Things to do in Paris during the Summer Olympics

Our guide to outdoor summer activities in the French capital.

Make the most of summer in Paris

Paris always shines when the mercury climbs. But the Summer Olympics are sure to add an extra buzz to the City of Light. On top of the spectacular sporting events, there are plenty of outdoor activities to pack in. From sightseeing to parks and picnics, there’s so much more to summer in Paris than just shot puts and sprints.

Outdoor Paris summer activities 

The French capital can really hot up between June and August. So don’t forget those summer staples to explore Paris in the summer time. Make sure to pack your sunglasses, sun tan lotion, a water bottle, and comfy shoes. Then you’re free to enjoy the charms of that famous tower, a park picnic, the Paris Plages, or a guinguette. Getting around the city is simple. There’s a clever transport network of trains, buses, Métros, trams, and plenty of Vélib’ rentable bikes. Or opt for the leisurely scenic route on foot and reward yourself with a sweet treat from a top-notch artisanal ice cream maker (overlooking the Canal Saint Martin, Sucre Glace makes a killer blueberry sorbet).

See the sights: the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame 

Top of your must-see hit list? That’ll of course be the city’s most iconic monument – the Eiffel Tower. For extra drama, visit her in the evening. There’s nothing more memorable than those moonlit views of the entire city.

Next, why not check out another beloved landmark – Notre-Dame de Paris. We bet you remember how shocked the world was in 2019 when it was damaged by a devastating fire. After a quick but careful renovation, this Cathedral, dating back to the 1300s, is back to her former glory. Want to see it all at once? Catch a cruise on one of the Seine’s Bateau Mouche boats.

Go green: parks and picnics 

Parisian restaurants are a bit hit and miss in the summer. Some close early so their staff can enjoy their holidays. Why not take matters into your own hands by whipping up your own gourmet picnic of delicacies from the best food markets in town. Wondering where to lay your picnic blanket? There are plenty of lush spots to choose from. Give grand gardens like the Jardin des Tuileries, Jadrin des Plantes, and Jardin du Luxembourg a go. Or make for les Buttes-Chaumont – Paris’s biggest park.

If want to walk on the wild side to get your green fix, check out the secret-ish Coulée verte René-Dumont. It’s an old railway line that’s been turned into a pedestrianised five kilometre nature walk. Stroll all the way from Opéra Bastille to the Château de Vincennes, and get a glimpse of wild plants, four gardens, and some very cool street art.

Take the plunge: pools and Paris Plages

Ever fancied a dip in the Seine? Well, you might be able to by 2025. In the meantime, three special structures will be unveiled during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, meaning you can beat the heat while paddling like a pro. Want a stunning view while brushing up on your breaststroke? Then the recently restored Pontoise Art Deco pool is calling your name. Even the changing rooms have heaps of history. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the wet and wild Aquaboulevard aquatic park. It’s full of wave machines, pools, and slides galore. But if you fancy a taste of the seaside in the city, head for the Paris Plages. They throw up a feel-good mix of palm trees, food trucks, oversized pools, and concerts along the Seine.