August is usually the laziest, least crowded warm-weather month in Paris. But with the Olympics in town until August 11 and the Paris Paralympic games starting up on the 28th, there are bound to be more visitors than usual. But, according to mayor Anne Hidalgo, it will be business as usual, with the best of Paris activities and events in full swing. So, go ahead and sign up for a guided tour of Versailles, or maybe a gourmet dinner cruise, or one of the dozens of fun activities in Paris.

Let's take a look at more than forty ways to explore and enjoy the City of Light. In Summer 2025.

Things to Do in Paris – August 2025

Fascinating Day Trips from Paris

The Best Things to Do in Paris

How To Visit Versailles

Paris Food & Wine Experiences

The Hottest Events In Paris

New Exhibits At The Museums

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

The Best Things to Do in Paris – August 2025

Dine in Style with Bateaux Parisiens

Glide through Paris on a bateau, indulging in a four-course dinner created from seasonal ingredients. The soft glow of summer evenings reflects off the Seine as iconic monuments pass by. Live music fills the air, complementing the fine dining and creating a serene and elegant experience. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.

Experience the Magnificence of Versailles

Versailles is a symbol of grandeur and royal decadence. The chateaux and gardens are don't-miss destinations when you're in Paris — and close enough that it's an easy day trip. The only way to avoid standing in the long lines is to go the royal route. Book a skip-the-line tour with a driver/guide to make the past come alive. Includes transportation to and from central Paris.

Maxim's of Paris Seine Dinner Cruise

Summertime in Paris is the perfect season to board a bateau on the banks of the Seine River for a dinner cruise hosted by Maxim's of Paris, the historic brasserie that debuted in 1900. Now, more than a century later, you have the chance to enjoy Maxim's iconic atmosphere and signature dishes — with truffles, lobster and fresh seafood featured on the menu.

The Masterpieces of the Louvre

Don't just show up at the world's biggest museum only to wait in line. Skip the queues and go straight to the Louvre's greatest masterpieces. Instead of standing in line, you'll be admiring the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and of course, the Mona Lisa. This small-group tour is led by an expert museum guide. After the tour ends you're free to explore the museum as long as you like.

Classical Music in Paris in August

Paris is renowned for its magnificent Gothic churches; many of these historic buildings are also venues for classical music. The acoustically-perfect La Sainte Chapelle is one our favourite venues. This jewel of Paris — with massive stained glass walls and soaring ceilings — was recently restored in in a dazzling renovation. It's the perfect way to spend a sizzling August evening in Paris. Concerts do sell out, so book today.

Skip the Lines at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most popular monument in the world and the ticket lines are always long. We don't know about you, but we don't want to spend our precious time in Paris standing in lines. That's why we strongly recommend skip-the-line tours that get you to the very top, for the best views.

An Evening at Paradis Latin

In the heart of the Latin Quarter is an iconic Paris cabaret & supper club that's been there since 1802. In a building designed by Gustave Eiffel some of the best nighttime entertainment in Paris is to be found in a splendorous and slightly risqué revue. Combine the show with a dinner menu from Michelin-starred Guy Savoy and you'll delight all your senses during a memorable evening.

Champagne & Food Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés

St-Germain-des-Prés, the historic Left Bank neighborhood, is filled with food, wine, and champagne shops. This tour with an expert guide gets you off the beaten track to immerse yourself in French food, culture, and the best of French bubbly, as you travel from shop to shop. Each of the champagne tastings (and there are several) are paired with French cheeses, pâtes, and delicate chocolates & pastries.

Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Impressionism Tour

The Musée d'Orsay holds the world's most important collection of Impressionist art, with scores of stunning works by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Renoir. Since the lines are always long, the best way to get to see the art is on a skip-the-line tour with an Impressionism expert guide. Once the tour finishes, you're free to spend as much time as you want perusing the masterpieces.

Dine on the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brasserie

Finding a table for lunch or dinner on the Eiffel Tower is not only a magnificent idea, it's easier than it may sound. Simply make a reservation at Madame Brasserie, created by Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx. The views are fantastic and the menu is wonderful. Choose the Grande Dame – Paris View for the best experience.

Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie & Notre Dame Tour

Explore the ancient heart of Paris, Île de la Cité, on a guided tour that takes you to the iconic sights including La Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame. An expert guide leads this captivating exploration of the rich history of Paris; you'll have the privilege of witnessing the city's breathtaking beauty.

Private Airport Transfers

One of our most appreciated pieces of advice is to pre-arrange transportation from the airport into central Paris. It's comforting to know what's going to happen when you arrive. Our favorite way is to have a private driver waiting upon our arrival to whisk us directly to our hotel. There's something magical about starting your trip to Paris with a touch of luxury and comfort.

Our Top-Ten Left Bank Hotels

Who doesn't love staying on the Left Bank of Paris? Since Hemingway and the Jazz Age, the Left Bank has defined the essence of Paris. The Saint-Germain neighborhood is charming, and so are the best of the hotels in the quartier. Let's take a look at our top picks of Left Bank hotels, updated for 2025.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

Skip the Lines at Versailles

If you don't want to spend a full day at Versailles, get aboard this half-day tour that includes priority access with an expert guide. With your guide at your side, you'll learn about the royals' lavish lifestyle and their lasting legacy. We like that it's a small-group tour with transportation right from central Paris. Choose from morning and afternoon tours.

Versailles + Claude Monet's Gardens in One Day

The only thing more popular than visiting Versailles or Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny is visiting them both on the same day. Meet your guide in Paris and head out to Versailles. Afterwards, you visit Monet's house & grounds where the gardens will be at the peak of the season. Lunch and transportation are included. And, yes, that's Rachel McAdams kissing Owen Wilson at Monet's lily pond!

Versailles Bike Tour + Chateau Visit

We love this summer 2-in-1 activity. Explore the Versailles countryside on two wheels as you glide through forests and pastures, to the local market, to the gardens of Versailles, and past the historic grounds & buildings. You also use your priority-access passes to explore the chateau as long as you like. This makes for a wonderful day, but be sure to book right now!

Glorious Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

See Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

The gardens where Claude Monet painted will be at their peak of summer perfection, as will the waterlilies on the idyllic pond. No need to worry about trains or tickets. Choose this small-group tour to spend the afternoon on all things Monet — his stunning pink house & the historic gardens in Giverny. Includes transportation from central Paris.

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

Focus on the Land of Bubbly on a day trip to the famous Champagne region, just an hour from Paris. Get picked up at your hotel and driven through the beautiful wine country to visit the most famous champagne houses. Finish with a guided tasting of the Grand Crus of Champagne. Sample as much as you want — your expert guide is doing the driving! Hotel pick-up and a multi-course lunch are also included.

Visit The Historic D-Day Beaches

Ride through the beautiful Normandy countryside on your way to visit the most important sites of World War II — memorials, landing beaches, and cemeteries. Hard to believe that it was three-quarters of a century ago that the end of that war began on the beaches of Normandy. A classic French lunch is included as is a special tasting session of the region's famous cider.

Explore The Loire Valley – Chateaux & Wines

This magnificent Renaissance valley is known for more that just its famous chateaux. The Loire Valley also produces world-renowned wines. This very popular tour gets you into the most famous castles, and also includes a wine tasting of the best varietals from the region. Also included is a multi-course French lunch. It's like two trips in one!

Discover Historic Mont Saint-Michel

Spend a day exploring the coast of Normandy and the fairytale island of Mont Saint-Michel. You visit the Benedictine abbey that becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. Wander along the narrow streets, the shops, and the abbey's ramparts. On your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you drive through the picturesque Normandy countryside.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

This is our #1 food activity in Paris. Visit the Marais to descend into a private cheese cellar with an affineur — an expert in aging cheeses. Learn about the proper way to age seven classic French cheeses and how to match them with wines. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you! Be sure to book early.

Learn to Make Croissants with a Pastry Chef

Flaky, buttery croissants are a lasting taste memory from any trip to Paris. While you're here in the City of Food, take the opportunity to learn how to make croissants in a Parisian kitchen. A professional chef takes you through all the steps to master this iconic French pastry.

