The sun's rays warm the cobblestones and the terraces are packed: summer is here! A certain lightness takes hold of the capital, and locals and visitors alike enjoy the parks and outdoor activities. It's the perfect season to stroll from morning to night, explore new neighbourhoods, rediscover the city... and enjoy the season's must-see events! Because in summer, Paris celebrates more than ever, and there's something for everyone!
The summer kicks off with the unmissable Fête de la Musique! Every 21 June, amateur and professional musicians take to the streets, parks and even museums. A few days later, the party continues with the Marche des fiertés (or Gay Pride), a huge colourful paradeset to the sound of electronic music, a festive but also politically engaged gathering that raises awareness of the LGBT community. With dancing, floats and costumes, it marks the end of Pride Fortnight, which includes debates, film screenings and evening events open to all. On 14 July, the National Day celebrations are in full swing with their public dances, the parade along the Champs-Élysées, and - organised exceptionally on 13 July 2026 - the fireworks display at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, accompanied by a grand concert.
Every summer, visitors and Parisians alike flock to the city's major music festivals, which are often held outdoors and always eagerly awaited: Solidays at the Paris Longchamp racecourse, in support of the fight against AIDS, where rap, pop, rock... just like at the now very popular Garden Parvis de la Défense, which sets up in La Défense for over a month with a programme of entirely free festivities! In the Parc de Saint-Cloud, Rock en Seine brings the vast gardens designed by Le Nôtre to life. For jazz, head to the south of Paris for the unmissable Sceaux Jazz Festival, which brings the Parc et le Château de Sceaux to life at the very start of summer. In the east, the creative Villette is where fans of Marc Ducret, Salif Keita and Benjamin Sanz head to in September for the Jazz à la Villette festival.
Music is not to be outdone at the Château de Versailles during the Grandes eaux nocturnes every Saturday in summer. A magical show combining pyrotechnics and water features.
The Paris music scene promises an exceptional summer line-up. The Stade de France is hosting international stars such as The Weeknd (10 July 2026), BTS (17 and 18 July 2026) and PLK (4 and 5 September 2026). Paris La Défense Arena will be rocking to the beat of mega-concerts by Iron Maiden (22 June 2026) and Bad Bunny (4 and 5 July 2026), whilst the Accor Arena will host Guns N' Roses from 1 to 3 July 2026.
Finally, the Grand Palais d'été is transforming the Nef du Grand Palais and its surroundings into a venue for artistic and festive encounters. This year, the Grand Palais is reopening with an eclectic programme including major exhibitions, live performances, DJ sets, popular balls and festive parades!
This is the event that kicked off the summer season ahead of schedule! Until 28 June 2026, artist JR is transforming the capital’s oldest bridge into a monumental cave. Although summer officially begins on 21 June, you only have a few days left to enjoy this immersive and free experience.
> Last-minute update: the Caverne du Pont Neuf is now open to the public!
Don’t miss this spectacular transformation that brings the history of Paris into dialogue with contemporary art.
Two years after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris en Seine is continuing the spirit of celebration with a unique festive experience around the Seine! On 21 June, the 5th edition of the Hôtel de Ville Open Days marks the start of the festivities, which will end three months later, on 21 September 2026, with the iconic Parisian café race.
Among the highlights of Paris en Seine is the return of the return of the vasque olympique in the Tuileries Garden, the commemoration of the Liberation on 25 August and the first anniversary of the Paralympic Games the 28 August. Paris Plages 2026 will be decked out in the colours of the United States to celebrate 250 years of American Independence, featuring beaches, concerts, entertainment and three new swimming spots on the Seine... Tropical Carnival is celebrating its 25th anniversary on the Champs-Élysées with an Amazon-themed event. Finally, Paris en Seine also features film screenings, sporting competitions and a unique Tour de France passing once again through Montmartre.
Enjoy the sunshine, sun loungers and a host of free activities right in the heart of Paris thanks to Paris Plages.
Whether you’re with family or friends, let yourself be swept away by this unique summer break that transforms Paris into an incredible seaside resort: Paris Plages 2026.
In summer, Paris is brimming with activities for young and old alike to discover with your family!
The water sports centres and leisure centres in the Greater Paris area offer a real change of scenery close to the capital. In Créteil, accessible by metro, the leisure island offers 1,300 m² of pools with water games, slides and a sailing school for beginners. Jabelines and Vaires-Torcy, close to Disneyland, also offer open-air swimming, horse riding and golf. An hour from Paris, the retro beach at L'Isle-Adam, the largest in France, is also worth a visit. Further afield, Bois-le-Roi, St-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Étampes are reminiscent of seaside beaches!
In the heart of the city, funfairs such as the Fête des Tuileries set up their colourful rides and food stalls. In the Bois de Boulogne, the famous Jardin d'Acclimatation offers roller coasters, bumper cars and candyfloss all year round!
To cool off, there are several swimming spots available: the Joséphine Baker swimming pool, floating on the Seine, the Aquaboulevard water park, the Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, one of the oldest in Paris, and the natural swimming spots in the Seine. Exceptional!
At the Grand Palais, the Palais des Enfants is a new space dedicated to children aged 2 to 10 and their carers. Until 29 August 2027, the exhibition Transparence celebrates creativity, play and wonder. The Philharmonie des Enfants takes young children on a musical journey with interactive tours, concerts and participatory workshops suitable for all ages. Finally, the Paris Zoological Park and the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes are opening their doors to the animal world, offering the public the opportunity to take part in educational activities and learn about biodiversity conservation.
In Paris, summer is also a time for sport and energy! The capital becomes a huge playground for enthusiasts of all kinds: joggers on the banks of the Seine, cyclists, yoga enthusiasts and outdoor fitness fans in the parks, and volleyball and pétanque games to brighten up the day.
When it comes to major events, there's no shortage of highlights. The Aquathlon Paris (30 August 2026), which combines running and swimming in the Bassin de la Villette, attracts athletes looking for a challenge. Racket sports enthusiasts can head to the legendary Roland Garros Tennis Club, a free event open to all, organised in two sessions, with activities for everyone: workshops, urban tennis, pétanque, free lessons, relaxation areas, and more. Le Paris Squash, at 104, and the European Swimming Championships at Olympic Aquatics Centre and in the Seine (from 31 July 2026 to 16 August 2026) also bring enthusiasts together for spectacular tournaments. An iconic women's event, La Parisienne combines running, walking and yoga in a joyful and supportive atmosphere. Finally, on 26 July 2026, the last stage of the Tour de France takes place, as it should, on the Champs-Élysées, passing once again by Montmartre Hill.
