Paris in July 2024: Events, Exhibitions, The Outdoors & More

Last Updated:

6/17/2024

The countdown is on! With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics beginning on July 26 the City of Light will be in a perpetual state of celebration with an abundance of activities to look forward to. It’s the best time for outdoor terraces in Paris which are filled to the brim with revelers enjoying sunny days. Open-air film screenings, music festivals, live performances, street arts, or a Parisian-style picnic along the Seine river are just some of the ways to enjoy the summer months. Here are some of our picks for what to do in Paris in the month of July.

Paris in July Weather

July is a great time to visit Paris – with long days and warm weather. It is one of the hottest months of the year so it is a good idea to book accommodation with air conditioning or a hotel with a pool – the best way to cool down on a hot day. Occasional light showers are ubiquitous when it comes to Paris weather. Hot days and heat waves are becoming more and more common though evenings may be cool still.

Average Temperature: 26° / 16° C (79° / 61° C)

Paris in July – Olympics

2024 Paris Summer Olympics, July 27 – August 11

It’s been a century since Paris last hosted the prestigious sporting event and without a doubt the government is sparing no cost to make this year’s extravaganza bigger and better than ever….especially since Paris will not be eligible to host another Olympics for another 100 years! Activities will be taking place all over the city with an estimated 700 million international visitors descending on what will temporarily become the sporting capital of the world. The Olympic opening ceremony alone is expected to be the most impressive ever presented while this year’s Olympic Competition Calendar boasts a variety of newly added medal events such as skateboarding, breakdancing, surfing. If you’re looking to score some tickets at the last minute, it might still be possible on the Official Olympic website where you can also find more information.

The eiffel tower behhind the Paris Olympic rings at dusk. — Top: photos by Gregoire Jeanneau and Yiwen; Above: photo by Nicolas Michaud

Olympic Flame Torch Route, July 14 – August 11

One of the most impressive NON-ticketed, free events will take place all around the city as it welcomes the eternal symbol of the Games, the Olympic Torch Relay. It will enter the city on Bastille Day, July 14th and travel through all 20 arrondissements passing Paris’s most iconic landmarks. Find all of the highlights of the Olympic Flame Torch route including fireworks, a concert of the Orchestre de Radio France and more!

Champions Park, Trocadero, until August 10

Meet athletes and medal winners in this free event for 15,000 spectators at Champions Park on the Trocadero esplanade. An enormous meeting place between the Palais Chaillot and the Eiffel Tower is where hundreds of athletes will get to meet and greet the public after their respective competitions. There will also be giant screens televising some of the competitions and Olympic festivities.

Paris Events July 2024

Bastille Day Celebrations (French National Day), July 14

France’s National Day, Bastille Day, July 14 is a tour de force with a military parade on the Champs-Elysées and air show. The national holiday concludes with classical music at the steps of the Eiffel Tower and of course, fireworks. A great way to enjoy the festivities is to grab a picnic and watch the fireworks show from the Champ de Mars or further afield like from the steps of the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre or the Parc Buttes-Chaumont.

Paris Plages – July 6- September 1

Paris transforms into Paris Plage – a resort by the sea at this time of year. The banks of the River Seine and Canal de l’Ourcq (near the Parc de la Villette) are lined with palm trees and there are deck chairs which are a good spot to relax and unwind near the water. Activities at the Seine location include canoeing and kayaking, an open-air cinema, life-size chess, and pétanque. By the Bassin de la Villette there is a merry-go-round for kids, water activities, a beach club, trampoline, and more. Another location has been added-Canal Saint-Martin, nicknamed the “Parisian Croisette.” This popular 10th arrondissement waterway welcomes lots of summer festivities including swimming near Square Jacques Villemin. There will also be plenty of free entertainment.

