July in Paris 2023
In Paris, July is a month with long days, no transportation strikes, and sunny weather guaranteed. People like to eat ice creams, spend lazy evenings al fresco by the canals or on a shady terrace, and make the most out of Paris at night.
July in Paris is also the month with more outdoor festivals, especially music festivals. From jazz festivals to rock festivals, there’s something for every taste in Paris in July.
The downside of visiting Paris in July is that it can get very hot for some days (we call it canicule) and tourism is intense.
Go on reading for what to do in Paris in July 2023, the main events in Paris July 2023, and our top tips for getting the most out of your trip to Paris.
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PARIS TRIP PLANNER
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» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
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» List of Best Paris Museums, with Admission Conditions
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
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» Food & Drinks: Paris Food Guide
» Side Trips: Versailles Quick Guide, check out the Best Day Trips from Paris
Is Paris Busy in July? Crowds Forecast
What is Paris like in July? Paris in July is very busy!
Despite the hot temperatures, July in Paris is the high season, when most people have holidays. If you visit Paris in July, it is paramount to book accommodation and tickets to the main attractions and shows well in advance.
Hotels, especially the good ones, sell out fast or charge ridiculous prices for last-minute bookings, and it is normal for places such as the Eiffel Tower to have tickets for the best time slots booked out months in advance.
Below I list the main Paris attractions you will need advance tickets for and have added links to my favorite trusty providers for your convenience.
Paris Weather in July
The Paris weather in July is hot and sunny. The average temperatures in July are 26C maximum and 16C minimum, with a 10% probability of rainfall.
CANICULE IN JULY (HEATWAVE IN JULY)
Canicule is the French word for “heatwave.” It is usually used when the temperatures are higher than 31C in the morning and 21C at night for 3 consecutive days.
During the last few years, Paris experienced a few days of canicule, so if you are visiting Paris in July, you should know that there’s the possibility of a few days of intense heat in the city.
During these periods, it is suggested to look for indoor activities (with air conditioning), avoid physical activities and sports, protect your head from the sun with a hat, and drink lots of water.
Remember that you can drink tap water in Paris. Avoid tons of plastic by using a refillable bottle.
What to Wear in Paris in July 2023
What to wear in Paris in July? July in Paris calls for summer clothing!
Leave your jeans at home and pack summer dresses, short sleeve tops, and sandals. Also, it is important to protect your head and eyes from the sun. Remember that you need a little more coverage when entering a church, so a long skirt or a thin jacket or scarf to cover your shoulders is always a good idea.
If you are wondering what to pack for Paris at this time of the year, here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in July with clothes to be comfortable and stylish. If you need inspiration to combine things to get the Parisian style, check out our Spring /Summer style guides for men and women.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in July 2023
If you are visiting Paris for the first time and plan on visiting many tourist sights, consider the purchase of a Paris tourist pass to save time and money. Check out this Paris Pass Comparison to find the best tourist pass for you.
Alternatively, buy skip-the-line tickets for the top tourist attractions.
Leave some float in your daily schedule. If it is too hot outside, you may want to take a break somewhere for a coffee or a cold drink.
Getting around Paris by metro in July can be challenging. Check out our best tips for using the Parisian metro in the summer.
Need insurance for France? Be sure to check France travel insurance rates and coverage with our recommended provider, SafetyWing. SafetyWing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). Since August 2020, it covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
LE 14 JUILLET – NATIONAL DAY IN FRANCE
Wrongly named Bastille Day abroad, Le 14 Juillet (14th of July) is the National Day in France. The 14th of July usually means a long weekend, so it is a good opportunity for most of us for a weekend getaway out of Paris.
People who stay in Paris on the 14th of July usually like to meet friends, see the ‘défilé’ (a military parade along Champs Elysées), or the fireworks at Champ de Mars. It is a good idea to arrive at Champ de Mars quite early, perhaps for an evening picnic, to be sure to find a good spot for the fireworks. Check out the full list of things to do in Paris on the 14 of July.
Best Things to Do in Paris in July 2023 (and Events in Paris in July 2023)
What to do in Paris in July? If you are visiting Paris for the first time, you may want to tick some of Paris’ top tourist attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for Paris first-timers and cover the main attractions in Paris as well as the most iconic neighborhoods:
Apart from all these places and other beautiful sights that you will find in our Paris Travel Blog, these are the things to do and the places to visit in Paris in July that we specifically recommend when you visit Paris in July 2023:
CLIMB UP THE EIFFEL TOWER BEFORE SUNSET
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see in Paris, but it is a terrible place to visit during the day in July. Go up to the Eiffel Tower after 8 pm to get some fresh air and see how the sun sets in Paris. It’s a magical experience!
