July in Paris 2024
All you need to know and the best things to do in Paris in July 2024.
In Paris, July is a month with long days, no transportation strikes, and warm 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! This year, Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics, so the city will be a special place to be!
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 2024, the main events in Paris – July 2024, and my top tips for getting the most out of your trip to Paris.
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.
Table of Contents:
- Is Paris Busy in July? Crowds Forecast
- Paris weather in July
- What to Wear in Paris in July 2024
- Best Tips for Visiting Paris in July
- Best Things to Do in Paris in July 2024 (and Events in Paris, July 2024)
- Where to Stay in Paris in July
Related content
Is Paris Busy in July? Crowds Forecast
What is Paris like in July? Paris in July is very busy!
Despite the hot temperatures, July is the high season in Paris, when most people have holidays. If you visit Paris in July, it is paramount to book accommodation, transportation, and tickets to the main attractions and shows well in advance.
This year, Paris in July will be more crowded than usual due to the Summer Olympics 2024, which will be held from Friday, 26 July, to Sunday, 11 August 2024. Also, expect restrictions to circulate in the areas close to the main venues.
Hotels, especially the good ones, sell out fast or charge ridiculous prices for last-minute bookings. Also, 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.
Parisians start leaving the city for their summer holidays around mid-July, France’s National Day. This means that if you visit Paris in late July, you will find more tourists than locals.
Paris Weather in July
The Paris weather in July is hot and sunny. The average temperatures are 26C maximum and 16C minimum, with a 10% rainfall probability.
CANICULE IN PARIS IN JULY (HEATWAVE IN JULY)
Canicule is the French word for “heat wave.” It is usually used when the temperatures are higher than 31C in the morning and 21C at night for three consecutive days.
In the last few years, we have experienced a few days of canicule, so if you are visiting Paris in July, you should know there may be 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, wear a hat to protect your head from the sun, 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 2024
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 packing 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 year, here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in July with comfortable and stylish clothes. If you need inspiration to combine things to get the Parisian style, check out my Spring /Summer style guides for men and women.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in July 2024
If you are visiting Paris for the first time and plan on visiting many tourist sights, consider purchasing a Paris tourist pass to save time and money. The Paris Museum Pass is the most popular, but I recommend checking out this Paris Pass Comparison to find the best tourist pass for you.
Alternatively, buy skip-the-line tickets for the top tourist attractions.
With the Summer Olympics in Paris, prices in bars and restaurants will be higher than usual, especially in the center and around the Olympic venues. Avoid the most touristy Arrondissements to save money and book in advance.
Getting around Paris by metro in July can be challenging, and it will be even more challenging during the Olympics. Check out my best tips for using the Parisian metro in the summer and allow more time for your metro journeys.
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.
Need travel insurance for France? Be sure to check rates and coverage with my recommended provider, SafetyWing. SafetyWing 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.
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 to get out of Paris.
People who stay in Paris on the 14th of July usually like to meet friends, see the ‘défilé’ (the military parade along Champs Elysées), and 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.
Summer Olympics 2024 update: due to the 2024 Olympic Games, the 14th of July parade will not occur on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées as usual. This year, the traditional parade will take place on Avenue Foch and will transport the Olympic Torch.
Best Things to Do in Paris in July 2024 (and Events in Paris, July 2024)
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 this Paris Travel Blog, these are the things to do and the places to visit in Paris in July 2024:
SUMMER OLYMPICS 2024 – KEY EVENTS IN PARIS IN JULY
The 33rd Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024.
From 9 May to 26 July, the Olympic Torch Relay will cover France and its Overseas Territories. The Paris Olympic Torch will arrive in Paris on 14 July 2024, which coincides with France’s National Day. From there, it will travel around the outskirts of Paris (Saint-Quentin, Meaux, Versailles, La Corneuve…), visiting the cities and suburbs with Olympic Venues for another ten days until it reaches back to the French capital for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony along the Seine River.
Following the Olympic Games tradition, the official Opening Ceremony will take place on 26 July 2024. You can check the full Olympic Games Schedule here.
DON’T MISS THE BEST SHOW IN PARIS THIS SUMMER!
The show is open all summer in Paris until August 17th! 🔔
Don’t miss the LUMINISCENCE experience, a show that combines 360-degree video mapping, 3D spatialized music, and lighting effects in one of the most beautiful and historical monuments in Paris.
At sunset, step through the doors of the Saint-Eustache Church, second only to the Notre Dame Cathedral, and marvel at its architectural splendors and masterpieces by Rubens, Keith Haring, and Billie Tanner. Listen to the 8,000 pipes of the great organ play haunting melodies. Sit back comfortably in the nave as the voice of the guardian spirit echoes through the space. Embark on a timeless journey as projections magnify the Church’s stunning architecture, revealing every detail with finesse, from its base to the top of its vaults, which rise to over 30 meters. While the building is painted in light, the celestial songs of the choir merge with the power of the great organ to reveal the full acoustic richness of one of France’s most beautiful churches.
