What to do in Paris this summer?
Categories : Discover Paris, published on : 6/10/23
When summer comes, Paris offers a multitude of activities for young and old, indoors and outdoors. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for fun and a good time, the City of Lights is the ideal destination for your summer vacation. From walks along the Seine to lively festivals, discover all the must-do activities to do in Paris this summer .
Explore the emblematic sites of Paris
Paris is best known for these historical monuments and its major tourist sites. So let's start our journey with a short tour of the major Parisian must- sees .
Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking panoramic views
Obviously, we begin our journey by visiting the Eiffel Tower , this emblematic monument of the city of Paris. A trip to Paris will never be complete if you don't go and say hi to the Iron Lady. You can then observe this imposing and majestic structure from its forecourt, but the unique experience takes place on the different floors of the tower.
On the 1st floor, on the 2nd floor, then at the top, the panoramic view of Paris is increasingly breathtaking, and offers you an exceptional and unique experience. Take the opportunity to go shopping in the Eiffel Tower boutique, discover the work of Gustave Eiffel, its creator, or enjoy a meal with a view, in one of the tower's restaurants.
Stroll along the Seine and admire the famous Parisian bridges
For a romantic walk, a walk with family or friends, or even for a short solo getaway, the banks of the Seine are a small haven of peace in a typical and charming setting. This is the opportunity to admire the many bridges that have facilitated traffic in the capital for centuries. Among the bridges of Paris near the Bleu de Grenelle hotel, you can discover:
- The Grenelle-Cadets-de-Saumur bridge , more commonly known as the Grenelle bridge. Linking the 15th and 16th arrondissements, this bridge is very recent, since it dates from 1968. In reality, it replaced older built bridges, dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Passing over the Ile aux Cygnes, the Pont de Grenelle is now a road and pedestrian bridge. Tourists like to stop there to observe the replica of the Statue of Liberty, installed on the Isle of Swans;
- The Bir-Hakeim bridge was born in 1905, and replaces a small footbridge installed in 1878 on the occasion of the 3rd Universal Exhibition. This metal bridge has two floors, the first being reserved for cars and pedestrians, and the second being intended for the passage of the Paris metro. This atypical bridge connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements.
Visit world-famous museums such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Les Invalides
Paris is also the muse of many artists, and the seat of many artists' studios and museums. Then take the time to visit the greatest Paris museums .
The Louvre museum
As with the Eiffel Tower, your stay in Paris won't be complete without stopping for a few moments, or a few hours, at the Louvre Museum . A true cultural, artistic and historical emblem of the capital and of France, the Louvre has no less than 500,000 works, of which more than 35,000 are exhibited in the various themed galleries.
You can then discover the evolution of art over the centuries, and admire the works of the greatest artists, such as Eugène Delacroix, Leonardo da Vinci, or Rembrandt. And among the masterpieces of the museum not to be missed, you can find the Mona Lisa , the Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, or even the Wedding at Cana.
The National Hotel of the Invalides
Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Hôtel National des Invalides , more generally known as Les Invalides, is a set of buildings built under Louis XIV to house wounded or disabled soldiers of the French Army.
Today, there are several monuments and museums there, even if it has kept its primary vocation as a hospice and military hospital. Les Invalides then welcomes the public to its various museums:
- The Army Museum ;
- The Museum of Relief Maps ;
- The Museum of the Order of Liberation .
Tourists also like to admire the dome of the Invalides, under which Napoleon's tomb is housed, and the Saint-Louis cathedral.
The Orsay museum
THEMusée d'Orsay is one of the most visited monuments in Paris, with more than 3 million visitors each year. Built in the former Gare d'Orsay, dating from 1900, the museum opened its doors in 1986, in the building now classified as a historical monument since 1978.
Entirely dedicated to 19th century art , and in particular to Impressionist art, the Musée d'Orsay houses the works of very great artists, such as Van Gogh, Pissaro, Renoir, Degas, and even Monet.
Enjoy Parisian green spaces in summer
Between two visits to monuments, it is always pleasant to be able to go green and take a leisurely stroll. And contrary to popular belief, there is no shortage of green spaces in Paris for relaxing. If we know the traditional Parc de la Villette, the Tuileries Garden, or the Luxembourg Garden, there are also many parks near the Bleu de Grenelle hotel.
