Quick quiz: what do the terms “July”, “Paris”, and “mass exodus” have to do with each other? Well, if you’ve ever spent any time in the capital at this time of year, you’ll know that locals behave like a pack of migratory birds: huge numbers of them decamp and head south for summer vacation.
If I’ve amused you with my image of Parisian “geese” honking in the skies over Notre Dame as they leave the city largely to the devices of tourists and those who cater to them, all the better. Of course, if you’re here to learn more about whether visiting Paris in July might be your speed, I’ll now put my silly analogies to bed and help you decide.
{Read Related: How to Plan a Trip to Paris During the Summer}
Carrying on from June, when festivals and outdoor events seem to take over the city, July is a mid-summer urban party that anyone with a love for outdoor events will appreciate.
There’s always music in the air, somewhere (to paraphrase a once-popular line from Twin Peaks). Pop-up beaches spring up along stretches of the Seine, and parks fill with crowds enjoying lazy picnics.
Rooftop bars and terraces are idyllic places to perch, assuming you can fight off the hordes and get a spot. Bastille Day brings lively parades, fireworks around the Eiffel Tower (which will go ahead in 2021) and plenty of local fun, including firemen putting on “balls” to rave audiences.
Anyone on a tight budget, and/or traveling with kids, will appreciate the abundance of free events– many of which are aimed at the young ones. And since so many locals have skidaddled out of town, tourists more or less take over the city (for better or worse, depending on your perspective).
If this all sounds dreamy, do know that there are a few downsides. This is the middle of high season, which means airfares, train tickets and travel packages all carry rather bloated price tags.
This is why I strongly recommend you do research several months in advance and lock in better deals on it all. If you want to get started, you can browse deals on flights and hotels at Skyscanner, or book train tickets and passes at Rail Europe.
What’s more, the crowds, combined with the often humid, sticky weather, can produce some pretty claustrophobic conditions– especially since air conditioning remains pretty uncommon in the French capital. Be prepared to share your personal space, and dress appropriately for those hot, muggy days even if you plan to spend this mostly indoors.
You’ve been warned about the dearth of air-con– this isn’t New York, Toronto or Dallas, where museums and restaurants feel like refrigerated coolers in the summer.
Finally, many restaurants, bakeries and other services close entirely for several weeks in July and August, with owners placing more value on their wellbeing than staying in business year-round. How dare they!
Still convinced July might be the perfect month for your Parisian sojourn? If so, read on for my tips on what to pack, weather and a few ideas on how to spend your time.
The Coronavirus Crisis: Can You Visit France in July 2021?
In a word, perhaps– if you have been fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization-approved vaccine and are a national of certain countries. France re-opened its border to select travelers in early June.
Find all the information you need on travel to France, and more on the current situation in Paris at this page.
July Weather Trends in Paris– & Some Packing Tips
While there can be sweltering, humid days in July– especially right before those inevitable summer storms– average monthly temperatures are actually relatively mild.
Of course, there have been record-breaking heatwaves occuring over the past years, including this one, so that mildness may be on track to disappearing for good.
Heavy air and storms: Don’t get over-excited about the idea of enjoying nothing but clear, sunny skies during your July stay in the capital. Rain is a year-round fact there, and precipitation remains common in the summer. It often comes in the form of sudden, sometimes violent storms, too, so make sure you check weather forecasts and keep a rainjacket handy.
Minimum Temperature: 16 degrees C/60.8 degrees F
Maximum Temperature: 25 degrees C/77 degrees F (note that in past years, much warmer temps have been observed)
Average temp: 20.5 degrees C/69 degrees F
Average monthly precipitation: 57 mm/2.2 inches
How to Pack Your Suitcase?
It’s important to pack for varied weather conditions, from cool mornings and evenings to sweltering, stormy days. Bring a good mix of short and long-sleeved shirts, shorts, skirts and/or dresses, alongside decent rain gear.
It doesn’t have to be heavy-duty, but a light waterproof jacket and shoes should do the trick. You may find it too hot to wear the jacket, anyway, and and find the rain refreshing after a muggy build-up of heat.
Also make sure to bring a good insulated thermos if you plan to walk around for long hours– getting dehydrated is never fun, and you’ll save on money and unnecessary plastic bottles. I’m partial to the Klean Kantine brand.
Finally, slather on plenty of sunscreen even if skies are overcast– the UVs still pierce through and cause damage, as I’m sure you’re aware. Sunsceen can cost a small fortune in France, for some odd reason– so I advise bringing your own if you have a checked bag.
Best Things to See and Do in July?
Many accuse Paris of being (at least in some places) a giant amusement park for tourists, and in the summer months it’s easy to see why. That isn’t bad news for you, though– there’s plenty designed to entertain and distract you.
