By July, summer is here and in full swing. The sun beats down on Paris, and most days are hot. The parks are packed with picnickers, the cafés are lively late into the night, and the city feels like one big festival. July brings with it Bastille Day, outdoor cinema, and several festivals. Bring your sunscreen & water bottle, and don’t expect air conditioning in the country's capital. We’re sweaty and we’re here to have fun. Here are our top rated things to experience in Paris in July - from obvious to obscure, and everything in between.
1. Bastille Day Fireworks
July 14, 2025
Bastille Day (or le 14 juillet) is France’s national holiday and it’s celebrated in full style in Paris. Expect military planes flying over the city, a huge parade, and a massive fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
We’re not into huge crowds, so for the fireworks, one of our favorite lesser-known vantage points is at the top of Parc de Belleville. From there you’ll have a clear view of the sparkles above the rooftops. Get there early with snacks and drinks, as it fills up fast. The military parade itself is a hassle to get into, crammed, and unless you get there really early so you’re in the front row, you won’t see much. Unless the President invited you to sit in the bleachers, we’d say skip it.
Bonus for those looking to woo a firefighter: the city also hosts the Bal des Pompiers on the 12th and 13th of July. Party hop from fire station to fire station across the city. It’s exactly as steamy as it sounds.
2. Festival Paris l'Été
July 12 - August 5, 2025
This citywide festival turns Paris into a stage. From circus acts and dance performances to concerts and experimental theatre, the Festival Paris l’Été brings both free and ticketed performances to parks, squares, rooftops, and museums across the city. It’s a great way to discover new artists, but also to see familiar places in a whole new light. Their program changes every year, often including pop ups at unexpected places, so keep an eye out for exciting events. Check out what’s on the agenda for the 35th edition here.
3. Dolcevita-sur-Seine Festival
July 4 - 8, 2025
If you’re a festival lover, chances are you already know that Paris is a great place to be for summer festivals. This year, Lollapalooza comes to Paris, among others, but we want to point out a particularly unique one: the Dolcevita-sur-Seine festival. This festival is all about celebrating the friendship between Paris and Rome, and yes, there is a sister festival happening in Rome at the exact same time!
One of the reasons we’re recommending it is because it takes place in one of our favorite hidden gems of the 5e arrondissement - The Arènes de Lutèce, and neighboring Square Capitan. There will be coffee tastings (si per favore!), open air events, a popup bar, and an Italian ball on the 5th?
But this is the real kicker for cinema lovers: Paris Cinema club will be screening restored Italian films. Open air events are free, and screenings are ticketed. This is a great opportunity to see the Arènes and experience some of that festival energy that the French do so well!
Tip!
Did you even know that there are remnants of an old Roman amphitheatre in the centre of town? The Arènes de Lutèce serves as a great event space in the summer, but it’s worth a visit any time of year. It’s one of the hidden gems that you can find recommended in our guide to Paris, Paris in My Pocket. Our guide is stuffed with local recommendations in Paris, articles on how best to approach travel and hotels, and, with the Guide+, even full-day itineraries! It’s access for life, and we’re constantly updating it to make sure your information is never out of date.
4. La Villette Open-Air Cinema
July 23 - August 17, 2025
Every summer, Parc de la Villette becomes one of the best places in the city to watch a movie. The lineup is always a range: French classics, movies for kids, international favorites, and a few offbeat picks. All moves are screened for free on a giant outdoor screen. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in. Be aware - they’re likely to confiscate cork screws, so open those bottles of wine before you arrive. Deck chairs are also available for rent if you want to upgrade your setup. This year you can see La La Land, Grease, and Barbie, among others. Check out the full agenda here.
5. Euphoria at the Grand Palais
June 6 - September 7, 2025
This one’s for the art lovers. Euphoria, the immersive exhibition at the Grand Palais Immersif, is bold, bright, and surreal. If you like intense color, soundscapes, and multisensory journeys, this one’s for you! Great for adults and families alike, but be sure to book ahead of time, as it’s a pretty popular exhibit.
BONUS: Tour de France Finish
July 27, 2025
As usual, the Men’s Tour de France will wrap up its final stage in Paris, and even if you’re not a huge cycling fan, it’s a fun event to witness. The riders do laps along the Champs-Élysées (talk about a bumpy ride!) and the atmosphere is sweaty and electric. Streets will be blocked off and the area will be packed, so plan accordingly. If you’d like a better chance of seeing them, scope out a spot along the route entering the city and keep your eyes peeled - they whizz by fast. Unfortunately, the Women’s Tour de France doesn’t travel through Paris this year, you can catch them in the Loire Valley, through central France, and down in the southeast.
Otherwise, don’t forget to grab our Paris Guide+ if you’re planning a trip to the city this summer, or at any point. It’s packed with restaurant tips, itineraries, and walking audio tours to make your summer visit unforgettable.
And if you’re not quite ready for that, no worries! We’re happy to have you here exploring our blog. If you aren’t yet, be sure to follow along on Instagram for more insider picks and real-time recs.