The Paris Plages along the banks of the Seine in the summertime. — Paris Plages, photo by Luiz Filipe Carneiro Macha

Cine Tarmac 2024: Open Air Cinema, July 5

The Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace: Ciné Tarmac is a unique experience for the whole family. An airplane will serve as the screen for an open-air cinema. The critically-acclaimed animated feature “Buzz Lightyear” will be projected onto the side of the aircraft for a fantastic family-friendly evening. Discover the summer program and enjoy fantastic evenings at the Musée du Bourget

Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes 2024 – Château de Versailles, until September 21

Have you ever wondered what King Louis XIV experienced during his reign at Versailles on those warm summer evenings at his palace estate? Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes (The Great Night Waters) welcomes visitors to experience magical evenings on the garden grounds every Saturday night during the summer. Spectacular jets of water leap from the fountains as fireworks explode overhead. jets of water and fireworks. This year there’s a bonus: this year, four added evenings: June 28, 2024, July 14, 2024, the Nocturnes de Feu on August 15 and the Nocturnes Electro on Saturday, September 21. Take a dreamlike promenade through the Sun King’s sumptuous life you’ll have to see to believe….once in your life!

Bals des Pompiers (Fireman’s Ball), July 13 – 14

After spending the day celebrating Bastille Day head out to the annual Bal des Pompiers right inside various fire stations around Paris. It’s a great way to meet the legendary firemen of Paris (have you ever seen their calendar?) With just a nominal donation at the door to drop in a traditional “barrel.” Prepare to get smokin’ hot dancing away the night. It’s DEFINITELY a ball!

Pari Roller – Rollerblading Paris, every Friday night

Discover Paris in a whole new way. Every Friday evening of the year you can strap on your rollerblades and discover Paris via wheels. Thousands take to the streets where traffic comes to a stop to allow free spirits to rock and roller their way through the City of Lights. Your Pari Roller nightride begins at 9:30 pm at Gare Montparnasse and will take you through some iconic landmarks of the city. FYI, non electric bikes and scooters are welcome to roll!

Garden Festival, La Defense Parvais, until July 26

In La Defense you’ll get to party in the shadow of Paris’s ONLY skyscrapers….besides, of course the Eiffel Tower! This business district, located in the west of Paris will transform into an outdoor space to eat, drink, chill, listen to music and dance. The Garden Festival at La Defense is FREE and great for the entire family.

Les Soldes, until July 23

Almost EVERYTHING is on sale all over Paris (and France) for Les Soldes, so get out your walking shoes and your wallets. Stores will be slashing prices for the summer sales, including designer labels which will get a markdown. It’s a much-anticipated dream scenario for international shoppers in search of Parisian style and it happens twice a year.

The Tour de France, June 29- July 21

The yearly men’s multiple-stage bicycle race held primarily in France is the oldest of the three Grand Tours. This year’s Tour de France starts in Florence and ends in Nice, and is generally considered the most prestigious.

A group of people watching cyclist racing during the Tour de France. — photo by Howard Bouchevereau

Things to To DO in Paris in July – Exhibitions

Paris 1874 Inventing Impressionism, Musee d’Orsay – until July 14

On display, 130 works by Monet, Renoir, and others celebrating 150 years of artistic innovation while reliving the birth of impressionism in Paris 1874.

L’Egypte des Pharaons, L’Atelier des Lumières, until July 5

Explore the history of ancient Egypt at L’Egypte des Pharaons. This popular multimedia exhibitions recreate the mystery and splendor of the land of the Nile.

Olympism, Musée de Louvre – until Sept 16

The Louvre Museum’s Olympism, explores the history and origins of the modern Olympic Games and their ties to ancient Greece.

The Pyramid of the Louvre on a partly cloudy day. — photo by James Christopher Knight

James Cameron, Cinémathèque de Paris – until July 19

The James Cameron retrospective delves into the creative odyssey of a director who revolutionized the film industry with his bold and unparalleled ingenuity. Visitors are invited to explore the evolution of James Cameron’s themes from his early childhood sketches to their spectacular incarnations on the big screen.

Éternelle Notre-Dame, Parvais de Notre Dame – until Sept 29

Notre Dame is still closed due to the fire of 2019. But there is an alternative for that won’t leave you disappointed. Eternelle Notre Dame is an immersive virtual reality tour of the beloved church. Discover the origins during the 13th century, its history since then until today. Located near the legendary cathedral, it’s the perfect complement to your visit to this sacred church.