Tickets from the Eiffel Tower website can be purchased only 2 months in advance. To be sure you get the date and time slot you want in July, book as soon as possible – Click here to buy your Eiffel Tower tickets
EMBRACE PARIS BUSTLING SUMMER NIGHTLIFE
Paris in summer comes to life in the evening. You have great night festivals with live music, books, and food stalls, and many concerts fill Paris’ biggest parks.
The area along the Seine banks is a fun place to be for waterside pétanque, drinks on the bar-péniches, or casual picnics dangling the feet over the water – Check out what to do in Paris at night
ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL IN THE BEST ROOFTOP BARS
This is, in our opinion, one of the best things to do in Paris in July. Look for the best rooftop bars in Paris and see the city from above with your favorite cocktail in hand. Some of the best rooftop bars are located on top of hotels, but they are also open to non-guests.
VERSAILLES FOUNTAIN SHOWS
One of the beautiful places to visit in Paris in July is Versailles (click here for our Versailles Guide). The Versailles Gardens are great to explore in the summer when all the grooves are open to the public, and the musical gardens and musical fountain shows take place.
We especially like the Musical Fountain show, when the fountains of Versailles and other water features are spouting to the rhythm of the music.
If you visit Paris in July, the Musical Gardens Show usually takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Musical Fountains Show usually takes place on Saturday, Sunday, and on holidays. On weekends and holidays, the Night Fountains Show closes the day with spectacular fireworks. For the Versailles show dates and Versailles Fountains schedule, check out our quick guide to the Fountains of Versailles.
VISIT THE LOUVRE AT NIGHT
If you visit Paris in July, it is a good idea to visit the Louvre Museum at night. On Fridays, the Louvre is open until 9.45 pm, and we like how the sculptures are lit up by the moonlight. Also, there are lesser crowds in the Louvre at night.
TIP: For the best Louvre experience, buy a skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide.
ENJOY THE PARKS AND GARDENS OF PARIS
The gardens in Paris are one of our favorite places to be in Paris in July. Relax and sunbathe by the ponds or look for a guinguette (a casual place with food and drinks, usually in a park or in the countryside) in the shade for a coffee or a cold drink. Here’s the list of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.
EXPLORE THE OLD MONTMARTRE IN THE AFTERNOON
Montmartre is the highest part of Paris, and late in the afternoon is a great time to go to get some fresh air while exploring one of the most picturesque areas in Paris. This Stories of Old Montmartre walking tour covers the main sights of Montmartre, while our article about secret Montmartre is perfect for second-timers in Paris.
After the walk, look for a restaurant terrace nearby for an alfresco dinner in one of the most beautiful areas of Paris.
SAIL THE PARISIAN CANALS YOUR OWN WAY
Marin d’ Eau Douce, located at Bassin de la Villette in Paris 19, proposes electric self-drive boats for 5, 7, or 11 people. These electric boats do not require any boating license, and they are a fun way to explore Canal de la Villette and Canal de l’Ourcq, perhaps with a picnic on board and some rosé.
SUMMER FUN AT PARIS PLAGES
Paris Plages is one of the main Paris events July 2023. It is also the only opportunity for families with lesser revenue to experience some fun summertime without leaving the city.
For 6 weeks, in July and August, Paris Places is a fun place to be in Paris. Click here for the list of activities and locations.
GO ON A DAY TRIP
If you are spending more than two days in Paris, grab a train and explore beyond the French capital. A good idea for July is to visit one of the castles near Paris. Enjoy its magnificent rooms and halls and also get the most out of its gardens – Click here for other beautiful day trips from Paris
HAVE FUN AT L’ÉTÉ DU CANAL 2023
L’Été du Canal is a fun event – this year from 8 July to 23 August 2023 – along the banks of Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Denis, in the 19th Arrondissement of Paris. The Été du Canal’s agenda is always full of cool activities for kids and adults along the canal or in the water.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN JULY IN PARIS 2023
If you are visiting Paris in July 2023 for a cultural weekend, you may want to check what’s going on in the art galleries or the museums’ rooms dedicated to temporary exhibitions, especially if you already know Paris.
