Actually Fun Things To Do In Paris In August 2025 (No Boring Bits)

August in Paris has a reputation — slower pace, smaller crowds, locals on vacation — but don't let that fool you. The city still knows how to turn up the volume when it counts. From bike tours to cheese cellars to lazy Seine cruises, the list of things to do in Paris in August is longer (and cooler) than it gets credit for.

If you're into long evenings, no-stress sightseeing, and a city that somehow stays stylish even when half its residents are on the beach, you're in the right place. The best things to do in Paris in August involve fewer lines, open-air everything, and just enough indulgence to make you forget it's technically a weekday. The city becomes your own personal playground, yet there are still plenty of spectacular events, guided tours of Versailles, gourmet dinner cruises, and classical music concerts. C'est l'été en ville !

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 on a Floating Parisian Terrace

August may be a little sleepy in Paris, but the Seine stays lively — especially when you're dining on a bateau with a view of the city showing off. Four courses, seasonal flair, and a side of sunsets. Add a little live music and the occasional gasp-worthy landmark drifting by, and it's basically dinner and a show. The Service Privilege option gets you the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

Escape to Versailles

Make a summer escape to Versailles and enjoy a guided tour with skip-the-line access. Marvel at the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors and the royal apartments, then wander through the sprawling gardens, now at their lushest. Consider adding the Marie Antoinette hamlet to your itinerary for a glimpse of her idyllic village and a peaceful contrast to the palace's grandeur.

Velvet Banquettes, But Make It Float

While most of Paris sweats through August, you'll be seated in comfort, thanks to Maxim's of Paris floating feast. The decor is pure Belle Époque fantasy, but the mood is relaxed and the champagne is cold. There's live music, silverware that clinks pleasantly, and Paris itself gliding past the windows. Somehow, everything feels like it's been dusted with powdered sugar — possibly including the dessert.

Beat the Heat with a Winged Goddess

August is for hiding indoors — and the Louvre's got statues for that. Glide past the outdoor queues with pre-booked access, then follow your guide through a highlight reel of the museum's best work. Winged Victory looks extra breezy, Mona Lisa's still playing it cool, and you're in a small group soaking it all in without the aimless wandering. After the tour ends you're free to explore the museum as long as you like.

A Towering Summer Escape

August in Paris can be sizzling, but the Eiffel Tower offers a breezy retreat. Skip the line and ascend to catch panoramic views and a refreshing perspective on the city's summer buzz. From the summit, spot Parisians picnicking along the Seine and sunbathing in parks. It's the coolest way to experience the City of Light during its hottest month.

Classical Music, No Chill Required

Outside: warm, crowded, slightly chaotic. Inside: cool stone walls and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto performed by musicians who treat sheet music like a personal challenge. These concerts aren't just refined — they're intense, immersive, and a little showy in the best possible way. Add in the glow of stained glass and some reverb from the heavens, and you've got a Paris night that hits every note.

Impressionism in Full Bloom

Half of Paris is on vacation in August, which makes it the perfect time to slide into Orsay — especially with skip-the-line access and a guide who knows their stuff. You'll hit the highlights without the heat stroke: sweeping seascapes, hazy gardens, and the kind of portraits that practically sigh at you. It's beauty, light, and a little drama, all inside a repurposed train station that somehow makes it feel glamorous.

Paradis Latin – Just Add Sequins

Tired of quiet Paris dinners and predictable entertainment? This is your antidote. Paradis Latin delivers a full three-course French meal followed by a cabaret so bright, bold, and joyfully chaotic you'll forget what day it is. Between the music, costumes, and cheeky humor, this show doesn't just flirt with fun — it runs away with it. The wine helps. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

A Champagne Tasting That Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously

If you're looking for white tablecloths and wine words you can't pronounce, look elsewhere. This is a river cruise with champagne, a view, and zero pretense. You'll taste three different pours, chat with a sommelier who's more storyteller than snob, and float past the Eiffel Tower while your glass mysteriously keeps refilling. One hour, three champagnes, and absolutely no pressure to sniff before you sip.