Géricault’s Horses, Musée de la Vie Romantique, until September 15

A celebrated artist, Théodore Géricault was a devoteé of horses. The exquisite little museum, Musée de la Vie Romantique is marking the bicentennial of his death with a themed exhibition of his most frequented motif. It’s a unique exhibition in a charming museum in the 9th arrondisement.

Bande dessinée, 1964 – 2024, Centre Pompidou – until Nov 4

The “Bande Dessinee” immerses visitors in the 9th art. Explore a diversity of universes, from the Franco-Belgian clear line style to Japanese manga. The underground and the most abstract contemporary styles are included in this extensive exhibition.

The modern facade of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. — Photo by Denys Nevozhai

Petit Palais – year-round exhibits

Le Petit Palais (The Little Palace) is not to be missed! This museum is a treasure trove of some of the greatest artists the world has ever known. Waiting to be admired are paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard, Courbet, Monet, Cézanne and Modigliani. Oh, and did I mention…it’s free! Get your tickets early, though. It is an architectural and historical gem in the center of Paris sure to be a popular destination with visitors the world over

Un Soir avec les Impressionnistes, Musée d’Orsay, until August 11

This is an exquisite virtual reality experience where you will find yourself mingling with legendary artists such as Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, and Degas in their 19th century studios. Un soir avec les impressionnistes – Paris 1874 is the virtual reality experience offered by the Musée d’Orsay from March 26 to August 11, 2024, to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition. An unforgettable experience that invites you to take part in this major event in the history of art.

Champions of Liberty, The Musée de la Libération de Paris, until August 18

The “Champions of Liberty” exhibition is a poignant tribute to world’s most prominent athletes who gave up their search for Olympic gold, trading in their spikes and rackets to fight the Nazi oppression during the Second World War. Through some twenty vibrant portraits, this exhibition explores the incredible forgotten journeys of champions from a wide range of sporting disciplines who gave up their dreams of glory to defend freedom.

Catherine Deneuve, Rive droite, Rive gauche, Galerie de l’instant, until October 1

This icon needs no introduction. Considered one of the greatest actresses of the second half of the 20th century, this photography retrospective explores the important milestones of her life – from her film debut to the most recent events. Significant figures in her life like Yves Saint-Laurent, Serge Gainsbourg, David Bowie and François Truffaut also appear in this touching exhibition.

A still shot of Catherine Deneuve in the 1960's and a black and white photo of the underside of the Eiffel Tour. — Catherine Deneuve, photo by Deep Sky Object; The Eiffel Tour, photo by Nicolas Bruant

Things To Do in Paris in JULY – Culture

Montmartre Festival 2024, July 2 – 7

The Montmartre Festival brings together the magical district in the 18th arrondissement with an array of talented artists. The streets and concert halls of Montmartre will come alive with the sounds of music – everything from jazz to rock, classical to flamenco. Exhibitions and workshops are all on the program as well as several dance performances

Chopin Festival, Parc de Bagatelle, until July 7

Fans of the Polish composer won’t want to miss the Chopin Festival in the Orangerie, of the Parc de Bagatelle. Presented by the Chopin Society discover emerging talent, works by contemporary composers and hear connections between Chopin and his predecessors and successors.

Paris Jazz Festival, until September 7

This popular event combines melodies and nature. Held in the Parc Floral, the Paris Jazz Festival attracted 120,000 spectators in the last edition. Major players on the scene take part, along with a daring, eclectic line-up.

A person playing a Steinway piano. — photo by Dolo Iglesias

“How to Become a Parisian in One Hour,” Théâtre des Nouveautés, until August 31

How to Become a Parisian in One Hour, has already been seen by over 800,000 theater-goers. After the first 5 minutes you’ll see why. French comedian, Olivier Giraud shares his advice and observations of the French people and its culture in a side-splitting, one-man-show at the Théâtre des Nouveautés. Presented 100% in English, it’s perfect for tourists discovering Paris. Topics explored include navigating the metro, to restaurant etiquette, to dress code, to inexplicable habits. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve ever seen Emily in Paris? By the way, even French residents laugh!

