Paris in July is a city buzzing with life. It’s the time when locals start disappearing to the countryside, tourists flood in, and the city rolls out some of its most iconic summer events. Long evenings, national celebrations, and riverbank hangouts, July in Paris has a lot going on.
Here’s my guide on what to expect, what to do, and what’s actually worth your time.
What Paris Is Like in July
July is one of the warmest months of the year in Paris, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). But it can easily shoot up into the 30s, especially during the mid-month heatwaves that seem to be a new summer tradition.
Locals tend to escape the city by mid-July, meaning the boulangerie queues shorten but the museums fill up. The upside? Many restaurants, bars, and cafés stay open, and the city takes on a festive, holiday mood.
Daylight sticks around until after 10pm. Evenings are for lingering on café terraces, grabbing a bottle of wine by the Canal Saint-Martin, or just wandering the Seine until the Eiffel Tower sparkles at midnight.
Pack light, breathable clothes. You’ll want a good pair of walking shoes, a water bottle, and anything linen. And yes, AC still isn’t a given (annoyingly) so double check your hotel or Airbnb has it.
Key Events in Paris in July
Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) – July 14
The biggest event of the month is the Fête Nationale, or Bastille Day (actually we don’t say Bastille in France!). It’s a celebration of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789—the moment that kicked off the French Revolution.
Here’s what happens in Paris on this day:
Military Parade
In the morning, the Champs-Élysées hosts a large-scale military parade. It’s formal, full of pomp, and the French Air Force always do an impressive flyover. It’s very difficult to see the parade which starts early – around 9:30am.
The flyover can be seen from the Seine – I recommend going to the Pont des Arts for a great view. It lasts around 20 minutes and you’ll see fighter jets and their display team – the Patrouille de France.
Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower
On the night of July 14, the Eiffel Tower becomes the backdrop for a massive fireworks display. The best views are from the Champs de Mars or Trocadéro, but both get very crowded. In my experience it’s very hard to find a spot that isn’t crowded.
The majority of the bridges along the Seine get full from 8pm onwards. I’d recommend getting a table at La Bonne Table, just next to the Pont Neuf. Get there early and enjoy a seated drink with a view on the fire works. I’d avoid Montmartre and even up towards Belleville in the 19th – both again get very crowded.
Bal des Pompiers (Fireman’s Ball):
This is the part locals actually look forward to. On the night of the 13th and sometimes the 14th, Paris fire stations open their doors for all-night parties. There’s music, dancing, drinks, and firemen in uniform. Most of them are donation-based, and the vibe is very laid-back. Check out the ones in the Marais, Montmartre or near Nation.
Paris Plages (Paris Beaches)
Starting mid-July and running through August, Paris Plages turns parts of the city into pop-up beaches. Sand, deck chairs, misting stations, pétanque courts, and ice cream stalls appear along the Seine—mainly on the Right Bank from Hôtel de Ville down toward the Quai de la Tournelle.
It’s free, family-friendly, and a weirdly charming way to cool off. Don’t expect actual swimming (you’ll need to go to a proper pool for that), but for lounging by the water with a book or a drink, it’s perfect.
Grand Arrival of the Tour de France
Each year (with a few exceptions), the Tour de France (the famous, epic 3 week cycling race across France) finishes in Paris. The final stage is more of a victory parade for the winner of the prized yellow jersey but there’s always an exciting end to the stage.
The final stage always finishes on the Champs-Elysées with a varying route in and around Paris. In 2025, for the first time, the race went into Montmartre.
Regardless of where you watch the race, it’s great fun. An hour or two before the peleton arrive, the sponsors drive past throwing freebies into the crowd. Even if you know nothing about cycling the atmosphere is incredible. You can find more about when and where the final stage is in Paris here.
What To Do in Paris in July
Visit the Musée Carnavalet (and cool off)
If you’re overheating and need a break from the sun, head to the Musée Carnavalet in the Marais. It’s one of Paris’s most underrated museums, completely free, air-conditioned, and full of stories about the city’s past.
They’ve recently renovated it, and the museum now tells the history of Paris from prehistoric times through the Revolution to today across 4 floors. Plus, the courtyard garden is a peaceful spot to sit and relax. Read more in my guide on what to see and do in the Marais.
Explore Paris Early (or Late)
Because of the heat, the best times to explore are early in the morning or after dinner. Sunrise walks through Montmartre or the Jardin des Tuileries are quiet and magical. Evenings are made for picnics along the Seine or grabbing a seat on a terrace in Saint-Germain.
Take a Day Trip to the Countryside
Want to escape the city for a bit? July is a great time to visit places like:
- Giverny – Monet’s gardens are in full bloom.
- Versailles – The palace is crowded but the gardens are wide open and perfect for a picnic.
- Fontainebleau – Less crowded than Versailles and just as grand.
Bring water and book your tickets ahead of time.
Markets and Rooftops
Outdoor markets are thriving in July. Head to Marché Bastille on a Sunday for fresh fruit, cheese, and pastries. If you want to shop like a local without melting, go early. Check out my guide to the best markets in Paris.
For a drink with a view, July is rooftop season. Try Le Toit de la Bellevilloise in Belleville or Terrass’ Hotel in Montmartre. They both offer views over the city and are perfect at sunset.
What to Skip in July
- The Louvre in the afternoon: It gets packed, hot, and slightly chaotic. Go early or skip it entirely and opt for the Musée de l’Orangerie or Musée Rodin, which are smaller and more manageable.
- Metro during rush hour: It’s hot, crowded, and not fun. Walk or use buses when you can.
- Champs-Élysées: With it being very hot with no shade and it’s absolutely full of tourists, it’s a headache in July. You’re better off shopping elsewhere (there’s literally no real Parisians here).
Final Tips
- Book restaurants ahead of time, especially during Bastille week.
- Always carry water – Paris has free drinking fountains, some even with sparkling water (look for “fontaine pétillante”).
- Bring sunscreen and a portable fan if you’re sensitive to heat.
- Check for closures: Some smaller shops and bakeries start closing for the summer holidays near the end of the month.
