The high season in Paris corresponds to the months of June, July, and August (the summer months). Summer in Paris is not only the weather at its best but also the season with the busiest social calendar. Music festivals, al fresco dining, shady café-terraces or rooftop bars under the stars, and open-air cultural events make the city appealing for travelers of all ages.
The high season in Paris also means higher crowds. Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Paris and France this summer, especially during the Olympics and Paralympics. In this article, I outline some of the most important Paris travel tips to make your summer vacation a little smoother and less stressful.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
1. How to move around Paris
Click here to find the best Paris metro ticket or pass for tourists. Remember that metro tickets and passes will increase considerably from 20 July to 8 September 2024 (Merci Olympic Games!). If you are a frequent Paris traveler, we tell you how to pay less here.
TIP: Do you want to know how to survive the metro of Paris in the summer? Check out these first-hand tips by a tortured metro user (me!)
2. How to deal with crowds
Some Paris Passes offer skip-the-line advantages (e.g., a special line to enter museums or attractions) in addition to discounted prices. The Paris Museum Pass is the most popular, but there are more! Check out my Paris Pass Comparison to find the best pass for you.
Learn when is the best time to visit to avoid the biggest crowds for the most popular attractions. If you plan to visit Disneyland Paris, check out this Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar.
Seine River boat cruises are very popular in the summer. Look for alternatives to the hyper-crowded Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens here. If you are traveling with your family or a group, private Seine River cruises are not expensive.
Check out this list of hidden gems in Paris. I cannot guarantee you will be alone, but it won’t be crowded!
3. Be connected
Most of the hotels in Paris offer free Wi-Fi, but if you need to call, text, and browse the internet during your explorations, a prepaid SIM card will come in handy.
Check out this post about the best prepaid SIM cards for France and Europe + other options to stay connected. You can even buy one before leaving home, so you are set once you land in Paris.
4. How to deal with heatwaves
2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures above average for 11 months of the year in Europe. Here are my best tips for dealing with hot temperatures:
- Check out the weather forecast and plan accordingly. I usually announce heatwaves in Paris and France on our Facebook Group.
- Wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day (we have great free museums for a last-minute visit), and wear light-colored clothes made from breathable materials (check out my suggestions for Paris for men and women).
- Drink lots of water! Tap water is safe to drink in Paris, so get a refillable bottle and use this map with all the spots where you can get water in Paris.
- Consider night tours; temperatures in Paris are more pleasant for exploring at night!
5. How to avoid pickpockets
Summer is also the high season for pickpockets, so get an anti-theft bag or an anti-theft backpack and read these basic tips for a safe trip to Paris. It’s all about common sense!
6. Don’t you have tickets for the Olympics?
No problem! Paris is well served by sports bars where you can watch the most popular competitions while enjoying your favorite drinks. This summer, you can also enjoy the UEFA Euro 2024 (football).
7. Cheap prices for exploring the surroundings of Paris and France!
The summer months are also ideal for exploring the surroundings on trips from Paris by train. This week, SNCF (trains in France) launched a very special pass for young travelers (16 to 27 years). For just €49 per month, you can travel unlimited on the Intercités and TER (regional) trains! You can read the conditions (and buy your pass) here.
8. Don’t leave without travel insurance!
Even if you haven’t planned to run the Olympic Marathon, s++t can happen, also in the City of Love and Light! Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too!
