Top 5 summer activities in Paris

Long days allow a multitude of activities such as festivals, concerts, adventure, sporting events and more. Punk rock festivals, jazz festivals and artists performing in Paris in summer are a common feature on the checklists of all music lovers. Keep an eye out for your favourite artists performing in Paris this year or next. The Fête de la musique, celebrated on 21st June every year as World Music Day is when the city comes to life with musical performances on streets and at metro stations. Created in 1981, locals and visitors alike take to the streets to revel in the diverse music forms presented on this day.

Paris has everything from luxurious rooftop cafes and restaurants to quaint little cafes at the corner of streets. One can witness the city’s café culture in all its glory during summer. Watching the world go while sipping your coffee at terraces of cafés is a must-do during summer. Brunching on rooftop terraces is another way to enjoy Paris in summer. In addition to the diverse French and international cuisine, rooftop cafés and bars offer some of the most spectacular views of the city. Exploring Paris in summer is incomplete without long walks along the Seine River and soaking in the magical sunsets from atop the bridges on the river. Then unpacking your picnic at a spot along the riverbanks whilst sipping on some nice wine and waving out to visitors on the cruises is a lot of fun too. Every year since 2002, the city of Paris converts the banks of the river Seine and the Villette basin into beaches accessible to the public during summer in Paris. In its 20th year this year, Paris Plages with its deck chairs and animations will be open from 9th July to 21st August.

Do expect some heavy showers in summer in Paris, well not literally but because summer calls for raining discounts. Indulge in some shopping for yourself and your dear ones at the ‘SOLDES’ (sales) in Paris. Sales usually begin towards the end of June extending until the end of July. Shop until you drop because it is totally worth it while you are in Paris in summer. From high fashion apparel & shoes to accessories to cosmetics, you name it and you have it at attractive deals.

Paris is abundant in green spaces, who would believe this, right? Well, it is true! One can stroll in the beautiful parks such as the Jardin de Luxembourg in the Saint Germain dès Près district or lounge in green metal chairs in front of the small round basins at the Jardin des Tuileries. Kids can partake in the true Parisian toy sailboat activity where they try to move their boats in the pond or watch them as the wind powers them to & fro. Here is an insider tip; the Park des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th district is a perfect spot to escape crowds and is also a place the locals frequent.

Finally, one cannot miss walking through the charming cobbled streets of Montmartre admiring the artistic heritage of the neighbourhood while posing for a beautiful self-portrait or buying a piece of art or simply admiring local artists perform. Do also pay a visit to the apartment where Theo & Vincent Van Gogh lived or Picasso’s first studio. The Sacré Coeur Basilica standing tall in all its splendour is a delight to watch. Do not leave without visiting the Renoir gardens, Musée de Montmartre and Place Dalida- one of the prettiest squares in Paris. Did you know that there is a vineyard in Paris? Le Clos Montmartre is one of the last remaining vineyards in Paris. A visit to Paris in summer must include a visit around the vineyard's metal railings that continue to produce wine to this day. Summer time would be a tad too early for the Fête des vendages – a festival organised in Montmartre to celebrate grape harvest but this quarter will not fail to impress you!