In summer, Paris takes on a different pace. Most Parisians flock to the coast for two weeks to a month to bask in the sun and enjoy a break away from the busyness of city life. For visitors this means that Paris takes on an alternative vibe in the peak of the heat and it’s worth experiencing at least once. Here’s a few reasons why…
1. Accommodation is cheap
A photo posted by Jen Gunn (@jmgunn) on
When locals head south to France’s beaches, they let out their apartments or rooms to save on rent. Live like a Parisian and book a fully furnished apartment through a website like Airbnb or VRBO where you make arrangements directly with the owner and gain full reign over a kitchen, living room and possibly a terrace with views. Prices are often much cheaper than surrounding hotels, making this a must-try for travellers on a budget.
2. Riverside bars, boats and barges open up.
Le bonheur en rose sur la Seine #RosaBonheur #RosaBonheurSurSeine #Terrace #Terrasse #Drink #AfterWork #Verre #Posey #Seine #QuaiDeSeine #BergesParis #Paris #InstaParis #BlogParis #BlogHumeur #Like4Like #L4L #LPH #LeParisienHeureux A photo posted by Le Parisien Heureux (@leparisienheureux) on
The Seine comes to life in summer with boat terraces and pop-up bars opening along the banks. Perfect for an afternoon apéro or a cocktail under the stars, you can’t go wrong with Rosa Bonheur sur Seine near Pont Alexandre III, Le Petit Bain or the packed Batofar
3. It’s festival season
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The French Open, Bastille Day, Paris Gay Pride and Tour de France bring the festival feeling to Paris during the summer months. Not to mention Fête des Tuileries, the picture-perfect funfair set in the Tuileries garden. And Cinéma en Plein Air, Paris’s premier outdoor film festival. So many events to attend, so little time.
4. Shop the summer sales
“Ladies, gird your loins!” The summer sales in Paris have arrived A photo posted by rueenrose (@rueenrose) on
Shopaholics are going to love Paris in the summertime! Each year the price tags on fashion, homewares and everything else you could want are slashed dramatically during the government regulated summer sales (‘soldes’ in French). Stretching for five to six weeks, if you travel through Paris in June or July, chances are you’ll snag a designer bargain or three.
5. Be a beach bum in the city
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A sight to behold, the Paris Plages take over the banks of the Seine in the peak of summer. With truckloads of sand dropped, umbrellas propped, fountains for cooling off and drink carts at the ready, this is a one-of-a-kind ‘beach’ experience. Seriously worth the look, the most popular sandy patch stretches almost three kilometres from Pont Neuf to Pont de Sully.
(Featured image: Julia)
