7 things to do in Paris this summer
The Summer Olympics, which begin on July 26 and run through August 11, will undoubtedly be the highlight of travel in Paris this summer. However, the City of Light also offers a wide range of experiences outside of the sporting world.
Whether you are going to Paris for the Olympic Games or want to explore the city more deeply, there is something for even the most discerning tourist. The list of places and things to do in Paris was published by nasdaq.com.
Have fun at the Fête de la Musique
Summer begins with the Fête de la Musique, an annual music festival dedicated to World Music Day on June 21. The free festival, which coincides with the summer solstice, takes place in cities across France, and musicians - both professional and amateur - are encouraged to perform in parks and other public spaces.
Enjoy music at the Django Reinhardt Festival
If you're looking to double down on the music, head to the Django Reinhardt Festival. It is a jazz music festival named after the famous Belgian jazz guitarist and composer. It will take place from June 27 to 30 in Samois-sur-Seine, France, about an hour by train from Paris.
Unlike Fête de la Musique, this event is not free. The cost of one-day passes for early adopters starts at 35 euros (approximately $38).
Celebrate Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a French national holiday that is celebrated annually on July 14. A variety of celebrations are held on this day all around France, ranging from picnics to nightly parties. Many of them are free to attend, including a symphony concert and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
Watch the Paralympic Games
To avoid the sometimes high costs of attending the Olympic Games, consider watching the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. They will be held from August 28 to September 8, and entrance tickets are generally cheaper than tickets to the Olympic Games. Prices start at 15 euros.
Watch a drone show at Disneyland Paris
Between now and September 30, head to Disneyland Paris for the nightly drone light show over Sleeping Beauty Castle, where about 500 drones fly in iconic shapes, with music in the background.
You need a Disneyland Paris theme park ticket to see the Disneyland Paris Drone Show. Prices for single-day adult tickets in the same park start at 70 euros per day, although they can be higher depending on when you go.
Sunbathe on the beach
Paris has a unique beach experience. From July 8 to September 3, the banks of the Seine River and the Bassin de la Villette (an artificial lake) are transformed into a beach atmosphere. The banks of the Seine are lined with sun loungers, umbrellas and palm trees, and the lake has pools of various depths. There are also dance parties and open-air movie nights.
Take advantage of free and low-cost summer activities
Summer is one of the best times to take advantage of the city's many free activities. Open-air markets come alive in the summer, where you can buy fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. The markets are also a smart way to save money on restaurants outside the home.
Speaking of parks, the Jardin des Tuileries is worth a stop. The centuries-old park, located directly across from the Louvre, is free to stroll through. Or you can pay for one of the garden attractions, such as a ride on the carousel (3 euros).
Watching the 2024 Paris Games will undoubtedly be exciting, but it will also be expensive. From July 20 to September 8, public transportation tickets will almost double in price. The situation is similar with housing. According to analytics company AirDNA, rates for affordable short-term rentals such as Airbnbs are 40% higher during the Olympics compared to two weeks before.
If you have a European vacation in mind but are not necessarily interested in the Olympics, then consider booking before the Games.
