1) We're Making the Most of the 20th Edition of Paris Plages
For its 20th anniversary, Paris Plages is pulling out all the stops. Throughout the month of August, you can take part in countless free events: swimming in the Seine, all kinds of sports classes, outdoor exhibitions, activities for kids, water sports, and first aid courses—the hardest part will be choosing what to do!
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Paris Beach
July 4 to August 30, 2026
More info
2) Our favorite museums are empty
A summer in Paris is the perfect opportunity to enjoy its cultural treasures away from the crowds. The Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, as well as Hilma af Klint at the Grand Palais, 400 years of Hôtel de la Marine and Camille Vivier at the MEP: you'll be able to enjoy all these must-see monuments and all these incredible exhibitions without waiting in line at the museum or in front of artworks, without having to weave between visitors during your stroll, or being disturbed by people shouting in the exhibition halls: pure bliss.
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3) You Can Go Wakeboarding, Even in Paris
For those who really (really) want to forget they're in Paris this summer, we have the perfect solution: wakeboarding on the Seine. As surprising as it may sound, you'll be able to glide across the Parisian river, no matter your skill level. Other water sports are also accessible just a few RER stops from Paris: wakeboarding, rafting, canoeing, surfing… there's something for every taste.
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Ski Nautique Club de Paris
1, allée du Bord de l'Eau
Weekends
2pm – 6pm
More info
4) Paris empties out and becomes FINALLY peaceful
The loveliest thing about spending August in Paris is its truly special atmosphere. The streets are no longer packed, nobody's in a rush, you don't have to fight for a spot on a terrace anymore and the usually crowded shops are finally breathable. August is therefore the perfect time to try out new addresses and discover the city in a whole new light.
Paris en août où il y a 0,5 habitants au km2 c’est ma came https://t.co/56yWA3IFsn
— yas (@ysmimi__) July 27, 2026
5) You can swim in the canal without the crowds
One thing's for sure, a summer without a swim just isn't a summer. But as we saw with this year's heat wave, it's no easy feat in Paris. Fortunately, when all Parisians have fled the city, the Canal Saint-Martin, Paris swimming pools and other swimming spots empty out, letting you enjoy them to the fullest, far from the maritime traffic jams of June.
© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon
6) The Metro Is Less Crowded
In August, say goodbye to the nightmare of Line 13 on Monday mornings at 9am on the metro platform and the smell of the train in scorching heat. With all Parisians away from home, we find ourselves actually able to get a seat on every trip and discover a certain charm to the Paris metro. Practical, fast, and efficient, we might even forget why we hate it so much during the rest of the year.
Le métro quand il est vide c facile top 1 des transports en commun
— abd🇵🇸🇩🇿 (@abd_sb1) March 12, 2026
7) You can take a cruise on the Seine
Living in Paris is an incredible blessing, but in our daily routine, we often forget the charm of the capital. To immerse yourself in this magic and create a beautiful memory, nothing beats a cruise on the Seine. A one-hour boat ride or a two-day getaway, gourmet dining, festive or romantic atmosphere… there are countless ways to enjoy it.
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8) No more waiting in line to get into clubs
Paris is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. But no matter what your music style, you've surely already faced the endless queues at the entrance of Parisian clubs. Fortunately, in August, say goodbye to hours of waiting outside or wondering if you'll even get in. And the best part? There are fewer people inside, which means more space to dance and you won't risk overheating.
J’viens de me faire recale de boite après 2h de queue j’ai le démon
— 🇨🇲 (@Cedrippp) October 14, 2021
9) We can catch outdoor movies
As soon as the warm weather arrives, Paris gardens, monuments and rooftops transform into open-air cinemas for our absolute delight. And August is no exception: whether you're revisiting your favorite classics or discovering your next big favorite film, you can settle in comfortably on the grass or in deck chairs at outdoor cinemas near you, like the one at La Villette.
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La Villette
211, Avenue Jean Jaurès — 19th arrondissement
July 22 to August 16, 2026
Free
More information
10) Music Everywhere, All the Time
How can you have a great summer without music? In Paris in August, numerous festivals bring the capital alive with every type of music. Every weekend at Parc Floral, you can enjoy classical music and jazz thanks to Classique au vert and the Paris Jazz Festival. If you're in the mood for more contemporary music, Rock en Seine will take place from August 26 to 30 in Saint-Cloud. And finally, throughout the month, Été Canal brings back with a brand new edition even more spectacular and full of surprises.
canal summer will feature open air DJ sets along the waterway.View this post on Instagram
Parc Floral Festivals 2026
Parc Floral de Paris
1, route de l'Artillerie — 12th
June 24 to September 6, 2026
Admission: free
More info
Rock en Seine
National Estate of Saint-Cloud
Place Georges Clemenceau — 92210, Saint-Cloud
August 26-30, 2026
More info
Summer on the Canal
June 27 to August 9, 2026
Price: free
More info
11) We enjoy the most beautiful sunsets without the crowds
Finally, the clear summer sky offers the most beautiful sunsets of the year. And what's special about August is that you can enjoy them at all the best spots while avoiding the crowds, pushy people, and strangers in your photos. So whether you prefer Montmartre hill, gardens, rooftops, or the Petite Ceinture railway tracks, make the most of it while the coast is clear!
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