An Overachiever's Night Out

Tonight's mission: do Paris properly. You'll start by skipping to the top of the Eiffel Tower like it's no big deal. Then settle into a river cruise with a dinner that says, "You deserve this," and a view that agrees. Cap it all at the Moulin Rouge, where feathers fly, the champagne's cold, and the curtain never really falls. It's an evening with no chill — and that's exactly the point. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

Parisian Nights on the Seine

While Paris melts under the August sun, you'll be drifting through the city on a boat with AC and chilled wine. The Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise delivers four courses of French indulgence and nonstop views of a shimmering, slightly quieter capital. The river breeze does its thing, the city glows, and you're wondering if "floating restaurant critic" is a real job you can apply for.

Direct to Your Hotel, Without Detours

Landing in Paris isn't the moment for public transportation experiments. A private airport transfer is the smoothest way to start your trip — no side quests, no shrugging at taxi stands, just a clean ride straight to your hotel. Your driver meets you inside, grabs your bags, and gets you going before you've had time to regret wearing jeans on an overnight flight. Comfortable. Reliable. Sanity-saving.

Cool Lives on the Left Bank

No one calls themselves a cool kid — they just stay on the Left Bank and let the details speak. The hotels here are the kind that don't need rooftop bars to feel relevant. They've got better things, like original tile work, courtyard gardens, and staff who still recommend actual bookstores. You're not missing out. You're exactly where you're supposed to be.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

Impressionist Inspirations + Royal Revelations

Uncover the inspirations behind Claude Monet's Impressionist masterpieces as you meander through his Giverny estate. Post-lunch, shift from artistic muse to royal opulence at Versailles. Traverse the grand corridors and expansive gardens, immersing yourself in the lavish lifestyle of French royalty. This guided excursion offers a blend of creativity and grandeur, leaving you enriched and awed.

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.

Forget the Bus – Ride Versailles

Trade traffic for tree-lined bike paths and do Versailles properly. With skip-the-line palace access, a stop at the local market, and a guide who actually makes history entertaining, this tour keeps things moving in the best way. From royal hideaways to over-the-top halls of mirrors, you'll see it all without needing to hustle or huff. If you like your luxury with a side of fresh air, this is it. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

Glorious Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

Less Heat, More Chill: A Day in the Champagne Region

When Paris is sweating, champagne is still cool — literally, in those limestone cellars. This day trip gets you out of town and into full-on vineyard mode, with a guide who skips the fluff, and wineries that actually pour like they mean it. Between sips, there's a proper French lunch and enough scenery to make your phone battery nervous. It's indulgent, yes. But isn't that kind of the point? One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

Normandy's D-Day Beaches in Summer

Travel from Paris to Normandy on a guided day trip to explore the historic D-Day landing beaches. Walk the sands of Omaha Beach, visit the American Cemetery, and learn about the Allied invasion through museums and monuments. Your guide provides moving insights into the events that changed the course of history. A cider tasting adds a touch of Normandy's local flavor.

Discover the Loire Valley's Chateaux & Wines

Spend a summer day exploring the treasures of the Loire Valley. Visit the castles of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, marveling at their Renaissance architecture and the lush landscapes that surround them. Your guide will share the stories of these remarkable castles, bringing history to life. A wine tasting rounds out the experience. This day trip from Paris combines history, culture, and timeless beauty.

Monet Without the Museum Crowds

Giverny is the kind of place that doesn't care if you're "into Impressionism." It's quietly spectacular. This half-day trip gives you access to Monet's house and garden — no glass barriers, no security guards giving side-eye. Just wide paths, a famous bridge, and the very lily pond that made everyone obsessed with soft brushwork. It's less a tour, more a very scenic day out.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris August 2025

Cooler Underground, Cheesier Too

The cheese cellar is calm, cool, and packed with edible overachievers. This guided tasting gives you seven French cheeses — none of them shy — plus wines that know how to play nice. It's part education, part indulgence, and entirely worth your time. Whether you're into aged gouda-level intensity or something soft, oozy, and unreasonable, you'll find a favorite. And maybe even brag about it later. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

Explore the Tastes of Montmartre

Take a delicious journey through Montmartre, the iconic hilltop quartier, on a food and wine tour. Visit local shops to taste artisanal cheeses, cured meats, delectable pastries, and carefully chosen wines. Stroll the cobblestone streets and charming squares that define the area's bohemian character. With stunning views of Paris to end the experience, this tour offers an unforgettable way to connect with one of the city's most beloved neighborhoods.

