How to spend a perfect day in Paris in summer. From dawn to dusk and beyond – we’ve got you covered…
Morning stroll under the Eiffel Tower
It’s a beautiful shot, but like so many shots – absolutely fabulous. Take a stroll along the Champs de Mar, where the Eiffel Tower stands, an absolutely inspiring and ideal place for selfies.
Breakfast Bakery
There are thousands of bakeries in Paris (over 30,000 in total). You will have no trouble finding a perfect croissant, just baked, golden and flaky, to enjoy with your coffee!
Morning cultural correction
With over 130 museums and numerous art galleries, it’s easy to channel your inner culture vulture.
Languishing over a Parisian-style lunch
Invisible from the street, head towards the suspended terraces of the Bellevilloise restaurant. Relax among olive and palm trees and let the hours pass by enjoying a delicious home-cooked lunch.
Afternoon
Play pétanque in the afternoon sun. Don’t have any boules with you? At the Bar Ourcq near the Canal St Martin, you can borrow boules and deckchairs to enjoy a game by the water.
Take a stroll in a park for a breath of fresh air. The Luxembourg Gardens offer great people-watching opportunities. Grab a free seat on a green chair, watch the kids float their toy boats on the pond, be impressed by the magnificent Medici Fountain, and enjoy the city’s special green space.
Shop, shop, shop! Department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Bon Marché are the best known of the department stores. However, I wouldn’t normally recommend shopping in department stores – some are worth visiting for their beauty alone. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussman has a stunning Belle Époque interior with a stunning glass roof and ornate staircase. The Bon Marché stores have the most beautiful food markets (think Harrods with a French twist). Le Printemps, also on Boulevard Haussman, has a great rooftop bar with impressive views of the city. If you like antiques, head to the flea markets of Saint Ouen and if you want to make unique fashion purchases, the Marais district is a source of inspiration…
Aperitif time
Head to a trendy rooftop, ideal for enjoying the great outdoors with a breathtaking view. Very popular with Parisians, the Le Perchoir bar on the roof of the BHV Marais offers a breathtaking view of the emblematic monuments of the capital. Other ideal addresses for an aperitif in Paris
Dinner in Paris
Paris is a gastronomic paradise and some of the best restaurants are found in hotels which often have magnificent outdoor spaces. The 5-star Hôtel Costes is one of Parisians’ best-kept secrets with its secluded, very chic terrace.
Night birds in the city of lights
La Boumettte is an extraordinary and free summer club (before midnight) within the prestigious Opéra Garnier. With an outdoor terrace, music (often electro) and DJs, it’s an exceptional evening; Saturday 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Learn more about Paris
How to spend a day on the Left Bank, Paris
Discover a secret village in the heart of Paris with breathtaking views of the city’s rooftops
The best things to do in Paris on summer nights
How to have a 5-star Paris on a limited budget
What to See and Do in Paris for Beginners
Ten things to do in Paris
