How to Explore Paris This Summer Beyond the Olympics

With all eyes on the French capital this summer for the Olympics, there’s never been a better time to visit. Pinned by the Eiffel Tower, threaded by the Seine, and punctuated by grand gardens, Paris offers endless ways to discover its charms. Here are 17 ways to explore the City of Lights beyond the Olympics.

1. Go Electric on a Classic City Tour Explore Paris silently and sustainably in a vintage Renault 4L retrofitted with a battery. Glide past iconic sites like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in this eco-friendly vehicle, marking 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924.
2. Hop Around the Paris Plages From July to September, Paris transforms its riverbanks and canals into urban beaches with deckchairs, potted palms, and entertainment. Key spots include Hôtel de Ville and Bassin de la Villette, with new swimming areas opening by 2025.
3. Sleep in a Floating Hotel on the Seine Experience the aquatic life at Off Paris Seine, a floating hotel moored at Gare d’Austerlitz. Enjoy vibrant rooms, a poolside restaurant, and stunning river views. Rooms start at €230 per night.
4. Sail the Waterways in an E-Boat Rent an electric boat from Marin D’Eau Douce to explore the Bassin de la Villette and Canal de L’Ourcq. Enjoy a leisurely trip past street art and scenic views without the need for a boating license.
5. Claim a Deckchair at the Molitor Relax at the historic Molitor pool, famous for the debut of the bikini. Now a luxurious hotel, it offers a blend of history, art, and relaxation. Day passes start at €290 for two.
6. Cool Off in an Al Fresco Pool Swim in pools like the floating Piscine Joséphine Baker on the Seine, the spacious Piscine Roger le Gall, or the historic Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles with its art deco arches.
7. Discover Paris’s Belle Epoque on Foot Explore the golden age of Paris with walking tours that take you to historic sites like Bouillon Chartier, the Grand Palais, and Galeries Lafayette. Special themed tours highlight the era’s cultural legacy.
8. Learn to Paint Like an Impressionist Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism with painting sessions in iconic Parisian locations. Join Rola Cusson for a lesson at her studio on La Grande Jatte or visit 59 Rivoli for contemporary art.
9. Take a Street-Art Treasure Hunt Use the FlashInvaders app to find mosaics by the anonymous artist Invader. Hunt for pixelated space aliens and pop culture figures across the city, scoring points for each find.
10. Spot Sculptures by the Seine Walk through the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air along the Left Bank, where you can see works by 20th-century artists in a scenic riverside setting.
11. Embrace Two-Wheeled Paris Explore Paris’s extensive cycleways, including routes along the Seine, Canal St-Martin, and Street Art Avenue. Paris’s bike-friendly infrastructure makes cycling an enjoyable way to see the city.
12. Party with the Pari Rollers Join the Pari Rollers for a Friday night skate tour, a fun and fast-paced way to see Paris after dark. The carnival-like atmosphere attracts hundreds of participants.
13. Stroll Reimagined City Railways Walk the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, Paris’s elevated urban park, or explore short stretches of La Petite Ceinture, a disused railway turned urban green space.
14. Climb Lafayette’s Summer Terrace Visit the eighth-floor terrace of Galeries Lafayette for stunning city views, cocktails, and a seasonal pop-up restaurant. The terrace offers views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur.
15. Drink Farm-Fresh Cocktails Enjoy fresh produce from Europe’s largest urban rooftop farm at Le Perchoir. The plant-filled restaurant offers DJ-led brunches and cocktail evenings with views over the 15th arrondissement.
16. Explore Urban Wine in Montmartre Take a walking tour with Paris Wine Walks to discover Montmartre’s vineyards and enjoy tastings of low-intervention wines from independent vineyards in Paris and beyond.
17. Eat in the Eiffel Tower Dine at the two-Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne or enjoy a more casual meal at Madame Brasserie. Experience breathtaking views and gourmet French cuisine high above Paris.