Visiting Paris in the Summer
"Every street, every stone seemed to belong to us. We were alone on Earth, in Paris, in August." As Aznavour beautifully put it, Paris in summer is calm. The city dwellers have left their beloved city, and tourists are having a great time exploring it. Less noise, fewer cars, more space in swimming pools, parks, and gardens… So, even if you stay in the city, there's no need to miss out on the sweet pleasures of summer: beaches, ice cream parlors, swimming pools, fishing, and boat cruises… You don't have to leave the capital to enjoy a leisurely time!
Where to Sunbathe and Take a Dip?
Who said you can't wear flip-flops in Paris? Every year, from mid-July to mid-August, the banks of the Seine, the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville, the Bassin de la Villette, and other Parisian sites are covered with 5,000 tons of fine sand. Dozens of fun and sports activities are scheduled throughout the operation, palm trees are planted, huts are built, deck chairs are set up... These ephemeral beaches and terraces turn the banks of Paris into true playgrounds for relaxation.
But there's more than just Paris Plages to make you feel like you're on vacation in the south of France! Fans of relaxation will also find their bliss sipping a fresh juice on one of the numerous terraces or barges in the capital. The Batofar café-barge, La Villette Enchantée, or Wanderlust will delight music lovers with their regularly organized concerts and lively atmosphere. If you want to take a dip when the sun is scorching, know that Paris is full of large outdoor swimming pools, some of which offer beachgoers the opportunity to lounge on their beach towels. Yes, sunbathing in a bikini in Paris is possible. You just need to know the right spots. To avoid getting tan lines from your tank top or shorts, it's best to aim for pools with a retractable roof and access to a solarium.
Paris on the Water...
Spending long hours lying in the sun to tan is not your thing? Do you find café terraces too noisy to peacefully enjoy your tomato juice? But you still want a little escape and some freshness? Don't worry, in Paris, every problem has a solution. So why not take a stroll on the Seine with a lunch cruise on a boat? You can enjoy the coolness of the water without getting wet while discovering the city from a different perspective.
Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that street fishing has become a big trend in Paris since it was authorized in 2011. Whether at the Bois de Boulogne, on the Seine, or at the Buttes Chaumont lake, there's no shortage of spots to try your luck with the fishing rod!
