July in Paris and it’s going to be a spectacular month because this is your first official full summer month post-Covid. The borders are open and almost everything is open again like before.
Here’s the summary of what this article is about, we’re going to be talking about:
The Weather in Paris?
What to pack for Paris?
Best activities for the month of July in Paris?
What local hotspot should I see in Paris?
WEATHER IN PARIS
Typically July in Paris is hot! so hot that we spend most of our days talking about “ canicule” the French word for heatwave.
However this year so far July has been quite gray and lots of rainy days. so if you’re coming to Paris keep in mind that the temperatures may not be very cold but the days are actually quite wet. Which leads us to our next topic on preparing for your trip to Paris.
What to pack for Paris in the month of July?
As usual I like to say for Paris and the cobblestone streets you want comfy shoes – always. So sneakers, ballerina flats or some Teva sandals will do the trick. For a fancy date night our, opt for whatever heeled shoes that fits your fancy (with a pair of flats in your purse for backup). In light of the rain, honestly a light raincoat will do. You can buy it here. I just picked up a vintage trench raincoat at a Brocante, and I’ve been wearing it for the past few days! If you want to do some vintage shopping while here, join me on a one on one tour.
Also you can check out this video for my last vintage finds.
Paris Perfect has a great detailed article on what to pack here
Corona Update
No ideas on the vx numbers here, but the borders are open if you’re vaccinated and can show a negative PCR test you’re allowed to enter in France. Coincidentally if you’re thinking of visiting other countries while here the rules may be different.
JULY DATES TO NOTE
BASTILLE DAY – National holiday and Fireworks
July 14 is Bastille day here in France, and is the equivalent of the Fourth of July for the US. Its a public holiday of the storming of the Bastile prison in 1789 during the French Revolution. So there’s going to be lots of fireworks people getting together with their family and friends for lunch and dinner. If you’re in Paris it’s a great day to go outside see the military parade and see the airplanes in formation over the Champs-Elysees.
From 11pm there will be a lightshow from the Eiffel Tower on the Champs de Mars.
PARIS PLAGE – The Beach comes to Paris
July 10 to late August 22
July to September we have what is called paris-plage, aka “Paris Beach”. It’s the time of the year when the beach, sun and fun comes to Paris. It’s a great celebration of summer where you can take the kids out. You can go and have a drink along the Seine river with lots of activities with lots of things to do for everyone. Swimming, soccer, tai chi etc
Go to Quai de la Loire to try the swimming pool from 11am to 8:30 pm – with pauses in between for cleaning/sanitizing.
Cinema on Water
Takes place at the opening of Paris plage with 38 permit free boats available to watch movies while on the canal. More info here in this videohttps://youtu.be/3I3kMWm1Qzc
TOUR DE FRANCE
Sunday July 18th we have the Tour de France. It’s going to be the last lap happening here in Paris so you don’t want to miss that. If you’re a cycling enthusiast the traditional sports which captivates not only France but the entire world will come to an end in the capital.
NUIT DES MUSEES
July 3rd we have Nuit des Musées, Museum Night. It’s a free night where all the museums are open until midnight for free to the public. List of Paris museums can be found here
https://nuitdesmusees.culture.gouv.fr/
OPEN AIR CINEMA
July 6 to 22 August we have the open-air cinema at La Villette that runs until August so bring your blankets, your pillows and come out and enjoy a movie with subtitles at one of the biggest parks in Paris along the canal. Starts at nightfall.
211 avenue Jean Jaurès – 75019 Paris
CONCERTS + FESTIVALS
Some acts to check out this month:
June 30 to September 8 Classical, Paris Jazz Festival and night concerts here
Rock en Seine will be returning in 2022
Gael Faye at L’Olympia
Yseult at Philharmonie de Paris
Fatoumata Diawara Festival Chorus, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
TUILERIES SUMMER FAIR
July 3 to August 29
Fete Foraine Tuileries garden – fridays, saturdays and sundays from 11am
A massive celebration with theme park sized games and lots to eat for everyone
Place de la Concorde – 75001 Paris
Louvre
SOLDES – YEARLY SUMMER FRENCH SALES
June 30 to July 27
The biggest bi annual sales in France – summer version happening in all shops big and small.
Be prepared to see deep cuts, as legally France doesn’t have all year long sales like other countries. Every Wednesday after the first week we have an additional discount. For the best french fashion go to the Marais or Abbesses districts.
The department store La Samaritaine has reopened after many years of renovations
Art Exhibitions
The temporary exhibitions for the month of July are numerous. The ones that I’m looking forward to the most are:
Henri Cartier- Bresson at Musee Carnavalet
15 June – 31 October – https://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/expositions/henri-cartier-bresson-revoir-paris
Dali Permanent Collection in Montmartre
https://www.daliparis.com/en/collection-en/permanent-exhibition/
Divas Arabes et L’Institut du monde arabe
Dalida is one of my favorite French singers and personalities, the story of her life fascinates me so this is one that I’m looking to discovering
D’Oum Kalthoum à Dalida
19 May – 26 September
https://www.imarabe.org/fr/expositions/divas-arabes
Activities
Awesome activities I’m excited about for this summer in July, that you can check out:
the Versailles light and water show
you can also visit the Louvre Museum
you can go on a day trip to Giverny and see Monets Garden
Here’s a Booking list of top boutique hotels to stay in July in Paris
If you’re coming to Paris and would like to see Paris from a local perspective, book one of my authentic and fun 1 and 1 tours, they are semi- customizable tours taking place in the Marais and Montmartre areas.
Here’s my list of the places to discover for this month where to eat drink and stay
EAT
RECIPE TO TRY :
Make your own Crepes Suzette at Home with this recipe from Jean Imbert family via Vogue.
Patakrep 89 Rue Duhesme, 75018 Paris
The Hood Paris, Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris
DRINK
Coeur Cacré – new rooftop bar 5 Rue Saint-Éleuthère, 75018 Paris
Olas Cafe 14 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris
Be Safe
Like I shared on Instagram that Paris is a metropolitan city like any other so you have to be careful of pickpockets, especially when you’re in the metro or when you’re around the monuments you want to be very vigilant. Carry your wallets in your purse in front of you try and avoid carrying around too much cash, and definitely be careful when people come up to you asking you if you speak English asking to sign any petition. A lot of times those are Gangs of Gypsies who target travelers.
JOIN MY YOUTUBE HERE
BOOK A PARIS TOUR HERE
