Paris in August: Events, Sports, Exhibitions and More

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Paris in August is known as a calm time, with locals emptying out of the city and scattering to summer holiday destinations around the world. But this summer is a summer like no other, with the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games infiltrating the City. There are a plethora of events to accommodate those who are here. August is also a great month to visit the many fabulous locations that are just a day trip away from Paris.

Paris Weather in August

Paris weather is still variable as always. The average temperature ranges from 16 degrees Celsius for low temperatures and 25 degrees Celsius for the average high temperature. Even though it’s still one of the hottest times of the year, pack a light jacket and umbrella. We have had cold and rainy days alongside scorching heatwaves. And don’t forget to check out these tips for how to beat the heat in Paris.

Usually in August, the sunny weather and long daylight hours mean it’s a great time to hear live music at one of the many outdoor music festivals. It is still high tourist season with long lines at the most popular attractions, especially with the Olympics taking place. Still it’s a great time to explore the off the beaten path neighborhoods. If you plan on staying in town this August, here are some of the best things to do!

Signage from the Paris 2024 Olympics with several flags flying on top.

2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paraylmic Games continue until August 11 and August 28-September 8 respectively. There are still last minute Olympic tickets available and plenty of accommodation at reasonable prices. You could even bag a reasonable airfare if you want to catch some of it in person.

If you want to watch the games for free, the Government has set up ‘Celebration Zones’ in each arrondissement, with large screens, food and other activities for you to enjoy. Find out more here.

Events

Paris Plages, now until September 8, 2024 (along the Seine starting August 6)

This is one of the best places to cool off during the late summer heat waves. During the summer months, Paris transforms into a seaside resort. Grab your sun cream. Enjoy sunny days and warm weather on the banks of the Seine and Canal de l’Ourcq (near Parc de la Villette). These Paris “beaches” are adorned with palm trees and offer deck chairs for relaxation near the water. Activities at the Seine river location include canoeing, kayaking, and pétanque. At Bassin de la Villette, there’s a merry-go-round for kids, water activities, a beach club, trampoline, and more. For additional details, visit the Paris Tourist Office’s website.

Cinema en Plein Air – all month

In a film loving country like France, even the Olympics won’t stop the beloved open air film screenings found throughout the summer. Usually, the Festival is held at La Villette though due to the Olympics you’ll have to seek out outdoor film screenings elsewhere in the City and its surroundings.

Lost in Frenchlation – French Films Screened with English Subtitles

Throughout the Olympics, Lost in Frenchlation will hold daily screenings of French films with English substitles
From July 22 to August 11, there will be one screening per day in cinemas throughout Paris and in Saint-Denis. This includes both classic and contemporary French films, a special re-release of the beloved film Amélie, and of course, sports-themed movies to celebrate the Olympic Games. Find the full program and tickets at Lost in Frenchlation’s website.

Été du Canal – Until August 11

The Canal de l’Ourcq celebrates summer with a vibrant program for Été du Canal, of dance, concerts, water activities including boat cruises, film screenings, and street art. Located in the trendy 19th Arrondissement, the Canal de L’Ourcq is a must-visit part of the Parisian canal network.

Les Arènes Lyriques, Montmartre, until August 17

Just moments from Sacré Cœeur, on rue Chappe, you’ll find the secret garden which is home to classical music and opera in the summer, Les Arènes Lyriques. Soak up the poetic atmosphere under fairy lights as young musicians and opera singers perform in the outdoors. Events will be held August 2-3, 8-10; and 15-17.

Paris Jazz Festival – Until September 8

This beloved event combines melodious tunes with the beauty of nature until the first week of September. Held at Parc Floral in Paris, the festival attracts 120,000 spectators each edition, featuring major players in the jazz scene along with an eclectic lineup.

Rock en Seine Festival- August 21-25

This popular annual event takes place at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud and will include Lana Del Rey, Massive Attack, the Pixies and PJ Harvey amongst others. This year’s Rock en Seine is one you won’t want to miss.

A bridge along the Seine river, decked out for the Olympics and Eiffel Tower in the background.

Exhibitions

Had enough of outdoor activities or want to escape rainy days? Here are some must see exhibits during your August visit.

We Are Here – an exploration of urban art, Petit Palais, until November 17 2024

The Petit Palais invites street artists to dialogue with its permanent collections and architecture. 13 major artists including Shepard Fairey, Invader, D*Face, Seth, Cleon Peterson, Hush, Swoon, Vhils, Inti, Add Fuel and Conor Harrington have taken part in We Are Here.

Mexica – Offerings and gods at the Templo mayor, Musée du Quai Branly, until October 6, 2024

For the first time, in Europe, discover the main temple of the Mexica Empire (1325-1521) in this exhibition about the history of Mesoamerican archaeology.

Olympism, Louvre Museum, until September 16

In honor of the big event, The Musée de Louvre examines the roots and history of the modern Olympic Games in Olympism. It also explores its links to ancient Greece.

Cycloïd Piazza – a sculpture by Raphaël Zarka and Jean-Benoît Vétillard, Centre Pompidou, until September 15, 2024

In collaboration with Nike, Cycloïd Piazza is a skatepark in the form of a public square. This living sculpture is ‘skateable’ for all. There are numerous ledges, stairs, passageways and podiums designed to make people question the link between art, sport and movement.

Autour des Jeux Olympiques de 1900 : sport et idéal – Musée d’Orsay, until September 22, 2024

Before becoming a museum, the Orsay was a train station, created to welcome some 50 million visitors to the Universal Exhibition in 1900. It also was meant to service visitors for the 1st Olympic Games held in Paris. Autour des Jeux Olympiques de 1900 : sport et idéal pays homage to this heritage.