How to spend a perfect day in Paris in Summer. From dawn to dusk and much later – we’ve got you covered…
Morning wander under the Eiffel Tower
It’s a magnificent cliché but like so many clichés – absolutely fabulous. Take a wander in the Champs de Mar where the Eiffel Tower stands – utterly inspiring, and the ultimate selfie spot.
Breakfast boulangerie
There are thousands of bakeries in Paris (more than 30,000 in total). You’ll have no problem finding a perfect, just baked, golden, flaky croissant to enjoy with your coffee!
Morning cultural fix
With more than 130 museums and numerous art galleries, channeling your inner culture vulture is easy.
Languish over lunch Paris style
Invisible from the street, head for the hanging garden terraces of the restaurant Bellevilloise. Chill out amongst the olive and palm trees and let the hours slip by while you enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch. 19-21 Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris
Après midi
Play pétanque in the afternoon sun. Don’t have boules with you? At Bar Ourcq near the Canal St Martin they’ll lend you balls and deckchairs to enjoy a game at the water’s edge. 68 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris
Wander in a park for a breath of fresh air. The Luxembourg Gardens make for terrific people watching opportunities. Pull up a free green chair, watch the kids float their toy boats on the pond, be wowed by the gorgeous Medici Fountain and enjoy the city’s special green space.
Shop, shop, shop! Big stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Bon Marché are the best known of the big department stores. Though I wouldn’t normally recommend shopping in big stores – some are worth visiting for their good looks alone. Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussman has a stunning belle epoque interior with an amazing glass come and ornate staircase. Le Bon Marché stores have the most beautiful food markets (think Harrods with French flair). Printemps, also on Boulevard Haussman, has a great rooftop bar with impressive views over the city. If you love antiques head to the flea markets of Saint Ouen and if you want unique fashion buys, the Marais district is inspirational…
Apero time
Head for a cool rooftop venue – perfect for enjoying the great outdoors with views that seriously impress. Loved by Parisians, Le Perchoir bar on the roof of BHV Marais offers a fabulous vista over the capital’s iconic monuments. More perfect places for an aperitif in Paris
Dinner in Paris
Paris is a gastronomic paradise and some of the best restaurants can be found in hotels which often have gorgeous outdoor spaces. The 5-star Hotel Costes is one of the best kept secrets of Parisians with its oh-so-chic secluded terrace. 239 rue Saint-Honoré – 75001 Paris
Night Owls in the city of light
La Boumettte is an extraordinary and free (before midnight) summer only club at the prestigious Opera Garnier. With an outdoor terrace, music (often electro) and DJs it’s an exceptional night out; Saturdays 22h-05.30. La Paillotte de l’Opera, 1 place Jacques Rouche 75009 Paris
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