There’s not much information on exhibitions in Paris July 2023 yet. Keep clicking for the latest updates.
Eternal Mucha – Grand Palais Immersif, from 22 March to 5 October 2023
Neo Romantics – Musée Marmottan Monet, from 8 March to 18 July 2023
Picasso Celebration: the Collection in a New Light – Musée National Picasso-Paris, from 7 March 2023 to 27 August 2023
Chagall, Paris – New York – Atélier des Lumières, from 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024
Paul Klee, Painting Music – Atélier des Lumières, from 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024
Notre Dame de Paris, from Builders to Restorers – Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, from 15 February 2023 to 29 April 2024
Harry Potter, l’Exposition à Paris – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, from 21 April 2023 to 1 October 2023
1997, Fashion Big Bang – Palais Galliera, from 7 March to 16 July 2023
Elliott Erwitt – Musée Maillol, from 23 March to 15 August 2023
Manet / Degas – Musée d’Orsay, from 28 March to 23 July 2023
Giovanni Bellini – Musée Jacquemart André, from 3 March to 17 July 2023
La Fabuloserie a 40 ans – Halle Saint Pierre, from 25 January to 25 August 2023
Money in Art – La Monnaie de Paris, from 30 March 2023 to 24 September 2023
Basquiat X Warhol, Painting Four Hands – Fondation Louis Vuitton, from 5 April to 28 August 2023
Paris, Capital of Gastronomy, from the Middle Ages to the Present Day – La Conciergerie, from 13 April 2023 to 16 July 2023
Ramses & L’Or des Pharaons – Grande Halle de la Villette, from 23 April to 6 September 2023
Sarah Bernhardt: And the Woman Created the Star – Petit Palais, from 17 April to 27 August 2023.
NEED MORE IDEAS FOR JULY IN PARIS 2023?
Have a look at our articles Paris in June or August in Paris. Some of the activities suggested in these pieces are also great for July in Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris in July
Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. We have them all! Book your accommodation in your favorite neighborhood or near one of Paris’ tourist attractions by using the interactive map below.
Summer in Paris is hot, and one of the best ways to deal with it is to mix sightseeing with a refreshing break at your hotel pool. Here’s the list of the best hotels with pool in Paris that aren’t just limited to 5-star hotels.
Booking.com is our recommended site for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of hotels of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.
SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS
If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?
Some of Paris’ top hotels also have unique views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show!
Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
The good news is that a cozy room with Eiffel Tower views is not exclusive to the best hotels in Paris. If you are looking for a home from home, there are also cute apartments with a view of the Eiffel Tower to rent.
Check out the best apartments with a view of the Eiffel Tower
HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
Saint-Germain in the Left Bank is a beautiful neighborhood to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainments, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options.
Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain
RELAIS CHRISTINE, Paris 6, $$$$
Set in a 17th-century mansion in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this is THE kind of hotel that comes to mind when we think about Paris and Saint-Germain. Check out the pictures; you will immediately fall in love with this hotel!
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL TRIANON RIVE GAUCHE, Paris 6, $$$$
Conveniently placed close to the Luxemburg Gardens – on the way to Cité – and with comfortable rooms bigger than the Paris average, Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche is an excellent choice for this area and hotel category.
Click here for the Latest Prices
WELCOME HOTEL, Paris 6, $$$
This cute little hotel with comfortable rooms has the best possible location, between Boulevard Saint-Germain and Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church. Stay in one of the most pretty areas for the best price!
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTELS IN THE LOUVRE DISTRICT
If you prefer to stay in the Right Bank, the Louvre District is a good option. Stay close to the Louvre, the Seine River, and the Tuileries Gardens in a lively area with many bars and restaurants nearby.
Click here for the best hotels in the Louvre District
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HOTEL PARIS LOUVRE OPERA; Paris 1, $$$
This hotel, set in a 17th-century building, is located only a 5-minute walk from the Louvre in a lively area with many choices for dining out. The rooms are small but very clean, comfortable, and cozy, which makes this hotel a good value for your money.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL BRITANNIQUE: Paris 1, $$$
This lovely 19th-century hotel with a nice feel and atmosphere is located only 700m from Notre Dame and close to other major landmarks. The comfortable rooms and beds and its welcoming staff will make you feel at home.
And there you have it, the best things to do in Paris in July 2023 and main Paris events July 2023 to help you plan your coming trip to Paris. Bon voyage!
