Paris will be buzzing with Olympic and Paralympic fervor this summer. However, for those seeking a break from the sporting hustle or wishing to explore more of what the city has to offer, there are numerous alternative events and attractions to enjoy.
Visit Paris Plage, the City Beach
The annual Paris Plage event is back this summer, transforming parts of the city into a “beach” from July 6 to September 8. The banks of the Seine will be lined with deckchairs, parasols, and palm trees. If the weather permits, visitors can enjoy sunbathing along the river. Also, the trendy Canal St-Martin will feature activities such as boules, table tennis, and a quayside exhibition. Parisians can even brave the waters at various locations, including three open-water swimming pools available at the Bassin de la Villette.
Enjoy Daily Apéro Evenings (Asian Style)
Head to The Hood in the 11th arrondissement to experience daily apéro evenings. Enjoy a delightful selection of five Asian-themed plates and wines for just €5 each. This event runs on weekdays from 6:30 PM to 8 PM and on weekends from 4 PM to 8 PM. Treat yourself to dishes like Singapore satay, vegan fried tofu, and veggie spring rolls. Don’t miss out on July 28, when they pair the apéro menu with Wakaze sakés, produced using traditional Japanese techniques.
Catch a Sports-Themed Exhibition
This summer’s exhibition scene in Paris is packed with sports-themed contenders. If you’re interested in Olympic history, check out “Olympism” at the Louvre, available from April 24 to September 16, 2024. Also, don’t miss “MATCH: Design & Sport – A Story Looking to the Future” at the Musée du Luxembourg (March 11 to August 11, 2024). This exhibition showcases historical and iconic design items like the first-ever sports bra. Fashion enthusiasts can visit “Fashion on the Move #2” at Palais Galliera, highlighting recent sports clothing from renowned designers.
Party on a Terrace by the Seine
For a lively atmosphere, visit the terrace by the Seine at the floating boat hotel OFF Paris Seine. During summer, its sister hotel, Chouchou, offers a pop-up bar and a charming terrace ambiance, reminiscent of a South of France-style guinguette. Enjoy a variety of charcuterie and rillettes to share, along with signature cocktails. A vibrant program of entertainment, including open mic nights and DJ sets, promises a fun experience. Chouchou is open from 4 PM to midnight until September.
Experience Open-Air Cinema on a Rooftop
While the usual open-air cinema at La Villette has been canceled this year due to Olympic preparations, film buffs can look forward to screenings at Hotel Paradiso. This movie-themed hotel offers an open-air summer cinema on its rooftop terrace, screening films every Sunday from June to September at 9:30 PM. Weather permitting, catch a mix of French and international films while enjoying a drink and watching the sunset.
Learn About Paris’ Influential Women on a Walking Tour
Guided walking tours focusing on the stories of influential women in Paris are now a unique way to explore the city. Tour guide Heidi Evans shares tales of remarkable women through six distinct tours, often paired with food tastings at local markets. While some tours may be affected by Olympic road restrictions, two new tours are available, highlighting the History & Heroines of Montmartre and the social principles of Liberté, Égalité, Marché. Most tours are wheelchair-accessible and limited to 15 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.
