Some independent cafés, restaurants and bakeries close for their annual break, but there are still plenty of places to enjoy a morning coffee, a leisurely meal or a fresh baguette!
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, August offers the chance to experience a different side of the City of Light, one that feels calmer, more local and effortlessly Parisian. Here are ten ways to enjoy Paris this August!
1. Discover Summer Exhibitions
August is a wonderful month for art lovers, with many major exhibitions taking place across the city. Whether you enjoy modern art, historic figures or immersive experiences, Paris’s museums offer plenty to explore during the summer. Here are some ideas!
- Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Temple - at the Grand Palais, running until 30 August. Discover the visionary abstract works of one of modern art’s pioneers.
- Alexander Calder - Rêver en équilibre, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton until 16th August. Explore Calder’s iconic mobiles and playful sculptures.
- Gianni Versace Retrospective at the Musée Maillol until 6th September. Celebrate the bold designs and legacy of the legendary fashion icon.
- Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection at Jeu de Paume until 27th September. Exceptional photographs from one of the world’s finest private collections.
- Madame de Sévigné: Parisian Letters - Musée Carnavalet until 23 August. Explore the life and letters of one of France’s most celebrated writers.
- Clair-Obscur - Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection until 31 August. Experience contemporary art exploring the contrasts of light and shadow.
- Fujiko Nakaya: Cloud #07156 — Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, until 14 September. Immerse yourself in a world of mist and illusion.
- Exposition Générale de la Collection - Fondation Cartier until 23 August. Highlights from the foundation’s influential contemporary art collection.
- Giovanni Segantini - I Want to See My Mountains - Musée Marmottan Monet until 16 August. Admire the luminous Alpine landscapes of the Italian Symbolist painter.
- Musée Delacroix - Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Step into the former home and studio of French Romantic artist Eugène Delacroix.
2. Rooftop Views and Cocktails
August evenings are perfect for making the most of the rooftop terraces. As the sun sets over the city, the skyline provides a wonderful backdrop for a cocktail, an al fresco dinner or a relaxed evening with panoramic views. From chic hotel rooftops to stylish bars overlooking iconic landmarks, it's one of the best ways to enjoy the city's warm summer nights.
With so many rooftop bars to choose from, these are just a few suggestions. Le Perruche is perched above Printemps Haussmann and offers a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere, while Hotel Dames des Artes in Saint-Germain-des-Prés pairs elegant surroundings with stunning panoramic views.
For a different perspective, Sequoia Rooftop Bar boasts spectacular views of the Opéra Garnier, Au Top is a hidden gem tucked away above the Marais, and Bonnie overlooks the Seine with one of the city's most impressive skylines!
3. Experience the European Swimming Championships
Paris welcomes Europe’s top swimmers for the European Swimming Championships from July 31st–16 August 2026. This is a unique opportunity to experience a major sporting event in the heart of the city, following the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Swimming, diving and artistic swimming will take place at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis, while open-water events will be held in the Seine at the Bras de Grenelle. Find out more here.
4. Summer Festivals & Outdoor Theatre
August is a wonderful time to discover another side of Paris, with festivals bringing theatre, dance, music and performances to parks, squares and unexpected locations across the city.
The Paris l’Été Festival transforms unusual venues and public spaces into creative stages, offering a varied programme of contemporary performances throughout the summer. Families can enjoy Les Pestacles (shows for kids) at Parc Floral, while the enchanting Jardin Shakespeare in the Bois de Boulogne offers open-air theatre surrounded by nature.
The city also comes alive with outdoor concerts throughout the month. Classique au Vert brings classical music to the peaceful surroundings of Parc Floral, while the Paris Jazz Festival and Jazz à la Villette showcase talented musicians from France and around the world.
These events offer a perfect way to enjoy a summer afternoon or evening, combining live performances with some of Paris’s most beautiful green spaces.
5. Spend an Evening at an Open-Air Concert in Montmartre
For a truly memorable summer evening in Paris, head to the hidden gardens of the Arènes de Montmartre for Les Arènes Lyriques, an enchanting open-air concert experience beneath the stars.
Tucked away near Sacré-Cœur, this intimate hillside garden provides a beautiful setting for performances by young opera singers and musicians.
Taking place from late July to mid-August, the concerts offer a unique way to experience classical music in one of Paris’s most charming neighbourhoods.
Tip : Tickets are limited and performances often sell out, so booking in advance is recommended!
6. Enjoy an Apéro on a Péniche
For a true Paris summer experience, spend an evening beside the water at one of the city’s famous péniches - converted boats offering drinks, food and music along the river.
Les Maquereaux Rive Droite and Péniche Marcounet both offer a relaxed setting by the water and are a stone’s throw from La Cuisine. There are many more péniches to discover along the Seine, each with its own atmosphere and style - find out more on the following link.
Enjoy ápero by the water, or arrive later in the evening when some venues come alive with music!
7. Watch Movies Under the Stars
Summer evenings in Paris wouldn't be complete without the Cinéma en Plein Air de la Villette. Returning for its 35th edition from 22 July to 16 August 2026, this much-loved outdoor film festival will present around 20 free open-air screenings in the picturesque surroundings of Parc de la Villette.
This year's theme, "The Call of the Wild," celebrates adventure, nature, and the great outdoors. New for 2026, each evening will feature a double bill, with a family-friendly film at 6:00 pm followed by a feature film at 9:00 pm.
For another unique cinema experience, Cinema on the Roof x SoFilm offers rooftop screenings at Le Bar à Bulles.
8. Enjoy Cafés, Bakeries and Summer Dining
Although some independent businesses close for their annual holiday, Paris remains full of places to eat and drink in August!
Neighbourhood bakeries usually organise their holidays so that nearby alternatives remain open, so do not worry - fresh baguettes and pastries are never far away! Many cafés, bistros and restaurants continue welcoming visitors throughout the summer.
August is also a wonderful time to enjoy long lunches, evening terraces and the simple pleasure of watching Parisian life unfold around you.
Tip: Look for holiday notices outside small businesses, or call if you are unsure - online opening hours are not always reliable!
9. Spend an Evening at Rock en Seine
One of France’s biggest summer music festivals returns to the beautiful Domaine National de Saint-Cloud from 26th to the 30th of August 2026.
Rock en Seine brings together international artists, multiple stages and thousands of music fans for several days of live performances just outside Paris. It is a fantastic choice for visitors who want to experience the city’s contemporary music scene.
10. Paris Plage
Paris Plages is in full swing, bringing a beach atmosphere to the heart of the capital. One of this year's local highlights is the swimming area beside the péniches at Pont Marie, offering a unique way to cool off in the Seine.
Visitors can also enjoy Paris Plages at several other locations, including Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint-Martin, Parc Rives de Seine, Bras de Grenelle (15th arrondissement), and Quai de Bercy (12th arrondissement).
A beloved summer tradition, Paris Plages transforms the Seine riverbanks into lively urban beaches complete with deckchairs, swimming areas, cultural events, and riverside relaxation spaces. It's the perfect opportunity to soak up the summer atmosphere and enjoy a beach-style escape without leaving Paris.
Away from the usual pace of the city, August reveals a more relaxed and unexpected side of the capital, quieter streets, longer evenings and the chance to experience Paris at its most unhurried.
For those who stay or visit during this month, the reward is a city that feels more open and effortless - August remains one of Paris’s best-kept secrets!
