Ah, Paris travel in August... Quiet streets, closed shops, humid air… melted ice cream cones along the Seine, midnight walks to escape the warmth, and surprising thunder (and hail!) storms.
If you’re traveling to Paris in August, your trip might take a little extra planning, and you might need a few more backup options when you’re out and about - but don’t worry, for Paris in August is one of the sweetest times to visit. If you do go, you might catch a music festival or an outdoor theatre production. Maybe you’ll go for a swim in the Seine, or feel the wind in your hair as you zip around town in a motorcycle sidecar. No matter what, you’ll still find a terrasse for a crisp glass of sauvignon in the early evening, and there will always be amazing food, cold brew coffee, and (some) air-conditioned museums.
Here are five August events in Paris this summer for when it’s hot, raining, or both:
Swim in the Seine this August in Paris
Is swimming in the Seine safe? Who really knows. But people are doing it. Jay did. Through August 31st, the City of Paris has opened 3 swimming sites on the Seine (not including those on the canal!). You can officially hop into the water in the smack center of Paris, the 15e arrondissement, and the 12e arrondissement. The swim sites have showers, life guards, changing areas, and even swim test stations where you prove your ability to swim before going into the river. Get the details here.
Open-Air Cinema in Paris this August
July 23 - August 17, 2025
Okay, yes, this is a direct carryover from last month, but we love it so much we don’t want you to miss out if you didn’t read that blog! 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 movies 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 corkscrews, 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.
What to See for Music Lovers in Paris this August
Concerts in Park Floral
Every summer, the Paris Jazz Festival brings live music to one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. Parc Floral, a botanical garden tucked inside the Bois de Vincennes in the 12e, hosts weekend concerts surrounded by trees, flowers, and dragonflies (okay, maybe more like mosquitoes, but it’s not as magical to say that). The concerts are included with entry to the park, which costs just a few euros. Bring a blanket (or snag a chair if you’re lucky) and enjoy an afternoon set under the trees. Check the lineup ahead of time to catch anything from classical to funk to contemporary jazz.
Did You Know?
Speaking of Parks, did you know that you can catch the Olympic Cauldron at the Tuileries Garden this summer? From the 21st of June to the 14th of September 2025, be sure to wander through the gardens and have a look.
Rock en Scène, the classically Parisian music festival
August 20–24, 2025
If you’re looking for something bigger, Rock en Scène is one of Paris’s most popular music festivals (but we have to include it because it’s absolutely epic) Rock en Scène is held in the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, just outside Paris, and you’ll find major international acts and a solid mix of French artists too.
This year, catch Chappell Roan, Vampire Weekend, Aurora, and so so so many more. Full lineup here.
It's easy to reach by metro, but be prepared for large crowds. Tickets are available by day or for the full festival, so take a look online and see what fits your vibe.
Outdoor Theatre in Paris this August
There's a little theatre in the Bois de Boulogne that is such a hidden gem, and while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for visitors who are only here for a few days, if you have some time to kill in August, it’s a great option. The Théâtre de Verdure is tucked inside the Jardin Shakespeare (how mid-summer!), filled with trees, flowers, and winding paths.
The summer programming includes French adaptations of Shakespeare, whimsical shows for kids, and a sprinkling of other options. Yes, most of the performances are in French, but the setting is so lovely you’ll enjoy it even if your language skills are limited! More information here.
Perhaps a Half day Tour?
With so much to do in Paris, you might be interested in booking a half day tour to get all the big sights out of the way in one go, while learning about the history of Paris and saving time on wheels instead of by foot. If you’re thinking about a tour, our friends over at Badass Tours won’t lead you astray. Hop on an electric scooter, and spend a half day zooming around Paris.
Indoor Exhibitions We Recommend this August in Paris
Perhaps you’d rather stay indoors this summer in Paris? Maybe there’s a thunderstorm headed your way, or you need a break from the summer sun. Here are a couple of off the beaten path places to check out:
Into the Light Exhibition at La Villette
On until the 31st of August
La Villette is pretty off the beaten path for your average tourist - up high in the 19e arrondissement, most people deem it a bit far for a visit. But if you do find yourself up here, there is plenty to do. In fact, the 19e is one of our favorite places in the city thanks to its crown jewel of a park: Buttes Chaumont. La Villette is a great place to hang out if you have kids, and often has fun summer exhibitions in Paris that most tourists miss. This summer, be sure to check out Into the Light. This immersive and sensory light experience will leave you feeling all the feels, and is truly a trippy exhibition.
Need a Guide?
In reality, most museums are open in Paris in August, and several have evening events, like the one we’re about to share. If you’re looking for a solid guide to show you around... well, pretty much any museum, be sure to contact our good friend, comedian, and incredible story-teller: Amber. She’ll put together a private tour that’ll knock your socks off. Pop her an email at amberminogue@gmail.com and let her know we sent you!
Nocturne au Musée at the Musée de Montmartre
This is one of our favorite little museums in Paris. You’ll see us recommend the Musée de Montmartre regularly for its charming and delightful space, its adorable outdoor café (with seemingly irregular hours), its cat posters, and its history of Montmartre.
If you love old school charm and fancy yourself an artist (even just an inkling), you’ll love it here. This summer, in July and August, you can access the Musée de Montmartre on Wednesday evenings for garden party energy as the sun sets. They also offer gardening ateliers, exclusive tours through the neighboring Vineyard du Clos, and of course, a visit to the exhibitions. Be sure to check their website for all the details.
Now, you’re probably wondering about where to eat and drink with all of this fun to be had all over town. Have no fear! We have curated you an exceptional list of 25+ places that we have personally confirmed to be open through August. What’s open in Paris in August? Plenty! Wine, beer, coffee, food, cocktails, a few extra museums…Follow the link below to plan your trip.
But First!
And if you’re not planning on traveling in August? Skip straight to our guide. In it, you’ll find hundreds of recommendations on where to eat, drink and be merry in the City of light, including: tour recommendations, articles on prepping your trip, a map of recommendations. Oh, and, with the Guide+ you'll get access to our 3 full-day itineraries and AI powered walking tours. And finally, it’s access for life - because if you do Paris our way, you’ll want to come back.
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