An Elegant Seine Dinner Experience

As Paris shimmers under the August night sky, a Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise offers an idyllic escape. Relish a refined four-course meal paired with stunning views of the city's most beloved landmarks. The gentle flow of the river, combined with live music and the culinary delights onboard, creates a quintessentially Parisian experience, blending romance and culture in perfect harmony.

Check Availability

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Montmartre, the quartier on the hill is famous for its cobblestone streets, café and terraces, and also for the bohemian crowd who once lived here. Today, it's also famous for its food shops. Join a food-expert guide for a walking tour of the historic district to taste some of the best of French cuisine — cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and chocolate paired with French wine.

Likely To Sell Out

The Food & Wine of the Marais

Join the top-rated food tour in paris to explore the Marais, a culinary hotspot, with a gourmet expert. You dive into the rich melting pot of French cuisine, visiting the top 10 food shops in the historic neighborhood. What do you taste? The best food of France, like cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and the most famous wines. Includes a visit to the oldest food market in Paris.

Check Availability

Chocolate & Pastry Tour of Saint-Germain

If wine and Paris go together, what about Paris, chocolate and pastries? Is it a wonder that visitors love this guided walking tour? Get behind the scenes of traditional French desserts, including regional specialities. Along with plenty of sampling of course! And don't worry, any calories will be burned off by the walking.

Check Availability

Champagne Tasting River Cruise

You know why this is one of our favorite activities, don't you? It matches Paris with champagne — a marriage made in France. From your perch at the front of the bateau sit back and enjoy the scenery. And what a scenery it is! Glide past world-famous monuments while sipping bubbly and discovering that perhaps the best way to see the City of Lights is from the river.

Learn More

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

France, Paris, Wine — they just go together, don't they? Take the opportunity to learn about the country's wine regions and taste the wines, with guidance from an expert sommelier. We recommend the 2-hour grand cru tasting — it gives the rare opportunity to taste some of the finest wines of France. It all takes place in a charming wine bar very near the Louvre.

reserve your glass

Bateaux Parisiens Gourmet Lunch Cruise

Cruise along the Seine while enjoying a classic 3-course French lunch aboard Bateaux Parisiens. Soak in the views of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Musée d'Orsay as you choose from an a la carte menu with wine. The extras? Live entertainment and a glass of cool champagne to start your adventure. Choose the Service Privilege option to guarantee a window seat.

Check Availability

Paris Cooking Class & Food Market Tour

This popular activity guides you through the creation of an entire French meal, under the tutelage of a Paris chef — entrée, plat, et dessert. At the end of the cooking, sit down and enjoy what you've made. Choose the option that includes a guided tour of the local markets to meet butchers, fishmongers, and produce sellers as you gather the fresh ingredients for your cooking class.

Likely To Sell Out

French Food Highlights Private Tour

This private tour gets you inside the most exquisite culinary destinations in Paris, making you feel like an insider. François ia your French food & wine guide. Learn from his expertise as he leads to insider's restaurants, boulangeries, and cheese shops, tasting the best of the city's culinary treasures. Bring your walking shoes and your appetite! This is one of our new favourites and the reviews are spectacular.

Check Availability

What's On At the Museums

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

The Louvre & d'Orsay In One Day

Time is precious when you're in Paris. Enjoy skip-the-line access on this small-group combo tour. You'll get ahead of the long lines at both the enormous Louvre Museum AND at Musée d'Orsay. See the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo at the Louvre, before heading to the d'Orsay to view the Impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Group size is limited to 8 to ensure a personalized experience.

Check Availability

The Met at the Louvre: A Global Perspective

This unique exhibition pairs works from The Met and the Louvre, offering a global perspective on art history. By juxtaposing pieces from diverse cultures and time periods, it highlights shared inspirations and unique artistic voices. It's a celebration of the connections that unite humanity through creativity and craftsmanship.
• The Louvre
• Ends September 28, 2025
• Information…

Alfred Dreyfus: A Case That Shaped History

The Dreyfus Affair is brought to life through artifacts and narratives that highlight its impact on justice and civil rights. This exhibition traces the cultural and political divisions of the time, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Dreyfus's story in the ongoing fight against injustice and prejudice. At the Paris Jewish museum.
• Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme
• March 13 to August 31, 2025
• Information…

Paris Events Spotlight: Eugene Boudin

Eugene Boudin's works capture fleeting beauty, from tranquil harbors to luminous skies. A vital figure in Impressionism's foundation, his art continues to inspire. As one of the standout Paris Events, this exhibition provides a rare glimpse into the artist's legacy.

