Planning a visit to Paris in July is a trip you’ll remember for years to come!
Paris in the summer is a unique experience as the city comes alive! The streets fill with live music, free festivals, and carnivals, and the weather is perfect for a stroll along the Seine or rooftop drinks as the sun sets on your perfect day.
This blog is all about helping you plan the perfect trip to Paris in July and giving you the info you need to get the most out of your trip.
While many people avoid Paris in July, many find the warm weather and lively events worth the trip, including us.
Along with weather details and a small list of what to pack, you’ll get the rundown on some of the best ways to spend the month of July in Paris.
Why You Must Visit Paris in July
Visiting Paris in July is an absolute must, and even though we’ve always been told to avoid the high tourist summer months in places like Paris because of hot days and crowded streets, you’ll be missing out on a ton of exciting events, festivals, and activities if you delay your trip.
The city comes alive in the summertime, and you won’t regret a trip to Paris in July when the temperatures are in the perfect 70s, and the streets fill with color, culture, and music.
Pssst: If you’re still not sure when to go, here’s a guide on the best time to visit Paris by month and season.
Where to Stay in Paris in July
It can be overwhelming to look for accommodation in Paris since many options are available.
We decided to give you the perfect location to stay based on this month’s features, but we also wrote a detailed review of exactly where to stay in Paris.
In the Marais, you’ll find the Le Temple de Jeanne. This pleasant hotel is located near many attractions in the city and the Métro Saint-Paul (rue de Fourcy), making it easier to explore Paris. On top of that, rooms have air-conditioning and are sound-proof.
Paris Weather in July
While July is the hottest month in Paris, don’t let that deter you from visiting in the summertime. The temperature high we’re referring to is a steady and perfect 76 degrees, with a few afternoons climbing up to the low 80s.
The nights are cool in the Parisian summer, and you’ll most likely find the temps in the mid to low 60s. With humidity low and only about a week of showers sprinkled throughout the month, July is a wonderful time to visit if you’re concerned about hot temps or rainy weather.
- Minimum temperature: 58.6°F
- Maximum temperature: 76.3°F
- Average rainfall: 1.42 inches
- Average sunshine hours: Roughly nine hours
What to Wear in Paris in July
- Scarf: A light scarf can be used for many things, shielding you from the sun, keeping you warm in the evenings when the temperature dips, and making you look Parisian chic since scarves are all the rage right now.
- Dresses: Summer dresses are perfect for bringing with you to Paris. They flow easily with movement, keep you cool, and are comfortable enough for an entire day of walking and moving.
- Flats: Paris is full of cobblestone streets, and while that might be right out of our dream boards at home, walking on them all day in heels can easily turn the day sour. We recommend a comfortable pair of flats that have already adjusted to your feet so that your shoes are the last thing on your mind.
- Hats/Sunglasses: While we all love a good sunny day, you have to remember to shield your skin away from the sun, or you’ll be dealing with uncomfortable sunburns before your summer vacation is over. That’s why we recommend (and love) a beautiful hat. Sunglasses are also helpful in protecting your eyes from those bright and sunny days.
What to Do in Paris in July
1. Dine on the Seine River
We can’t think of a better way to take in the classic Seine than a 3-course dinner cruise where you can see the city from many different angles.
This 2-hour dining experience includes a multi-course meal, panoramic views of the city in a glass-enclosed boat, and musical entertainment. There is also an option to select a romantic cruise, including a glass of champagne.
Regardless of the option you choose, a river cruise is a must in Paris, especially in the summer. Don’t miss it!
Click here to check availability
2. Celebrate Bastille Day
Bastille Day, also known as La Fête Nationale (French National Day) on July 14th, 2022, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors.
Bastille Day celebrates the anniversary of the storming of Bastille prison in 1789, which happens to be a major milestone in the French Revolution.
Bastille Day is celebrated with an opening military ceremony, followed by a massive parade down Avenue des Champs Élysées and a flyover by the military.
The Eiffel Tower will be the showstopper that night when magnificent fireworks are on display starting at 11 pm. Bastille Day celebrations are events you must add to your list of things to do in Paris in July.
3. Climb the Eiffel Tower
It’s not a secret that the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Paris. And if you haven’t climbed it on a previous trip, know that summer is the best time to do so because of the balmy weather.
We recommend purchasing your ticket for the Eiffel Tower online as it tends to be busy most days of the week, especially in the summertime.
Not only can you enjoy monumental views from above, but you can also reserve a seat at one of the distinguished restaurants overlooking the city.
Either way, you might want to pick the earliest time slot because it is when it is the least busy.
4. Enjoy Paris Beaches (Paris Plages)
It’s summertime, and who doesn’t love a good beach outing? While the French capital is not home to any natural beaches, there are plenty of pop-up beaches along the Seine and Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement. Still, you can always go on a day trip to Normandy.
