Last Updated on 25th September 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
Picture perfect Paree is a city that’s eternally beautiful, especially so in the summer months when the days remain long and lazy evenings can be spent enjoying time among friends or simply strolling along the River Seine. Here’s your insider guide to Paris in July, a summer in the city edition…
Please note that July the 14th is a public holiday. This day is known as ‘La Fête de la Bastille,’ i.e. ‘Bastille Day’ in English. During this public holiday, most shops will be closed, and supermarkets which are open will operate at reduced hours.
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Paris weather in July
The summer months bring them the promise of little rain and plenty of long and hot days. As such, July is the perfect weather to enjoy Parisian café culture, where bar seats and striped chairs spill out onto the wide boulevards and the scent of coffee is ever wafting onto the street.
For the month of July, Paris weather tends to fluctuate between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius, with an average of 20 degrees C, providing the perfect weather for exploring everything the city has to offer. With this being said, the evenings can be a little cooler and so you’ll want to have a light jacket on hand for when you’re exploring Paris at night.
What to wear in Paris in July
Visit Paris in July and you can expect to enjoy all of the sun, as well as the cool evenings en terrasse. As such, make sure to pack plenty of sun cream, a hat for the hotter days and plenty of light and easy to wear clothing. Sun-style dresses, sandals, and shorts are all perfect for this kind of weather.
With this in mind, however, it’s also important to note that July is also the heaviest rainfall month of the summer and so be sure to bring an umbrella along, as well as some waterproof, comfortable shoes and perhaps a wind jacket.
Summer sales at shops across the city mean that you’ll also want to leave a little room in your suitcase to bring home a couple of souvenirs. Known as ‘les soldes,’ sales in France are actually state-regulated and can only be held twice a year; once towards the end of July, and once just after Christmas. For those looking for a bargain while in France, this is the time to shop!
What to do in Paris in July
Enjoy a Parisian-style picnic
If you’re looking for one of the very best things to do in Paris during July, then you simply must enjoy a picnic at some point. While many (wrongly) say that Paris is lacking in green spaces in comparison with its other European capital counterparts, there are plenty of places to go, if only you know where to look.
Head to the supermarket to pick up some supplies and head to Canal Saint-Martin or along the Seine to enjoy your food along the water’s edge. After all, some of the best parks and open spaces in the city include the 19th-century landscaped Parc Monceau and the sprawling delight that is Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
Celebrate Bastille Day
July 14th marks the beginning of the French Revolution and, as such, is the birthday of France as we know it today. Known as La Fête de la Bastille, celebrations include a vast array of firework displays, summer festivities, and a whole range of special events for one day only. Throughout France, there are plenty of Bastille Day celebrations, though those of Paris are certainly the largest.
Discover the Paris Plages
During July, artificial sandy pop-up beaches spring up all around the city, notably along the Seine near Notre Dame, as well as Bassin de la Villette. These spots are collectively known as the Paris Plages.
However, unlike most beaches in France, topless sunbathing isn’t allowed, nor is swimming in the River Seine for safety reasons. Along these artificial beaches, there’s also ample opportunity to purchase refreshing drinks and ice cream!
See a screening at the open-air cinema
If you’re looking for a true taste of summer, Parisian style, then head to the 19th district based Parc de La Villette from mid-July onwards. Open-air film screenings take place on a daily basis and films are shown in their original language (with foreign films set to screened with French subtitles).
Free for everyone to go along and watch, movies start at dusk and are a great way of seeing another side of Paris. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best open air cinemas in Paris.
Take a day trip from the city
If you’re looking to see another side of France but have a limited amount of time in l’Hexagone, then day trips from the French capital of Paris via public transport from the city could not be easier.
While some towns become incredibly busy, other less-touristic destinations still offer a tranquil and calm escape. Some of the best alternative day trips from Paris include Meaux, Senlis, and Compiegne, which all have fewer crowds than the likes of Versailles or Provins.
Shop in the ‘soldes’ (summer sales)
You may well not know this, but sales in France are actually governed by state law. This means that there are only two lots of sales each year; one set in the Winter and one set in the Summer months. With this being said, there is a rise on other clothing offers in stores throughout the years and so the ‘soldes’ definitely carry less weight than they used to.
See the secret villages of Paris
Summer in Paris is incredibly busy, especially so towards the end of July when schools are out for the holidays and tourists tend to descend on the city en masse. So, if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, then I highly recommend heading to Butte Aux Cailles or Cité Florale for some leafy scenery and an oasis of calm.
Enjoy a Seine River Dinner Cruise
Though, of course, you can enjoy a romantic dinner cruise all year long, there’s perhaps no better time to enjoy the stunning city than when the days are long and the temperatures are warm.
There are several options available, including this Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine. Finally, for those with time constraints who wish to simply see the sights of Paris on the water, this 1-Hour Illuminations River Cruise is short and sweet!
Where to stay in Paris in July
If you’re looking for summer accommodation in the city, then it’s worth bearing in mind that prices can be a little higher than in the shoulder and peak seasons as it’s much more in demand.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of places to stay in Paris, as well as options for every budget. And if you’re looking for some quiet pockets of the city in which to explore, then there are plenty of options for you too!
The Hoxton Paris, 30-32 Rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris
Opened in mid-2017, the Hoxton Paris is one of the newer offerings from the chic and boutique hotel chain. This pretty place to stay is where you should go if you love a great bar serving fantastic cocktails. Situated in the 2e arrondissement, it’s not far from iconic sites such as the River Seine, the Louvre, and Île de la Cité. Check prices and availability here.
Hôtel Fabric, 31 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris
I personally recommend this hotel as my parents actually stayed here while visiting me in Paris a couple of years ago and absolutely fell in love with the place! This beautiful boutique hotel is so-called because it’s located in a former textile factory in the heart of the 11th arrondissement.
This Parisian district is well-known for its great nightlife, quirky eateries, and independent bars. As this area of the city is a little more residential, it will offer more respite from the crowds during the summer. Check prices and availability here.
Le Pavillon des Lettres, 12 Rue des Saussaies, 75008 Paris
While some rooms offer stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, the main draw of this Parisian accommodation is its focus on Paris as a literary city. After all, if you’re a bibliophile, you’ll love that room decor is focused on various literary works and authors. Check prices and availability here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She currently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.