And if you want to evade the crowds and hang out with the locals who couldn’t or haven’t yet gotten away, there are ways to do that, too. Keep reading for a few of my suggestions; you may also want to check out this page the tourist office for a full calendar of events and happenings.
1. Head up to a rooftop bar & and enjoy panoramic views
Particularly at the end of a sweltering day, one way to indulge in a little midsummer dreaming and unwinding is to head to a good rooftop bar, preferably during the weekdays when finding a table is less of a headache and the din isn’t so overwhelming. (Side note: Is it obvious yet that I’m an introvert?)
Some of my preferred bars include the Perchoir Marais (37 rue de la Verrerie, Metro Hotel de Ville). Located on the top floor of the BHV Department Store, it’s an ideal place to head after trying your luck with the summer sales, or before venturing out to have dinner in the area.
A bit further afield from the center but worth the views and relaxed ambience, I also recommend the rooftop bar at Mama Shelter (109 rue de Bagnolet, Metro Gambetta or Porte de Bagnolet).
For more on where to take the lift to the final floor for creative libations and killer views, you can peruse my dedicated piece on the topic at TripSavvy, as well as this excellent list from Time Out Paris.
Just a word of warning: Around “aperitif” hour (generally between 6-830 pm), the crowds at many of these popular bars have long lines of people waiting outside to get in. Going after those times is recommended.
2. Enjoy the Seine-side beaches, and free concerts
Locals have a tendency to write off the city’s annual ephemeral beaches (“Paris Plages”) as a bit cheesy, but their success has been astounding. Launched by former Parisian mayor Bertrand Delanoe back in 2003, the operation sees a long stretch of the Seine fitted with sandy beaches, mini-pools, chaises longues, watersports activities and bars.
There’s also an additional location on the Bassin de la Villette which is especially popular with families– and the area’s hipsters, despite any proclamations to the contrary.
Dates: In 2021, Paris Plages takes place from July 10th through August 22nd. See more on the events taking place this year at this page.
3.Take in live music, and cinema, in the open air
Finally, there are plenty of great events for music lovers to enjoy in July, from the FNAC Live festival that sees free concerts take over the large square in front of Hotel de Ville; to jazz concerts at the Parc Floral/Bois de Boulogne, and Rock en Seine, a three-day extravaganza just west of Paris that allows concert-goers to camp onsite.
Read related: The Best Summer Festivals in Paris
For the cinephiles among you, I strongly recommend an evening or two out on the lawns of the Parc de la Villette, where movies are screened for the annual Open-Air Cinema Event. The theme in 2021 is “Destinies”.
In 2021, the free cinema screenings at La Villette run from July 16th through August 22nd. See more about this year’s movie lineup here. This year, due to health and safety restrictions and in light of the coronavirus crisis, the event requires reservations to control crowds.
4. Eat some delicious street food & ice cream– or stage a riverside picnic
There’s less of a reason at this time of year to spend lots of time in restaurants. You can save money and enjoy the long days outdoors (unless rain threatens) by eating al fresco.
Luckily, Paris has some truly excellent street food, from mouthwatering crepes, falafel and sandwiches to pizza and burgers. Of course, if it’s sweltering out, ice cream or gelato is a good idea; here’s where to find some of the best in Paris.
And if you have the motivation to stage a picnic, whether simple or elaborate, it’s easy to do so when you know where to stock up on high-quality bread, cheeses, fresh fruit and other goodies. See my full guide to how to have the perfect Parisian-style picnic here.
5. Art & culture: Exhibits & shows to beeline to in July 2021
It’s true that July isn’t as exciting a time for exhibits, as museums await their new seasons in September and October– but there are still plenty of shows worth seeing. Here are just a couple I recommend. You can also consult a more complete list here.
Magritte and Renoir at the Musée de l’Orangerie
This much-awaited exhibit at the Musée de l’Orangerie (home to Monet’s exquisite Nymphéas mural series) explores the masterpieces of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte alongside those of French impressionist Renoir, illuminating Magritte’s little-known “Renoir period” across some 60 paintings and 40 drawings from both artists.
Dates: Through July 19th, 2021. It is imperative to reserve well ahead for this show.
Gabrielle Chanel- Fashion Manifesto (at the Palais Galliera)
Gabrielle Chanel, better known as Coco, revolutionized women’s fashion in the early 20th century. This exhibit at the Paris Fashion Museum (Palais Galliera) offers a fascinating glimpse into the designer’s work and life, from emblematic early pieces to portraits and later-stage creations (braided tweed suits, two-tone pumps, and much more). In total, some 350 pieces and artifacts are on display.
Dates: Through July 18th, 2021. Please note that tickets can be purchased online, here.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Also remember to read up on travel insurance options for France. World Nomads offers free quotes on numerous policies; you can compare them here.
And for a limited time only, Paris Unlocked readers can get 5% off the purchase of international travel insurance policies (via Heymondo).
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