If traveling out of Paris is not an option or it seems daunting in any way, you can make your way to the Paris Plages, the artificial beaches built in the city.
The Paris Plages are free to the public, and if all you’re looking for is to get a nice tan next to the iconic river without the water to cool down at the end, this is a good option to keep in mind.
Relax in the deck chairs, have ice cream, and enjoy the summer in Paris!
5. Catch a Festival at Parc Floral
If you’re a fan of Jazz, the Paris Jazz Festival in Parc Floral in Vincennes features many talents in this free and open-air music festival.
Running for eight weekends straight, there will be plenty of chances to enjoy live music and good views at this festival.
6. Sip Cocktails on a Rooftop Bar
Rooftop views and terraces are aplenty in Paris, and it’s probably the best way to take in the City of Light, an appropriate nickname for such an illuminating city.
While some rooftop bars and restaurants might have that iconic view of the Eiffel Tower, others are just as lovely and give you the same beauty as the ones facing big landmarks.
Here are a few we recommend, Bar le Perchoir, Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, Le Louxor, and 42 Cocktail Bar.
7. Picnic in a Park
July is one of the best months for a picnic in the park, and Paris holds an abundance of the perfect picnic spots.
Some of the most beautiful parks in Paris are Jardin du Luxembourg, where you have a stunning view of Luxembourg Palace, Places des Vosges, perfect for architecture fans, and Bois de Vincennes, the biggest park in Paris and one that’s perfect for people watching.
8. Visit Offbeat Neighborhoods
Visiting smaller towns and experiencing more local cuisine and living is a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city to see what more local life is all about.
Off the beaten path neighborhoods like Butte Aux Cailles, a small city with tons of murals and artwork, La Campagne à Paris, a countryside escape, and Cité Florale, a colorful idyllic village covered in gorgeous wildflowers, are just a few of the quaint towns you can enjoy a quieter day at.
9. Shop in the Summer Sales
Paris is known for its massive bi-annual bargains, where the city’s top stores put up sales ranging from 30% off to a whopping 80% off.
Each year in January and again in June/July (June 22nd – July 19th), stores like Prada, Armani, Gucci, Chanel, and so many others, offer these specials sales, making it the perfect time to shop a little.
The catch is to arrive on the first day of the sale, as the prices increase as the sales go on.
Events to Enjoy in Paris in July
1. Cinema en Plein Air
- When: July 15th to August 21st, 2022
Cinema En Plein Air (Open Air Cinema) in Parc de la Villette is a cultural highlight that makes its way to the city every year.
Starting at dusk, once guests find a spot on the green lawn in front of a big screen, French and international films make their debut for the public with events and different themes planned in between the events.
2. Paris Fashion Week
- When: July 3rd to 7th, 2022
Paris in July offers us some of the most distinguished events, including the Paris Haute Couture Week.
Haute couture has become more and more popular over the past seasons, with a reassessment of hand-made pieces and craftsmanship.
Iris van Herpen, Ronald van der Kemp and Duran Lantink are just a few international designers who made it to the list – and are here to stay, to change the fashion industry forever.
3. Festival Paris l’Été
- When: July 11th to July 31st, 2022
Also known as the Paris Summer Festival, this summer event features many events and activities, including theatre shows, dances, the circus, beautiful installations, and more.
This festival is the city’s way of celebrating different cultures and regions of France, with many of the events being free or inexpensive.
4. La Fête Des Tuileries
- When: July 2nd to August 28th, 2022
Set in the Tuileries Gardens, Parisians of all ages attend this fair-like event where you can eat carnival foods like ice cream and toffee apples, ride bumper cars and a merry-go-round, and enjoy the other 60+ attractions located in the gardens.
You can also get a great view of beautiful Paris in July along with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower from the giant Ferris wheel that sits in the middle.
Things to Note When Traveling to Paris in July
Since July is a popular month to travel to Paris, don’t expect low prices for cars, hotels, and airfare. Budget the season into your travel plans before you go.
Because of the popularity, you’ll also want to reserve as many tickets online as possible. This will help you keep to your plans and not waste time waiting in line for tickets to any exhibits, shows, and attractions.
We highly recommend timed-entrance tickets for the Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower (here). But please, do the same for all attractions you’ll be visiting.
Lastly, if you’re up for it, taking in the city early in the morning or evening might be more enjoyable as the city isn’t as busy as the other peak times. The weather is also cooler, making your daily city strolls more enjoyable.
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
Before you leave for France, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy because accidents happen on the road. We have been paying for Safety Wing travel insurance for a little over a year now, and we happily recommend them to our family and friends.
If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you'll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what was stolen.
Because, for just a couple of dollars a day (depending on how long your policy is for), you're going to get lots of things covered. Be smart and get travel insurance.