Activities Paris

Summer 2025 in Paris: What to Do? Must-See Activities and Events

Serena

June 2, 2025

Summer 2025 in Paris: What to Do? Must-See Activities and Events

Summer 2025 in Paris promises to be exceptional, blending festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and entertainment for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about art, music, theater, or simply looking for family outings, the French capital offers a diverse and captivating program.

Take advantage of this new season to (re)discover the cultural richness of Paris, from its museums to its green spaces, not to mention the iconic festivals and numerous free events organized across all districts. This detailed guide will help you plan your summer weekends with practical information and maps to fully enjoy the City of Light.

Festivals and Major Events

Paris is the city of festivals and major events. This summer 2025, the capital will host a rich and varied program blending music, theater, and art in all its forms. Here are the highlights not to be missed:

Fête de la Musique in Paris (June 21):
- Paris transforms into a giant open-air stage.
- Free concerts across all districts, on squares, in parks, and even along the Seine.
- A unique opportunity to discover new talents and experience music in the heart of Paris.
Paris l’Été Festival 2025 (July-August):
- A multidisciplinary festival combining theater, dance, contemporary art, and immersive installations.
- Taking place in iconic venues such as gardens, historic squares, and monuments.
- Offering free or reduced-price shows to encourage access to culture.
- Family-friendly programming with workshops, games, and interactive shows.
Lollapalooza Paris (July 18-19):
- Music festival at Hippodrome de Longchamp.
- A lineup featuring rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop.
- Internationally renowned artists on stage.
- A festive and friendly atmosphere, perfect with friends.
Nuit Blanche (June 7):
- A unique artistic event where Paris becomes a living museum.
- Installations, projections, performances in unusual locations like the Bourse de Commerce, Saint-Eustache Church, and Île Saint-Louis.
- Museum open nights for a starlit experience.
Roland-Garros (May 25 – June 8):
- Grand Slam tournament on the clay courts at Porte d’Auteuil.
- The world’s top players present.
- Unique atmosphere with entertainment, giant screens, dining areas, and shops.
Other events to watch for:
- Open-Air Cinema at La Villette and in several parks.
- Immersive exhibitions in museums and galleries, with new themes each week.
- Street theater and puppet festivals across different districts.

Events by District: A Varied Program Across the City

Summer 2025 in Paris promises to be vibrant in every district, with events and entertainment for all tastes and ages. Here’s an overview:

1st arrondissement:
- The Louvre and Palais Royal offer exhibitions and workshops.
- Open-air theater performances on historic squares and in gardens.
3rd and 4th arrondissements:
- The Marais hosts artistic installations, particularly during Nuit Blanche.
- Outdoor film screenings on Île Saint-Louis and free concerts.
7th arrondissement:
- Activities around the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars.
- The Musée d’Orsay offers temporary exhibitions and guided tours.
9th arrondissement:
- Music and theater shows in iconic venues like the Palais Garnier.
- Special events in major stores during the summer sales.
12th arrondissement:
- Parc de Bercy and Cité de la Mode host music and dance festivals, as well as children’s workshops.
- Paris Plages brings the banks of the Seine to life with water activities and relaxation areas.
16th arrondissement:
- Roland-Garros and its side events: sports activities, giant screens, and pop-up stores.
- Palais de Tokyo offers exhibitions and artistic installations open to the public.
18th arrondissement:
- Montmartre hosts street performances and free concerts.
- Cultural events focused on music and art, accessible to everyone.
19th arrondissement:
- Parc de la Villette hosts the Open-Air Cinema festival.
- Musée de la Musique and Philharmonie offer concerts and guided tours.
20th arrondissement:
- Neighborhood festivals with open stages for local artists.
- Free games and workshops in green spaces.

Versailles: A Festival of Events for Summer 2025

Just a few kilometers from Paris, Versailles offers an exceptional summer program blending festivals, celebrations, theater, and exhibitions. Discover the highlights that will make this iconic location vibrate throughout the season:

The Night Fountains Show: Every Saturday evening, the royal gardens light up with light displays, water features, and baroque music. Each evening concludes with a fireworks display.
Special Editions: Evenings on July 14, August 15, and September 20 feature spectacular pyrotechnic shows and immersive artistic installations.
The Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens: Enchanting walks through the gardens, accompanied by fountains and period music.
Exclusive Exhibitions: “Genius and Majesty: Louis XIV by Bernini” and “The Grand Dauphin” showcase the historical treasures of the château.
The Molière Month: In June, over 350 free performances animate the city with theater, music, and artistic performances accessible to all.
Open Spaces and New Discoveries: This summer, exceptional places like the Congress Hall and the President of the Congress’s apartment will open their doors for unique visits.

With this cultural and festive offering, Versailles invites you to experience unforgettable holidays, whether for a royal weekend or a day of historical and artistic exploration.

Exhibitions and Museums

In addition to festivals, Paris captivates with the richness of its museums and exhibitions. This summer, museums such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, or the Centre Pompidou will offer prestigious exhibitions, blending classic masterpieces and modern creations. The Musée du Quai Branly will highlight cultures from around the world. For discovery enthusiasts, these venues will offer fascinating insights and spaces dedicated to workshops and activities for children.

Outdoor Outings and Relaxation

Île de la Cité and the banks of the Seine will welcome walkers looking for a cool breeze. The Luxembourg Gardens, Buttes-Chaumont Park, or Monceau Park will offer breathtaking views and shaded spots to relax. The terrace of the Palais de Tokyo offers an exceptional panorama of the Eiffel Tower, perfect for a gourmet break. Paris Plages will animate the banks with deckchairs, children’s games, and free activities.

Family Outings and Activities for Children

Families will find plenty of activities this summer: the Jardin d’Acclimatation with its rides and workshops, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and its interactive exhibitions, the Parc Zoologique de Paris, and even the Île de loisirs de la Marne with water activities and free games. In the evening, don’t miss the open-air cinema sessions in iconic locations.

Shopping and Great Deals

Summer sales in Paris are a bargain. Between the Grands Magasins on the Champs-Élysées, the trendy boutiques of the Marais or rue Saint-Honoré, and the luxury stores of Palais Royal, every neighborhood offers its treasures. Enjoy breaks on terraces and savor ice creams while discovering exclusive deals and events.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Summer 2025 in Paris

With this selection of outings, events, and great deals, summer 2025 in Paris promises to be unforgettable. Between exhibitions, concerts, shows, walks along the Seine, and family moments, Paris opens its doors wide for a year filled with art, conviviality, and pleasure. You can also enjoy every weekend to discover a festival, a neighborhood party, or marvel at an artistic scene set up in an iconic location. The summer weather will bring back sunny days, perfect for relaxation and exploration. Take advantage of the green spaces and sunny terraces to admire the view of the monuments, while fully embracing this festive season.