558871126-1258409179651307-615814905860214088-n

10 ideas to enjoy Paris for free this summer!

undefined undefined 8 juillet 2026 undefined 12h00

undefined undefined 13 juillet 2026 undefined 15h55

The Editor

© Gestuelle / Festival Paris l'été / Facebook

It’s here, the best time of the year, aka summer, is finally in full swing. But sometimes, the Parisian streets can bring us down when we think of the turquoise waters we see in our Instagram stories… Luckily, countless free events are organized all throughout this period to make us feel like we're on vacation without breaking the bank. So sure, you may not be roasting on a sunny beach, but seriously, do we really need all that to have a great time?

1) The Arrival of the Tour de France for the Most Motivated

You surely have a summer memory with your grandmother, dad, cousin, or uncle in front of the TV watching the Tour de France, but have you ever thought about seeing it live? No need to travel for Parisians, because the finish line is located nowhere else but on the Champs-Élysées. So spending a summer in Paris finally becomes the perfect chance to experience this extraordinary atmosphere on July 26.

Arrival of the Tour de France
July 26, 2026
Estimated arrival at 7:30 PM
More info


2) Garden Parvis for the good life lovers

Until the end of July, the Parvis de La Défense is getting a complete makeover. Over 6,000 m² are putting away the suits and ties to make way for an open-air living space. Vegetation, entertainment, food, and a guinguette bar: we can't imagine how we live without this for the rest of the year! For 6 weeks, Garden Parvis will have the neighborhood dancing, singing, laughing, and having fun in the capital's business district. Whether it’s for the DJ sets, live concerts, pétanque, or creative and sports activities, you’ll definitely find a great reason to stop by and take a look.

Garden Parvis
At the foot of the Grande Arche de La Défense
From June 18 to July 30, 2026
Monday from 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Thursday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Sunday from 11:30 AM to 7 PM
More info


3) The Summer Garden at Quai Branly for Families

Just like every year, the garden of the Musée du Quai Branly transforms into a festival for 2 months. Designed around the current exhibition: Feathers of Paradise, the family-friendly program revolves around animals and nature. With quizzes, outdoor screenings, night events, a summer fair, and even a closing concert, you’ll have a fun, educational summer with family: perfect for Parisians seeking a little getaway!

```html

Summer Garden 2026
Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac
37, quai Jacques Chirac — 7th
From July 4 to August 2, 2026
More details here

o;infos and full program  


4) NBA Summer House to (re)discover basketball

Attention basketball lovers! The NBA Summer House is coming to Paris this Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd for a unique experience. This year, you can join a tournament, meet professionals, take part in activities, and even dance to DJ sets at the Palais Brongniart. One thing's for sure, you won't soon forget these exceptional afternoons!

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par NBA Europe (@nbaeurope)

NBA Summer House
Palais Brongniart
16, Place de la Bourse — 2nd
August 1st and 2nd, 2026
10 AM – 6 PM
Price: free with reservation
More info


5) The Paris Summer Festival to Discover All Performing Arts

Between art and nature, the Paris Summer Festival will let you enjoy countless performances. But we’re not just talking about theater, dance, or DJ sets. This festival also shines a spotlight on lesser-known art forms: circus, tightrope walking, cabaret, stand-up… And the best part is that all these events take place in gardens, monuments, and iconic locations in the capital, ranging from

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by Festival Paris l'été (@parislete)

Festival Paris l’été
From July 11 to August 4, 2026
Admission: free with reservation
More info


6) The summer of the canal for fun in the water

For its 19th edition, ...The summer of the Canal is back and better than ever! This must-see festival in the northeast of the capital will once again delight Parisians all summer long with a plethora of fun activities. For example, you can try your hand at engraving, learn how to make your own bread, participate in a dance, enjoy a film cruise, go canoeing, or even take part in some great hiking thanks to this festival. We couldn't have dreamed of a better summer in the capital!

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Le Bonbon (@le_bonbon)

The Summer of the Canal
From Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, August 9, 2026
Price: free
More info

 

7) Paris Plages for the sporty ones

No need to introduce Paris Plages and its refreshing swimming spots during the heatwave. But did you know they also offer free sports classes of all kinds? You can learn kayaking, rowing, climbing, zip-lining... So don’t hesitate any longer and go meet new people, have a great time, and learn alongside professionals thanks to Paris Plages.

Paris Plages
From July 4 to August 30, 2026
Cost: free
More info


8) Paris Under the Stars for Dreamers

Stretching out on the grass at night to watch the stars is a classic summer activity. And just because you’re staying in Paris doesn’t mean you need to miss out! This summer, the French Astronomy Association is offering 22 free evenings of sky observation and activities. You’ll get to learn all about the fascinating world of astronomy in the main parks and gardens of the capital. Stars, constellations, eclipses, and planets: get ready to become an expert on the celestial world!

Paris under the stars
From June 27 to September 5, 2026
9 PM – 1 AM
Price: free, no reservation needed
More info


9) Festivals at the Floral Park for Everyone 

As the beautiful days arrive, it’s not just one or two festivals taking place at the floral park, but a whole three of them! Whether you’re into jazz, classical music, or even if you’re in primary school, you’ll find something to love in the 12th district. The Paris Jazz Festival, Classique au vert, and Les Pestacles will showcase both established and emerging artists for aficionados and the curious alike. Just a heads up, even though these festivals are free, the entry to the floral park will cost you €2.80. But what’s that amount compared to the joy of a musical afternoon in nature?

Festivals at the Floral Park
1, Artillery Road — 12th
From June 24 to September 6, 2026
Paris Jazz Festival
Classical in the Green
The Shows
Price: free (just €2.80 for park entry)
More info


10) The exhibition WE ARE [still] HERE for culture

This summer, at the Petit Palais, urban art takes center stage, and not just any urban art… we’re showcasing French urban art! A fantastic lineup of 43 artists, including Seth, Invader, eL Seed, and EvazéSir will fill the Concorde hall, creating a portrait of our time through various styles, techniques, and media. This exhibition might just be the perfect opportunity for you to dive into street art!sp;: an art still too underestimated.

WE ARE [still] HERE
Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill – 8th
From June 20 to September 20, 2026
Price: free
More info