Summer weekend in Paris
How locals do summer in Paris — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Paris
Canal Saint-Martin
Outdoors10e
Iron footbridges, picnic banks and Sunday afternoon natural-wine bars.
Père Lachaise
Outdoors20e
Tree-lined cemetery — Wilde, Chopin, Morrison and the city's quietest hill.
Pigalle / SoPi
Nightlife9e / 18e
Cocktail bars, indie clubs and late-night kitchens between Pigalle and South Pigalle.
Le Marais
Food & Drink3e / 4e
Falafel queues, vintage boutiques and the prettiest medieval streets.
Where to eat
Clamato
$$$Seafood bar · 11e
Septime's walk-in seafood annex — oysters, ceviche, natural wine.
Du Pain et des Idées
$Bakery · 10e
Escargot pastries and pain des amis on the Canal — Christophe Vasseur's flagship.
Frenchie
$$$Modern bistro · 2e
Tiny dining room on a cobbled passage — go for lunch if dinner is gone.
Le Comptoir du Relais
$$$Bistro · 6e
Yves Camdeborde's all-day bistro on the Carrefour de l'Odéon.
Septime
$$$$Modern French · 11e
Bertrand Grébaut's tasting menu — book three weeks out at 8am sharp.
Live & on stage
Fête de la Musique
Citywide · Jun 21 · Free / All
Philharmonie de Paris
19e · Year-round · Classical / Jazz
Rock en Seine
Domaine de Saint-Cloud · Aug 22–24 · Festival
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, Père Lachaise. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Paris and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.