The best things to do in Paris in July are all about making the most of long days, warm evenings, beautiful gardens, and the kind of summer magic that makes people fall in love with the City of Lights.
As a mom of three and a Paris photographer, July is one of my favorite months to explore the city—whether we’re chasing carnival lights, escaping into shady parks, or photographing families on summer vacation while Paris absolutely glows.
July is busy (for good reason), but it’s also full of experiences that only happen during the summer season. If you’re visiting Paris this month, you’ll find festivals, outdoor dining, evening walks that stretch past 10 p.m., and plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, bringing the kids, celebrating an anniversary, or simply crossing Paris off your Paris bucket list, here are my favorite things to do in Paris in July.
What You’ll Find in This Blog
- Why July is one of the best times to visit Paris
- Visit the Tuileries Garden Carnival
- See the Olympic Cauldron in Paris
- Enjoy Paris Plages along the Seine
- Spend an evening in Montmartre
- Escape to the Luxembourg Gardens
- Don’t miss Bastille Day celebrations
- A quick guide to choosing the right Paris arrondissement
- Ready to book your Paris photoshoot?
Why Visit Paris in July?
If you’re wondering whether July is a good time to visit Paris, my answer is absolutely yes—with one small caveat: expect crowds during high season.
July is one of the busiest months of the year, but there’s a reason for that. The warm weather, flowers in bloom, outdoor cafés, and daylight that lasts until almost 10 p.m. make it a great time to explore the French capital.
As someone who’s lived here for several years, one of my favorite things about July is how much more relaxed the evenings become. Families picnic along the River Seine, friends gather in gardens, musicians appear in unexpected corners, and somehow even after a long day of sightseeing, the city still feels energetic.
It’s also one of my favorite months for photography sessions because the light is gorgeous even earlier in the morning.
Visit the Tuileries Garden Carnival in July
If I could only recommend one July-only experience, it would be the Tuileries Garden Carnival (Fête des Tuileries) in the Jardin des Tuileries.
Every summer, this classic French carnival transforms part of the Tuileries Garden into a colorful mix of rides, games, food stands, and old-fashioned fairground charm. While kids absolutely love it, don’t think it’s only for families.
One of the highlights is riding the giant Ferris wheel. At the very top, you’ll get one of my favorite views in Paris. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower rising above the rooftops, the Louvre Museum stretching behind you, and the gardens laid out below. It’s especially beautiful in the evening as the sun begins to set.
Fun Fact About the Tuileries Garden History
The Tuileries Garden itself has an incredible history. It was redesigned in the 1600s by André Le Nôtre, the legendary landscape architect who created the gardens of Versailles for King Louis XIV. His symmetrical pathways, elegant fountains, and perfectly planned vistas still define the garden today, reflecting France’s rich history and making it one of the best places to experience French culture.
As a photographer, I also love this area because it’s one of the easiest places to combine beautiful gardens with iconic Paris architecture. If you’re planning a family session or vacation photoshoot, it’s an excellent location that offers a huge variety of backdrops within a short walk.
Check out some of our favorite client photos from the Tuileries here!
See the Olympic Cauldron in Paris
One of the newest additions to Paris has quickly become a favorite for visitors.
The Olympic Cauldron, created for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has returned as a seasonal installation. The amazing news is that it can once again be seen during the summer months in the Tuileries Garden.
Rather than a traditional flame, the cauldron uses a combination of lighting effects and mist to create the illusion of floating fire, making it one of the most unique Paris events to experience after dark.
If you’re visiting in July, it’s well worth planning an evening walk through the gardens to see it illuminated. Check the current schedule before your visit, as display times can vary depending on weather conditions and seasonal programming.
The surrounding gardens are especially beautiful in the golden hour, making this another wonderful stop for a picnic or an evening stroll.
Relax at Paris Plages Along the Seine
No, Paris doesn’t suddenly grow a coastline every summer.
But it does something almost as fun.
Each July, parts of the Seine transform into Paris Plages, complete with lounge chairs, sandy areas, activities, games, fountains, and spaces where families can relax along the banks of the Seine River.
