Things to do in Paris Region in summer

In summer, Paris Region takes to the outdoors. And you don’t have to go far for a breath of fresh air. The guinguettes on the banks of the Seine and the Marne become popular venues for those looking to escape without leaving the region. From Rosa Bonheur à l’Est to La Javelle, each offers a unique experience to be enjoyed on those long summer evenings.

But what would summer be without a café terrace? With the summer heat, the terraces of Paris Region fill up quickly with local residents stopping for afterwork drinks and visitors needing to quench their thirst.

Prefer a view from above? Summer is also the season of rooftop terraces. Perched high above the city, they offer a chance to enjoy the view while sipping at your drink.

In June, World Music Day kicks off the season with free concerts in every part of the region. Be it an improvised performance on a busy street or a symphonic orchestra in a park, the atmosphere is always festive and welcoming to all.

But in Paris Region, summer wouldn’t be summer without its festivals. We Love Green, Django Reinhardt, Solidays, Paris Jazz Festival and Rock en Seine, all bring a touch of magic to the capital during the summer months. And there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a music fan or just a curious visitor, the Paris Region’s festivals and concerts cover a whole spectrum of musical genres throughout the summer. To avoid disappointment, make sure you plan ahead! Certain festival dates sell out very quickly.

When summer arrives, Paris Region becomes a larger-than-life playground for all to enjoy. In the parks and gardens of the region, children and adults can enjoy their summer to the full, without suffering from the heat. The Parc Floral de Paris, for example, offers the perfect combination of natural setting and fun activities. The children will have fun exploring the facilities designed with them in mind, while their parents make the most of the exhibitions or rent out a ‘Rosalie’ 4-wheel cycle..

Do you enjoy watersports? Then you’re going to love the Paris Region’s outdoor activities centres. At the one in Cergy-Pontoise, families can have a go at paddleboarding or kayaking and even try surfing on an artificial wave. On the banks of the Seine, the Boucles de Seine outdoor activities centre has sports and nautical activities such as tennis, pedalos, sailing, carp fishing, archery, treetop adventure trails and even swimming.

Summer also provides opportunities to visit unique sites, such as thegolf courses of Paris Region, some of which do beginner lessons specially for children. For an adventure that’s really out of the ordinary, have a go at rock climbing in a place like Fontainebleau forest.

When you can’t stand the heat, there’s nothing quite like cooling off in one of the authorised bathing areas of Paris Region. There’s something to suit every taste, from the lakes of the outdoor activity centres to the Villages Nature Paris parks. Not forgetting the unique Paris-Plages.

Paris-Plages is a summer event that transforms the city into a beach resort. At the Rives de Seine park, the Villette basin and the Saint-Martin canal, you’ll find sand, sun loungers and beach activities for all age groups.

These include: supervised swimming, children’s workshops and watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as concerts and cultural activities in the evening.

In Paris Region, summer is the time to attend outdoor shows, a magical experience for young and old. In the sunny season, the monuments of Paris Region pull out all the stops.

In the Versailles palace gardens, the Night Fountains Show takes you on a unique, musical journey through history.

And what would summer in France be without the traditional fireworks? In Paris, the 14 July firework display lights up the sky from the Eiffel Tower, attracting awe-struck crowds to the Champ-de-Mars and the Seine riverbanks. In other towns of Paris Region, the firework displays of 14 July and 15 August are even more colourful alongside the local celebrations.

That’s right, summer is also a great time for shopping in Paris Region. During July, the region region invites you to the traditional summer sales. For four weeks, the shop windows tempt you with attractive discounts that will appeal to local residents and visitors alike.

And because a day’s shopping can be quite exhausting, why not combine it with something more relaxing? Between two shops, take a seat on the terrace of one of the restaurants of Paris Region, to recharge your batteries.

As the summer evenings get longer, outdoor film screenings are an obvious choice in Paris Region. One of the most awaited events is the open-air film festival at La Villette park, a truly unique experience. Make yourself comfortable in a deck chair or on a blanket, to enjoy a varied programme of cult films and new discoveries.

Other iconic sites of Paris Region also host some unusual screenings. The Hôtel Paradiso rooftop, for example, combines a stunning view over Paris and an intimate atmosphere in which to enjoy a film from the heights, every Sunday evening in summer. In a more bucolic setting, the Domaine de Chamarande organises outdoor film screenings in the middle of the gardens.