5 activities to enjoy summer in Paris

Paris is brimming with attractions during the summer months. No matter your tastes or age, whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with your family, you won't have a moment to be bored in the French capital. We've selected a few must-see activities for those lucky enough to be visiting Paris during the summer of 2018.

The Music Festival

Paris celebrates the first day of summer in grand style with the traditional Fête de la Musique (Music Festival), which takes over the streets of the capital and throughout France every year. During this unique celebration, Parisians flock to the streets to enjoy the numerous free concerts that bring the city's 20 arrondissements to life. Whether you're in Montmartre, at the Place de la Bastille, in the Marais, or on the Champs-Élysées, fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Fête de la Musique, which celebrates its ^37th anniversary this year.

The July 14th celebrations

July 14th is when the French celebrate their national holiday, commemorating the pivotal event of the French Revolution: the storming of the Bastille in 1789. If you're in Paris at this time of year, don't miss the chance to join the festivities that bring the city to life on July 13th and 14th. The program includes public dances, open-air concerts, and, above all, the traditional military parade that takes over the Champs-Élysées to celebrate the Republic. End this day of celebrations by admiring the highly anticipated fireworks display that will light up the sky in the evening, near the Eiffel Tower. Join the thousands of people who gather at the Champ de Mars to admire this dazzling and moving pyrotechnic spectacle.

The arrival of the Tour de France

Every year in July, the frenzy of the Tour de France grips the country – and the world. This legendary cycling race is among the most prestigious on the planet. Although the route changes from year to year, the final stage of the race has remained, since 1975, the grand arrival of the cyclists on the Champs-Élysées. On this highly anticipated day, thousands of people gather along the route to cheer on the athletes and witness the culmination of the year's sporting event. The cyclists can be followed not only on the Champs-Élysées, but also near other iconic locations in the city, such as the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Garden.

Paris Beach

Yes, you read that right! It's possible to enjoy a golden sandy beach right in the heart of the City of Lights. Every summer since 2002, the city of Paris has set up sandy beaches and relaxation areas furnished with deck chairs along the banks of the Seine. All sorts of fun and sporting activities are offered to visitors who come to enjoy the warm weather. The beaches, which are completely free to access, attract thousands of Parisians and tourists year after year, who come to sunbathe while admiring the boats passing by on the river. The initiative has also revitalized the banks of the Seine, which are adorned in their finest attire for the summer season.

European Heritage Day

Every year in September, 50 European countries participate in European Heritage Days, which offer the opportunity to discover unique heritage sites. Enjoy free or discounted access to numerous museums in the capital, or venture into historical locations normally closed to the public. The initiative, launched by France in 1984 and subsequently adopted by other European countries, celebrates its ^35th edition this year. On September 15 and 16, 2018, cultural heritage and the art of sharing will be the themes in the spotlight. Take this opportunity to discover must-see sites such as the Élysée Palace, the Musée d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles.