Paris is never short of ideas – you just need to know where to look. Every week, we scour the capital to bring you 5 must-try experiences, ranging from restaurants and exhibitions to cultural outings and activities that make the city’s heart beat.
The exceptionally talented pastry chef at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Narae Kim, reimagines summer flavours in ice-cream form, beautifully presented on unique ceramic pieces by Parisian artist Diane Benoit du Rey. A refreshing interlude, these light and refined treats are best enjoyed beneath the glass roof – and in the air-conditioned comfort – of Café Jeanne, at the heart of the hotel. The hardest part? Choosing your frozen treat: between the orange-blossom-flavoured Tropézienne ice cream – our favourite at €15 – the Pine Nut Tart – with lemon zest, a spoom (frozen mousse) made with Menton lemons and basil at €20 – the Watermelon Granita – garden strawberries and peppermint, at €17 – the chocolate disc with pistachios – with Arabica coffee glaze, at €20 – or the Madagascar vanilla bricelet – with blueberry sorbet and marbled milk ice cream, at €17… – to be enjoyed with an affogato or iced tea.
On 12 August 2026, you’ll be able to see over 90 per cent of the solar eclipse in Paris, weather permitting… Head to the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie to make the most of every moment of this astronomical event: From 2 pm to 6 pm, you can observe the sun using specialised equipment and take part in workshops (drawing, sundials, etc.) or 15-minute mini-talks on the sun. From 7.30 pm to 8.45 pm, the moon will pass in front of the sun, so get your eclipse glasses ready – or tune in to your screens for a live broadcast from Paris and Spain, where the eclipse will be total. From 9.45 pm to 11.45 pm, we’ll be observing the stars with the naked eye or using the Cité’s instruments, which will be available, and, with a bit of luck, the Perseid meteor shower... Across Paris, some Alain Afflelou shops are offering disposable cardboard glasses so you can safely watch the eclipse directly. Whatever you do, do not look at this astronomical phenomenon with the naked eye – or even with ordinary sunglasses; suitable protection is absolutely essential. The Cité des Sciences is offering [a printable solar fan](https://universcience.hosting. augure.com/Augure_Universcience/r/ContenuEnLigne/Download?id=FC854059-3302-4372-9C20-9A18A008C6E9&filename=EventailSolaire-v03.pdf).
In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Gainsbourg House invites you to take an intimate journey into the world of Serge Gainsbourg, legendary songwriter and musical genius. At 5 bis rue de Verneuil, visitors can explore his historic home – where the artist lived for 22 years – in a setting left untouched since his death in 1991, guided by the voice of his daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg throughout the 30-minute tour. “There you go, this is my home!” Gainsbourg would say of this uniquely decorated address, where he wrote his greatest hits. Opposite, at 14 Rue de Verneuil, the museum traces the composer’s life and career through 400 iconic objects and previously unseen archives in a temporary exhibition dedicated to the legendary song Je t’aime moi non plus, recorded with Jane Birkin in 1968. Here you’ll find the bookshop-boutique and the Gainsbarre, a restaurant and cocktail bar that captures the atmosphere of the house, set to a soundtrack by Gainsbourg, of course! In a subdued setting, surrounded by his precious manuscripts, you can enjoy a cocktail (from €12 to €20) inspired by his favourite recipes and the female icons who shaped his life. To accompany these creations, choose from the à la carte menu a selection of Androuet cheeses, a Parisian-style croque-monsieur (€20), a sea bream ceviche, a crispy mille-feuille… The bar and museum are air-conditioned. The house is equipped with fans.
on Sundays from 9.30 am to 8 pm, including throughout August. The bar is open from 10 am to midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10 am to 2 am from Thursday to Saturday, and from 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays*
Are you familiar with Nikkei cuisine? This so-called fusion cuisine, which blends Japanese and Peruvian traditions, originated thanks to the first Japanese settlers in Peru at the end of the 19th century. Fresh, light and fragrant, it combines typical South American ingredients (lime, chilli, coriander, sweetcorn, sweet potato and tropical fruits) with Japanese recipes (sushi, sashimi, raw and marinated fish, etc.). ** Côté Sushi has captured the essence of this cuisine in a beautiful signature summer gift set, available in a limited edition. On the menu: flambéed salmon with jerk spices; a roll with fresh cheese, salmon, passion fruit, pomegranate, mint and lime; spicy tataki-style tuna with avocado; salmon, avocado and mango futomaki; plantain, yellowtail and lime-chilli tacos… A source of French pride, these bites are made with Camargue IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) rice! A box to share between two, ideal for a picnic at sunset on the banks of the Seine…
The 10th edition of Jardins Ouverts in Île-de-France showcases the region’s green spaces, which come alive this summer with artistic and cultural experiences. Nearly 200 gardens – whether remarkable or community-run – as well as urban farms, artists’ homes, parks and forests are opening their doors for the occasion to offer free guided tours and showcase art installations, dance performances, concerts, circus acts, poetry and creative workshops until the end of August 2026.
This year, culinary art takes centre stage, with a particular focus on plant-based flavours from the Île-de-France region: at Maubuisson Abbey (95), you can learn how to create wild appetisers using local plants; at the Jardin des Plantes (Paris 6th arrondissement), chef Natalia Santos shares her secrets for plant-based cooking; whilst the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is hosting a botanical walk dedicated to identifying edible plants, complete with a tasting session. Not to be missed: the Paris sous les étoiles evening at Parc André Citroën on 12 August 2026 at 7.00 pm for the solar eclipse, the concerts at Rosa Bonheur or the photography walk at golden hour, on 15 August 20226 at 8.30 pm, at the Domaine de Villarceaux, in the Val d’Oise.
In February 2026, Paris offers a wide choice of outings for lovers: exhibitions, shows, fairs...
Pampered, arty, gourmet or quirky – there are a thousand ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris!