The André Citroën park
With its huge lawns, children's play area, fun quay and entertainment area, the Parc André Citroën is one of the nice surprises of the capital. For a picnic with friends, a family walk, or even for a sports session, this green space welcomes you in July and August until 9:30 p.m. Families particularly like to meet at the Jardin Blanc and at the Jardin Noir , where many fun facilities for young and old ensure a moment of relaxation in joy and good humor.
Georges Brassens park
Another green space in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, the Georges Brassens park is a real little haven of peace in the heart of the capital. On its raised terrain, you will be seduced by the rose garden and the many plants, but also by the charm of the small bridge over the river.
As you walk, you can admire the stone and bronze statues, including the bust of Georges Brassens. Many activities are also offered on the theme of beekeeping and vines (pinot noir), because the park has a few vines and beehives .
The Champ-de-Mars park
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, towards the Grand Palais Éphémère, the Parc du Champ-de-Mars offers a dazzling perspective of the Iron Lady. But it is also and above all one of the largest green spaces in the capital, with nearly 25 hectares of lawns and winding paths.
Long used for major commemorations, the park is now a walking area divided into several parts. On one side, the layout is inspired by French gardens, with perpendicular paths and rows of trees. On the other side, the inspiration of English gardens translates into a less rectilinear space, with winding paths, a grotto, or even water points.
As you walk, you will come across many bronze statues, including the bust of Gustave Eiffel, made by Bourdelle.
Attend outdoor summer events
Summer in Paris is also an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful summer days and warm evenings. That's good, there are many outdoor music events and festivals .
Paris Beaches
If Paris can't go to the beach, the beach will come to Paris. This has now been done for several years now, thanks to Paris Plages . Throughout the summer, at the Bassin de la Villette and all along the Canal de l'Ourcq, leisure centers are set up and warm sandy beaches are waiting for you.
The Rock en Seine festival
To experience exceptional evenings, music lovers will meet at the Rock en Seine festival . Meet at Saint-Cloud National Park, where 4 stages will host several rock artists, in a festive atmosphere. All styles are represented there, from pop-rock to Metal, including New-Wave.
The Paris Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers meet every summer at the Parc Floral to attend the Paris Jazz Festival . Here, the biggest names in jazz come together for a few days of pure happiness in a warm summer atmosphere, in a floral park entirely dedicated to music and good humor.
Explore the best neighborhoods in Paris
Do you like to explore the richness of the different Parisian districts? Here are 3 essentials to live an immersive experience in the French art of living.
Montmartre, bohemian
With its appearance of a picturesque village with cobbled streets, the Montmartre district releases a typical charm that takes you on a journey through historic Paris. From the Sacré-Coeur basilica to the small romantic terraces, passing through the artists' studios, a change of scenery is guaranteed.
Le Marais, trendy and fascinating
Renowned for its festive and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Marais district is above all a historical and cultural district of Paris. Between the picturesque architecture, the many museums and the art galleries, the Marais is also the temple of shopping!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, chic and charming
A meeting place for Parisian intellectuals, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is both very chic and very trendy. Take the time to drink a coffee on the terrace of the Café de Flore, in the footsteps of the great artists of this world, walk the shelves of the many bookstores and discover the historical monuments (Monnaie de Paris, Institut de France, Pont des Arts... .), to immerse yourself in the typical atmosphere of artistic and historical Paris.
Le Bleu de Grenelle: a hotel in Paris 15 ideal for visiting Paris this summer
Ideally located near the Eiffel Tower, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, the Hotel Bleu de Grenelle welcomes you in a setting that is both modern and refined. Completely renovated in 2021, theboutique hotel has 57 comfortable rooms, allowing you to rest between two fascinating visits. And to live the experience intensely, why not book a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower ?
You will then have the pleasure of savoring a hearty breakfast, sipping a drink at the hotel bar, or taking tea comfortably installed, before easily finding the most beautiful sites of Paris, thanks to the numerous public transport at proximity.
Whether to celebrate the National Day on the Champs-Élysées, to discover the history of the capital, or to enjoy the cultural treasures of the city, Paris is a dream destination for your summer vacation. All you have to do is choose your activities and book your room at the Bleu de Grenelle hotel .