Click here to your tickets to this mesmerizing experience now. The ticket includes the tour of the ambulatory to discover the 16 chapels and their artistic treasures, plus the 40-minute immersive 360° show seated in the nave.
CLIMB UP THE EIFFEL TOWER BEFORE SUNSET
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see in Paris, but it is terrible to visit during the day in July. Go to the Eiffel Tower after 8 p.m. 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 two 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
In summer, Paris 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. Paris night tours are very popular in the summer, as it is more enjoyable to explore the streets of Paris with the fresh air. Check out what to do in Paris at night
ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL IN THE BEST ROOFTOP BARS
This is, in my 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 are also open to non-guests.
VERSAILLES’ FOUNTAIN SHOWS
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris in July is Versailles (click here for the Versailles Guide). The Versailles Gardens are great to explore in the summer when all the grooves are open to the public, and the garden shows take place.
I 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, while the Musical Fountains Show usually takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
You can visit any of the Versailles Gardens shows alone (without the Château) or buy a combined ticket to the Château of Versailles and Gardens to save time and money.
On weekends and holidays, the Night Fountains Show closes the day with spectacular fireworks. For the Versailles show dates and fountains schedule, check out this quick guide to the Fountains of Versailles.
VISIT THE LOUVRE AT NIGHT
If you visit Paris in July, visiting the Louvre Museum at night is a good idea. On Fridays, the Louvre is open until 9:45 p.m., and it is nice to see how the sculptures are lit by the moonlight. Also, there are fewer crowds at night.
ENJOY THE PARKS AND GARDENS OF PARIS
The gardens in Paris are one of locals’ 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 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 self-guided Stories of Old Montmartre walking tour covers the main sights of Montmartre, while this 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 Paris’ most beautiful areas.
SAIL THE PARISIAN CANALS YOUR OWN WAY
Marin d’ Eau Douce, located at Bassin de la Villette in Paris 19, offers 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 rosé wine.
SUMMER FUN AT PARIS PLAGES
Due to the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Paris, this event will not be held in 2024.
Paris Plages is one of the main things to do in Paris in July. It is also the only opportunity for families with lesser revenue to experience some fun summertime without leaving the city.
For six weeks, in July and August, Paris Plages 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 visiting Paris for more than two days, grab a train to go 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 2024
L’Été du Canal is a fun event that takes place from 6 July to 11 August 2024 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 fun activities for kids and adults along the canal or in the water.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN JULY IN PARIS 2024
If you are visiting Paris in July 2024 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:
Mexica: Offerings and Gods at the Templo Mayor – Musée du Quai Branly, from 3 April to 8 September 2024
Brancusi – Centre Georges Pompidou, from 27 March to 1 July 2024
Olympism – Louvre Museum, from 24 Avril to 16 September 2024
The World as It Is – Bourse du Commerce, from 20 March to 2 September 2024
Loading. Urban Art in the Digital Age – Grand Palais Immersif, from 6 December 2023 to 21 July 2024
Paris1874: Inventing the Impressionism – Musée de l’Orsay, from 24 March to 14 July 2024
The Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II – Atelier des Lumières, from 9 February 2024 to 5 January 2025
The Orientalists: Ingres, Délacroix, Gérôme… – Atelier des Lumières, from 9 February 2024 to 5 January 2025
Immersive Experience “Aura Invalides” – Musée de l’Armée, from 22 Septembre 2023 to 31 December 2024
Dance – Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, from 2 July to 31 December 2024
Japan Dream – Atelier des Lumières, from 8 July 2024 to 1 September 2024
Comics on Every Floor – Centre Pompidou, from 29 May 2024 to 4 November 2024
Matisse, L’Atélier Rouge – Centre Louis Vuitton, from 14 May to 9 September 2024
The Art of James Cameron – Cinémathèque Française, from 4 April 2024 to 5 January 2025
Here’s the full list of exhibitions, shows, and concerts for your dates in Paris (use the calendar on the left side to select a date range).
NEED MORE IDEAS FOR PARIS, JULY 2024?
Have a look at the articles about Paris in June and 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 a pool in Paris that aren’t just limited to 5-star hotels.
Booking.com is my recommended site for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of hotels of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they offer the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.
WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW
If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view? Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the Left Bank, is a great place to put your luggage down in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainment, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain
- Relais Christine (4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion)
- Hotel Chaplain Paris Rive Gauche (mid-range hotel a few meters from Luxembourg Gardens)
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 Museum, the Seine River, and the Tuileries Gardens in a lively area with many bars and restaurants nearby – Click here for the best hotels near the Louvre
- Hotel Paris Louvre Opera (mid-range hotel in a lively area with many choices for dining out)
- Hotel Regina (5-star hotel, only a few steps from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden)
And there you have it – the best things to do in Paris in July 2024 and the main Paris events July 2024 to help you plan your coming trip to Paris. Bon voyage!