Learn to Make French Croissants in Paris

Immerse yourself in the craft of French baking with a croissant-making class led by a professional Parisian chef. From handling the dough to achieving the perfect rise, you'll master the techniques behind this quintessential pastry. Held in a professional kitchen, this hands-on session ensures you gain the skills to recreate croissants at home. Finish the class by enjoying your freshly baked treats

Taste Paris in the Marais

Stroll through the Marais on a food and wine tour that reveals the neighborhood's culinary excellence. Visit its oldest food market and artisanal shops, sampling French staples like baguettes, cheeses, and charcuterie alongside exquisite chocolates. Enjoy wine pairings that enhance each tasting as your guide shares stories about the quartier's history and culture. This small-group tour offers a flavorful escape into the heart of Paris.

Saint-Germain's Chocolate & Patisserie Trail

Embark on a delightful tour through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, visiting its most renowned chocolate and pastry shops. Led by an expert guide, learn about the traditions and craftsmanship behind these beloved confections. Sample creamy ganaches, flaky éclairs, and other delectable treats along the way. The small-group setting ensures a leisurely pace and plenty of tasting opportunities.

Wine Tasting Without the Lecture

This wine tasting skips the snobbery and gets right to the point: good French wine, explained by someone who knows what they're doing and isn't out to impress you with adjectives. You'll sample a curated lineup from major French regions, all in a quiet cellar just minutes from the Louvre. It's approachable, educational, and might just ruin you for grocery-store reds back home. One Of The Best Things To Do In Paris In August.

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.

Lunch with a Side of Skyline

You can't come to Paris and not eat somewhere fantistique. Madame Brasserie fits the bill — a modern French brasserie on the Eiffel Tower, with killer views and a kitchen that knows what it's doing. Thierry Marx doesn't do boring, so neither will your meal. Go for lunch or dinner, but go hungry.

Paris Market & Culinary Workshop

Step into the culinary world of Paris with a guided market tour and cooking class. Shop for fresh ingredients at a bustling outdoor market, guided by a professional chef. Back in the kitchen, learn to create a French meal that includes an entrée, plat, and dessert. Finish your experience with a leisurely lunch and a glass of wine, celebrating the flavors of the season. This class offers a delicious way to explore French cuisine.

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.

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 story of an artist who found 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 Plages

Paris Plages is back for 2025, transforming the city into your personal seaside retreat. This summer enjoy sandy beaches, refreshing swims, and a lineup of free activities at iconic spots like Bassin de la Villette and Canal Saint-Martin. Who says you need to leave Paris to catch some rays and relaxation?
• Banks of the Seine
• July & August 2025
• Information…

Jazz à la Villette

Jazz à la Villette isn't your granddad's jazz fest — unless your granddad's into funk, soul, Afrobeat, and wild improvisation. This genre-hopping celebration brings boundary-pushing artists, bold collabs, and plenty of groove. One minute it's Miles Davis vibes, the next it's hip-hop with a saxophone solo.
• Philharmonie de Paris
• August 08 to September 7, 2025
• Information…

Étê du Canal – Summer on the Canal

Étê du Canal turns Paris waterways into the city's coolest hangout. Picture this: hopping on a boat for €1, cruising past street art, stumbling upon a floating concert, and dancing by the canal. With workshops, open-air cinema, and more, it's where Parisians swap boulevards for boat rides. Who needs the Seine when you've got the Ourcq?

• Canal de l'Ourcq
• July 05 to August 10, 2025
• Information…

Rock en Seine

Rock en Seine is where Paris trades its baguettes for band tees and turns the genteel Domaine de Saint-Cloud into a rock 'n' roll playground. Each August, this festival serves up a heady mix of legendary acts and buzzworthy newcomers across multiple stages. With past lineups boasting names like Arctic Monkeys and The Cure, it's the ultimate summer send-off for music lovers who like their riffs loud and their vibes electric.

• Pont de St-Cloud
• August 20 to 24 2025
• Information…

Assomption – Assumption Day

August 15th in Paris isn't just another summer day — it's Assumption Day, when the city takes a collective pause. Shops? Closed. Streets? Quieter. But head to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and you'll find the heart of the action. The faithful gather for special Masses and processions honoring the Virgin Mary's ascent to heaven. Whether you're devout or just curious, it's a unique glimpse into Parisian tradition.

• August 15 2025