The start of summer and easily one of the best times to enjoy the early warm weather, Paris in June is just as magical as it sounds. Without the crowds of July and yet with the long days that summertime promises, if you’re planning a visit to the French capital this month, then here’s your guide to what’s on, including the best things to do and where to go!
Some of the best reasons to visit during June in Paris include a plethora of festivals worth attending, the Summer solstice (meaning more daylight hours than at any other time of the year), and the chance to finally get to enjoy some of the Parisian rooftop terraces that the city is so famous for. June also happens to be a great time to take a day trip from the city, where you can enjoy blooming gardens at places like Versailles, Fontainebleau, and Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Paris weather in June
The average temperature in the early summer is around 17 degrees C, with lows of 13 and highs in the low to mid-20s. Though there’s always the chance of rain (so be sure to pack an umbrella), the weather tends to be pretty great and makes exploring the French capital that much more fun! You’ll also want to consider bringing along sunscreen and hats for those days when the mercury rises!
What to wear and pack for Paris in June
A capsule wardrobe: Though the weather is generally pretty warm, you’ll need to factor in for a few potential rainy days, as well as some cooler evenings. Pack a wardrobe full of layers; cardigans, light jackets, and scarves are perfect for when it’s hot during the day and colder at night.
Sandals and trainers: Paris is a city that’s best explored on foot, and so you’ll want to bring along some comfortable shoes to walk around in. Though many mistakenly believe that you should fully ‘dress up’ to visit this European city, that’s simply not the case. Ditch the heels and instead bring along a pair of heels to go with dresses in the evening.
A Paris guidebook: If you want to go truly old-school when exploring the meandering lanes of Montmartre (and I highly recommend you do), then ditch your smartphone or tablet and instead be sure to bring along a Parisian guidebook to the best of the city. I personally recommend this one.
A travel adaptor: Paris, like much of mainland Europe, uses type C and E. This means that if you’re travelling from the US, Canada, the UK, and many other countries, then you’ll need to purchase a travel adaptor. This all in one adaptor contains USB ports and works with several different plugs.
What to do in Paris in June (Parisian Events & Festivals)
Fête de la Musique (Paris Street Music Festival)
This city-wide music festival takes place every year and is free to attend. In 2019, the music festival will be held on June 21st, which also happens to be World Music Day. Live performances can be found outside in every district and concerts are held in the most unusual spaces (as well as every place you could possibly imagine).
The 2019 French Open at Roland Garros
For tennis fans, this annual event likely needs no introduction. One of the four grand slam events that are a must-see in any sports fanatic calendars, the French Open is held on clay courts. In 2019, Roger Federer will play, as well as other household sporting stars such as Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep.
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. In 2019, Summer 2019 sales begin on Wednesday, June 26th and end on Tuesday, August 6th. As you can imagine, this is the best times to grab a great bargain if you’re planning on doing some shopping!
Marche des Fiertés LGBT (Paris Pride Parade)
The Pride Parade has been held annually for forty-one years and at one million annual attendees, it’s also one of the largest Pride Parades in the world. Starting at Place de la Concorde at 2 PM, the parade ends at 5 PM in Place de la Concorde, though of course parties carry on well past this time!
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 Audio Guided Seine River Cruise & Illuminations Bus Tour or 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!
Things to know before visiting in June
You should know before you go that unlike May, when the tourist season is still beginning to ramp up, June sees the beginning of peak visiting, meaning plenty more visitors flocking to the city. As such, accommodation fills up fast and you’ll want to book your place to stay well in advance, especially during special events and public holidays. Check the best accommodation rates for Paris here.
Best rooftop terraces in Paris
Now that the sun is out, the temperature is warmer and the days are at their longest, there is no better time to hit the rooftop bars. Sitting high above the rest of Paris, the bars and bistros on the top floors of the Haussmannian buildings provide a unique glimpse of the city from a new angle.
Le Perchoir Marais: Truth be told, my favourite rooftop bar in the city is that of Le Perchoir Marais (there are two branches, the other being in the 11th arrondissement of the city). Offering fantastic views of Hôtel de Ville, this bar is open ’til late and will allow you to enjoy your drinks en plein air.
Le Rooftop (9 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris): With unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower, you’re sure to love this rooftop terrace in the 16th arrondissement of the city (i.e. a district in the west). Well-reviewed, this bar offers fantastic cocktails, though they’re pretty pricey!
Lounge Bar View Rooftop (7eme étage Hotel Novotel, 257 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris): This bar can be found atop of a hotel and offers wonderful views of the Tour Eiffel. Smaller than some of the other rooftops in the city, head here for a quiet drink with friends or even for date night!
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