Paris Jazz Festival, Parc Floral de Paris, until Sept 8

The celebrated Paris Jazz Festival is a favorite among Parisians. It features a multitude of jazz performances from renowned French and international artists.

Live Music and Other Performances

Cosi fan Tutte: Opera National de Paris – Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) – July 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Ensemble Royal de Paris: Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart – Saint Julien le Pauvre Church – July 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Concerts at Sainte-Chapelle – Sainte-Chapelle – July 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
La Vestale: Paris Opera Ballet – Opera Bastille – July 2, 5, 8, 11
Candlelight Concert: Chopin, Tchaikovsky Rachmaninov – Saint-Ephrem Church – July 2, 9, 17, 21
Pina Bausch’s Bluebeard: Opera National de Paris – Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) – July 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Swan Lake: Paris National Opera – Opera Bastille – July 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13
Candlelight Concert: Chopin, Schubert, Debussy – Saint-Ephrem Church – July 3, 6, 13
Grand Concert Radio Classique – Champs Elysees Theatre – July 4, 5
Bach Concert: Chapelle Saint-Symphorien – Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church – July 4, 5, 11, 12
Candlelight Concert: Chopin, Schubert, Satie, Beethoven – Saint-Ephrem Church – July 4, 7, 10, 15, 19
Chopin by Candlelight – Saint Ephrem Church – July 5, 12, 18, 22
Les Violons de France: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – Madeleine Church – July 6, 11, 20
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Ava Maria, & Sacred Music – Saint Paul Saint Louis Church – July 6, 13
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Famous Adagios – Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church – July 6, 20
Diana Krall – L’Olympia – July 7, 8
Candlelight Concert: Schubert, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, Mendelssohn – Saint Ephrem Church – July 8, 14, 20
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Caccini, & Schubert – Saint Germain des Pres Church – July 13
Mozart’s Requiem & Ravel’s Bolero – Madeleine Church – July 13
Guitar Concert – Saint Julien le Pauvre Church – July 14, 21, 28
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Mozart’s A Little Night Music – Saint Germain des Pres Church – July 18, 27
Mozart’s Requiem & Ravel’s Bolero – Saint-Sulpice Church – July 25

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Fête des Tuileries, Throughout the Summer

Parks and gardens in Paris are the best places to enjoy the summer days. The Fête des Tuileries is a two-month event for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy a fun fair in the Tuileries garden. Bumper cars, ghost trains, a hall of mirrors, duck fishing, trampolines, and climbing are some of the fun activities on offer. Treats like candy floss, crepes, donuts, toffee apples and of course, ice cream will sweeten up your day.

Jardin des Tuileries in autumn. — Jardin des Tuileries, photo by Pronoti Baglary

Les Pestacles, until Septemer 4, 2024

This family festival offers musical shows and concerts for kids until September at the stage the Delta in Parc Floral de Paris.

Aquaboulevard, open year round

This is Europe’s largest urban waterpark! With over 7000 sq meters of splashing good fun for the entire family, Aquaboulevard boasts a full array of water sports including rafting, sliding, waves, waterfalls, and water cannons. And yes, there’s even a sandy beach complete with grass huts…all in the heart of Paris.

Paris in July – FAQ’s

Is it very hot in Paris in July?

It can be. With an increasing number of heat waves, and it being the hottest month of the year, Paris has seen temperatures go beyond 40 degrees celcius. However it is variable and you can see showers, as well as cooler temps, especially at night.

Do you need an AC in Paris in July?

Most Parisians do not have AC and make do without it. However when there is a heat wave it can be scorching hot so you may want to ensure your hotel has AC before booking. 4-star hotels must have it. Most 3-star hotel do as well along with some 2-star hotels

Is Paris crowded in July?

It’s peak tourist season so yes and never more so than in this Olympic year. If you’re planning on going visiting popular tourist attractions like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or taking a Seine river cruise, book in advance to avoid long queues.