tower with Priority Access

Isn't it amazing that you can actually book to have lunch on the Eiffel Tower? A table has been reserved for you to enjoy a traditional French 3-course dinner, with the city of Paris spread out below you. Making the experience even better, you have priority-access to the Tower, so you can bypass the long ticket lines. And, it all takes place on the most famous monument in the world.

Wine Tasting Lunch in the Heart of Paris

You really can't be in Paris without tasting French wine. The professional sommeliers on these fun and informal wine tastings cover a lot of wine territory and deliver an extensive tasting of wines in a charming wine bar smack in the center of Paris. We prefer the 2-hour grand cru wine tasting, but we also like the wine tasting + lunch option. Also see, Five Places to Taste Wine in Paris…

The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour

Walk with your expert gourmet guide at your side as you taste your way through one of the hottest food neighborhoods in Paris, Aligre. Stop at specialty shops and sample ten of the most iconic foods of France — from baguettes to chocolate to cheese. The fun kicks off in a vibrant market at one of the most popular oyster bars in the city.

Small-Group French Cooking Class & Market Tour

At an historic outdoor food market in the Latin Quarter you meet your expert chef and shop for the ingredients you will need to make lunch. Then your small group (limited to 8) returns to the Paris cooking studio to create a three-course meal. You will prepare a delicious lunch — including entrée, plat, and dessert — and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of wine.

The Hottest Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris July 2019

Bastille Day Celebrations – July 14, 2019

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 Information…

Paris Japan Expo

• This annual event celebrates Japanese manga, martial arts, animation & J-music. Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. July 4 to 7, 2019.
  → Information…

Paris Quartier d'Été Festival

• The annual Neighborhood Festival includes dance, music and theatre performances in neighborhoods across Paris. The event runs from July 12 to August 3, 2019.
  → Information…

Paris Plages

• Sand, sun, beach umbrellas, free concerts & fun activities on the banks of the Seine River. River. Mid-July to late-August, 2019.
  → Information…

Tour de France

• See the dramatic final day of this popular event as the cyclists circle the Champs-Elysées. July 6 to July 28, 2019.
  → Information…

The Peacock Society Festival

• Music fans gather to celebrate electronic music and arts at Parc Floral de Paris in Bois de Vincennes. July 5 & 6, 2019.
  → Information…

Lollapalooza Paris

• The live music festival comes to Paris will a two-day event at Hippodrome de Longchamp. Saturday, July 20 & 21, 2019.
  → Information…

New Exhibits at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris July 2019

So Many Museums in Paris!

So many fantastic Paris museums, so little time. We've put together the highlights of popular exhibits during the month of July. These are the last days to see the Black Models – From Géricault to Matissen at Musée d'Orsay featuring works by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Edouard Manet, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, and modern artists like Charles Alston.

Black Models – From Géricault to Matisse

This powerful exhibition explores the representation of black models in art from the time of abolition of slavery in France in 1794 to the present day with works by Bazille, Carpeaux, Manet, Cézanne.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends July 21, 2019
• Information…

Berthe Morisot – Female Impressionist

One of only a few women Impressionist painters, Berthe Morisot was recognized by her peers as one of the most innovative artists of the time. The exhibition traces her career as a key figure in the avant-garde movement of 1860s. We're eagerly awaiting this one.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends September 22, 2019
• Information…

Liturgical Textiles of the Byzantine Tradition from Romania

See highlights of the Romanian collection's embroidery of Byzantine tradition from the mid-15th to the mid-17th centuries.

• Department of Decorative Arts
• Ends July 29, 2019

Paris Romantique, 1815-1848

The Petite Palais follows its successful Paris 1900 exhibition with a panoramic show of the capital during the romantic years, from the fall of Napoleon to the Revolution of 1848. Nearly 600 works — paintings, sculptures, costumes, works of art and furniture — immerse the visitor into the artistic, cultural, and political events of this period.

• Petit Palais
• Ends September 15, 2019
• Information…

Shunk-Kender: Art in the Eye of the Camera (1957-1983)

• Centre Pompidou
• Ends August 5, 2019
• Information…

Forgotten Kingdoms – From the Hittite Empire to the Arameans

The Hittite empire, ancient Egypt's rival power, was a world power until 1200 BC. This exhibition focuses on this forgotten civilization only rediscovered in 1911. After their discovery sculptures and artifacts were taken to Berlin, where they were damaged during World War II bombings. However, an extensive conservation project has restored them and you can now see them at the Louvre.

• Hall Napoléon, Louvre
• Ends August 12, 2019

Italian Drawings from the Mariette Collection

The Louvre will showcase the collection of Italian drawings by Pierre-Jean Mariette (1694-1774) printmaker, translator, art critic and one of the best art collectors of all time. See drawings from the greatest Italian artists: Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, Veronese, and Guercino.

• Rotonde Sully
• Ends September 30, 2019