If you’re traveling with children, this can be a lifesaver after several museum days. My kids are always much happier after they’ve had some space to run around instead of hearing me say, “Don’t touch that,” every five minutes.
Even if you’re traveling without kids, it’s a lovely place to sit with a cold drink, grab an ice cream, and enjoy watching Paris slow down for the afternoon.
Spend a Summer Evening in Montmartre
Montmartre is beautiful year-round, but July evenings have a special atmosphere.
Street musicians fill the squares, artists continue painting late into the evening, and restaurants spill out onto sidewalks lined with flowers.
Rather than rushing through your sightseeing checklist, slow down here.
Grab dinner.
Order dessert.
Watch the world go by.
The soft evening light around Sacré-Cœur is also one of my favorite times for couples’ photography sessions. If you’ve ever dreamed of romantic Paris photos that feel effortless instead of overly posed, this neighborhood delivers every single time.
Check out some of our favorite client photos from Montmartre!
Enjoy a Summer Day at the Luxembourg Gardens
Whenever friends ask me where to take children in Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens are always near the top of my list.
There’s plenty of room to run, beautiful flowerbeds, fountains, shaded chairs, puppet shows, playgrounds, and the famous little sailboats that children have been sailing across the central pond for generations.
Parents get to enjoy one of the city’s loveliest green spaces.
Kids get to burn off enough energy to make dinner significantly more peaceful.
Everybody wins.
The gardens are also one of the loveliest locations for family photography because they feel relaxed, elegant, and unmistakably Parisian without being overly crowded in every direction.
Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris
If you’re visiting around July 14, you’ll have the chance to experience Bastille Day, France’s national holiday.
The city celebrates with military ceremonies, concerts, neighborhood festivities, and one of the biggest fireworks displays of the year over the Eiffel Tower.
I’ve already put together a complete guide covering everything you need to know about Bastille Day in Paris.
Check out our Bastille Day blog HERE for all the details.
Which Paris Arrondissement Should You Explore?
One of the questions I hear most often from visitors is:
“Which arrondissement should we stay in?”
The answer depends entirely on your travel style.
Some neighborhoods are perfect if it’s your first time visiting Paris and you want to stay in the heart of Paris, while others feel more local, quieter, or especially family-friendly. It’s always a good idea to choose your neighborhood before planning the rest of your itinerary.
Check out our Paris Arrondissements Guide HERE for more information.
More Fun Things to Do in Paris in July
If you have extra time in your itinerary, here are a few more July favorites and outdoor activities:
- Enjoy an outdoor movie during the summer cinema season.
- Browse local markets overflowing with summer fruit, pastries, and fresh flowers.
- Take an evening Seine river cruise when the city begins to sparkle.
- Rent bikes and ride between the city’s metro stations to explore even more neighborhoods.
- Visit the Jardin des Plantes, especially if you’re traveling with children who enjoy the Natural History Museum and small zoo.
- Pack a picnic for Canal Saint-Martin and spend an afternoon like a local.
You can actually SWIM here now in a designated area—which is amazing for hot summer days. This is a new development, and us Parisians are SO excited about it. - If you’re visiting in late June, late July, or even staying through the end of August, you’ll find plenty of seasonal festivals and experiences to enjoy.
- Finish your day with one of my other favorite places for sunset, and you’re almost guaranteed a wonderful time and a fun-filled day.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Click HERE to book your Paris photoshoot with us at Katie Donnelly Photography!
If you’re planning a trip to Paris in July, one of the best ways to remember your adventure is with professional photos while the city is bursting with summer color and beautiful evening light.
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, anniversary, family vacation, honeymoon, or simply want beautiful portraits from your time in Paris, I’d love to help you create photographs that feel natural, joyful, and timeless.
As someone who lives in Paris, I can also help you choose the perfect location based on your family, your style, and your itinerary—whether that’s the Tuileries Garden, Montmartre, the Seine, the Luxembourg Gardens, or one of my favorite hidden corners of the city.
I’d love to photograph this chapter of your Paris story. Get in touch to start planning your Paris photoshoot, and let’s create images you’ll treasure long after your vacation ends.
