15 favorite things to in Paris in July
Paris in July is one of my favorite times to experience the city. With long sunny days, lively terraces, open-air events, and a vibrant atmosphere around every corner, the French capital truly comes alive in summer. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover. From iconic landmarks and cultural festivals to relaxing Seine cruises and hidden local gems, I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Paris in July to help you make the most of your trip.
Ticket for the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
No trip to Paris would be complete without heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The elevator ride up is a memorable experience in itself, and once you reach the summit, the panoramic views stretch across the entire city from the Louvre and Sacré-Cœur to Notre-Dame and the glittering towers of La Défense. Don’t miss the glass floor on the first level for a vertigo-inducing look straight down. First-timer or seasoned Paris visitor, this landmark never loses its magic.
River cruise on the Seine by Bateaux-Mouches Paris
One of my favorite ways to slow down and take in the city is a Bateaux Mouches® cruise along the Seine. Gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay from the water offers a completely different perspective on Paris. The guided commentary adds depth to the journey, turning a scenic boat ride into a genuinely informative experience. Just over an hour long, it’s the perfect way to rest your feet while still soaking up the best of the city.
Ticket for the Ballon de Paris Generali
For a bird’s-eye view unlike anything else, the Generali tethered balloon in Parc André Citroën is hard to beat. In 10 to 12 minutes, you float up to 150 meters and take in a sweeping 360° panorama over Paris. It’s peaceful, thrilling, and surprisingly accessible — children under 3 enter free. A great option whether you’re travelling with kids or simply want a fresh angle on the city.
Château de Versailles from Paris
If your schedule allows for a day trip, Versailles is absolutely worth the short journey out of Paris. This UNESCO-listed palace is a jaw-dropping window into France’s royal history, from the lavishly decorated State Apartments to the legendary Hall of Mirrors and the immaculately kept gardens stretching out behind it. With round-trip transport included and several hours to explore at your own pace, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding excursions you can make from the city.
The Eternal Notre-Dame immersive experience
For a completely different way to connect with one of Paris’s most storied monuments, this virtual reality experience is a real highlight. Over 45 minutes, you’re transported through centuries of Notre-Dame’s history, exploring areas that visitors have never had access to before. The level of detail and immersion genuinely surprised me it brings the cathedral to life in a way that no guidebook can. A perfect complement to visiting the real thing, especially given its recent reopening.
Ticket for the Musée de l'illusion in Paris 1st arrondissement
For something a little different, the Museum of Illusions is one of the most entertaining attractions in Paris. Filled with optical illusions, immersive rooms, and mind-bending installations, it challenges the way you see and understand the world around you. I loved how interactive the experience is, with plenty of opportunities to take fun photos while learning about perception and the science behind visual tricks. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or teenagers, it’s a playful and surprising activity that guarantees plenty of laughs.
Arsène Lupin's Last Secret" survey in Paris
This treasure hunt on the Île Saint-Louis is one of those activities that sneaks up on you, you start thinking it’ll be a lighthearted stroll and end up completely absorbed. Following clues inspired by the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, you weave through some of the island’s most charming backstreets while uncovering local secrets most tourists walk straight past. It works beautifully for families, friends, or groups looking for something more engaging than a standard tour.
Electric Paris" guided tour by electric bike
Covering Paris on an electric bike over three hours is one of the most enjoyable ways to get your bearings in the city. The route takes you past Notre-Dame, the Panthéon, the Luxembourg Gardens, and Place Vendôme, with a local guide sharing stories and details you’d never pick up on your own. The electric assist makes the ride easy and comfortable regardless of your fitness level, and the summer weather in July makes it even better.
Cheese and wine tasting workshop in Paris Austerlitz
This workshop is one of those experiences that feels genuinely Parisian. Led by an expert cheesemaker and wine specialist, you’ll work your way through six cheeses paired with artisan wines, guided by stories about French terroirs and tasting techniques. The blind tasting challenges add a fun competitive edge, and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed throughout. If you love food and want to understand it a little better, this is time very well spent.
Ticket for the Jardin des Plantes Zoo
Tucked within a beautiful wooded setting in the 5th arrondissement, the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is one of Paris’s most charming and underrated, attractions. Home to around 500 animals including red pandas, snow leopards, and exotic reptiles, it manages to be both educational and genuinely enjoyable without feeling overwhelming. Interactive trails and themed events make it particularly good for children, and entry is free for kids under 3.
Food Tour "No Diet Club" in the Marais
Three and a half hours, the Marais district, and more food than you’d expect, this tour is essentially a moving feast through one of Paris’s most characterful neighborhoods. You’ll taste cheeses, charcuterie, macarons, ice cream, and plenty more along the way, with your guide weaving in stories about the area’s layered history between each stop. What sets it apart is the balance between eating well and actually learning something, it never feels like a gimmick.
Tickets for Aquaboulevard
When the July heat becomes part of the equation, Aquaboulevard delivers. Europe’s largest urban water park packs in giant slides, wave pools, Jacuzzis, and outdoor sandy beaches into one sprawling site in the 15th arrondissement. You can go full thrill-seeker on the slides or spend the afternoon drifting along the lazy river either way, it’s a genuine escape from the city pace on a hot day, and it works just as well for adults as it does for kids.
A 2CV ride through the streets of Paris
There’s something genuinely joyful about exploring Paris from the back of a classic Citroën 2CV with the roof rolled back. The car itself draws smiles everywhere it goes, and the route — taking in the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the winding streets of Montmartre feels curated rather than rushed. Whether you go by day or opt for an evening ride as the city lights up, it’s the kind of experience you’ll still be talking about when you get home.
Aquarium de Paris at Trocadéro
Steps from the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Aquarium houses over 13,000 marine creatures across a series of beautifully designed exhibits. Sharks, jellyfish, tropical fish, and coral species fill the tanks, while the touch pool where you can get close to koi carp is a particular hit with younger visitors. Live shows, educational workshops, and even an on-site cinema round out the offer, making it a solid rainy-day option or a welcome indoor break mid-afternoon.
Ticket for the Conciergerie in Paris 1st district
History lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Conciergerie, one of Paris’s most fascinating landmarks. Once a royal palace and later a revolutionary prison, this remarkable Gothic building has witnessed some of the most important moments in French history. Walking through its vast medieval halls, I was struck by the contrast between its royal past and its role during the French Revolution. The highlight is undoubtedly the story of Marie-Antoinette, who spent her final days here before her trial. It’s a captivating journey through centuries of Parisian history.