• Musée Marmatton Monet
• Ends August 31, 2005
• Information…

Beyond the Sands: Understanding Deserts

Step into the world of deserts, where arid conditions foster unexpected biodiversity. The exhibition delves into the challenges and resilience of life in these striking landscapes, highlighting their scientific and environmental significance.
• Natural History Museum
• Ends November 30
• Information…

Hockney's Vision of the Natural World

The landscapes of David Hockney are anything but static. His bold interpretations of the natural world — vivid hillsides, dense forests, and sweeping vistas — convey an undeniable sense of movement and vitality. Through his unique perspectives and color palettes, Hockney transforms familiar scenery into dynamic and immersive works of art..
• Ends January 9, 2026
• Information…

Matisse's Most Personal Portraits

His daughter Marguerite appears in some of Matisse's most striking portraits, from early charcoal studies to later, more abstract interpretations. Her presence is unmistakable — sometimes direct and solemn, at other times softened by the artist's evolving style. These works, seen together, tell a deeply personal story of an artist who found endless inspiration in his daughter's face.
• Musée de Art Moderne
• Ends August 24
• Information…

An Unconventional Friendship

Artistic duos are rare, and few shaped contemporary art like Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. She sculpted, he engineered. She brought exuberance, he reveled in destruction. Their friendship, built on art and defiance, fueled a body of work that blurred the lines between play and protest, joy and disorder
• Grand Palais
• Ends January 4, 2026
• Information…

Agnes Varda's Parisian Lens

Agnes Varda's connection to Paris comes alive through photographs, films, and memorabilia. Her perspective captures the evolving cityscape and its cultural identity. As one of the most engaging Paris events, this exhibition celebrates a filmmaker whose work reflects the spirit of Paris with a unique artistic touch.

• Musée Carnavalet
• Ends August 24, 2025
• Information…

Gabriele Münter's Artistic Legacy

Gabriele Münter's bold use of color and her innovative techniques set her apart in the world of modern art. By exploring themes of identity, place, and emotion, Münter's work continues to resonate and offers a unique perspective on early 20th-century artistic movements.

• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• Ends August 24, 2025
• Information…

Expanding the Horizons of Art

Out of Focus celebrates the ways artists have stretched the boundaries of creativity since 1945. Through abstraction, reinvention, and experimentation, the works challenge conventional aesthetics. The exhibition provides a compelling exploration of how art has responded to societal changes, transforming how we see and understand the world.

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends August 18, 2025
• Information…

The Top Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

Paris Plage Returns in 2025

The popular annual beach-comes-to-the Seine event is postponed until 2025 to make room for Paris Olympic events. Even without a beach, there will be a lot happening on the river! Save your bathing suit for next year!

Jazz à la Villette

More than 30,000 jazz enthusiasts will attend concerts by well-known musicians and by up-and-coming talent. There will also be film screenings, exhibitions and master classes to celebrate all things Jazz.
• Parc Floral de Vincennes
• June 30 to September 8, 2025
• Information…

Étê du Canal – Summer on the Canal

The Canal de l'Ourcq celebrates the summer with a fun program of dance, concerts, water activities including boat cruises, films screenings and street art. Canal de L'Ourcq is a trendy part of the Parisian canal network up in the 19th Arrondissement.

• Canal de l'Ourcq
• Ends August 11, 2025
• Information…

Rock en Seine

Join Parisians as they rock out on the edge of the city!

• Pont de St-Cloud
• August 21 to 25 2025
• Information…

Assomption – Assumption Day

This is a national holiday in France. Many shops, restaurants and services will be closed. So, not really different than Covid lockdown.

• August 15 2025

Paris Planning Guides

Glorious Dinner Cruises

Historic D-Day Tours

Latin Quarter Hotels

Visiting Versailles