15 Ideas for Enjoying August in Paris

The streets are peaceful, time slows down, drinks flow smoothly, and there’s plenty of space in the metro as well as in the city’s most beautiful parks. Simply put, spending August in Paris is anything but depressing—quite the opposite, in fact! To prove it, we’ve tracked down 15 great ideas and outings to make the most of an urban summer: secret terraces and quiet gardens for lunch, a discreet hotel’s outdoor pool, genuinely fascinating photo exhibitions, a rooftop yoga class, a Hot Pilates studio to stay fit all summer long, free riverside dance classes, and an evening spent gazing at shooting stars. We bet your friends away on holiday will be green with envy!

Freshly awarded its prestigious Palace status, Fouquet’s Paris has much more to offer than its plush lobby and new rooftop. Stepping inside via Avenue George V, on the first floor of the 5-star hotel, lies the best-kept secret in the Golden Triangle (Triangle d’Or). Open throughout August, Joy restaurant acts as a hidden garden right in the heart of the Champs-Élysées, showcasing the refined, vibrant cuisine of chef Claudia Rivera Valdez. Everything is delicious!

Set in an Alice in Wonderland-esque décor with its caned armchairs and its very own mini-forest, Joy truly lives up to its name and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. For lunch, you can savor a silky scampi carpaccio (€36), wagyu beef tacos (€28), a delicious candied eggplant with smoked ricotta—perfect as a side to share (€28)—zucchini ravioli (€28), or a memorable sea bass served in a copper dish with tomatoes, olives, and a perfectly zesty lemon sauce (€48). Sweet tooths will delight in the raspberry iced coupe with lemon yogurt cream or the gariguette strawberry floating island with fresh herb sorbet (€18). Weekday note: a great lunch menu that never disappoints (€64 for starter - main - dessert).

Joy, 46 Avenue George V, Paris 8th. +33 (0)1 40 69 60 60. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturday evening. © Maki Manoukian - Patrick Messina

What if your best summer wake-up call happened several meters above Paris? On August 26, 27, and 28, Staycation is taking over the rooftop at Hôtel Dame des Arts, offering one of the most stunning views of the capital for an experience that is as exclusive as it is inspiring. Perched on the ninth floor, this secluded spot delivers a breathtaking panorama over zinc rooftops, the Seine, and iconic Parisian monuments. A postcard-worthy backdrop to start the day with your head in the clouds, far from the hustle and bustle… This summer, Staycation is partnering right here with Riise, the next-generation yoga studio taking Paris by storm.

Book ASAP starting August 16: 50 minutes of Vinyasa yoga blending strength training, breathwork, and fluid movements guided by the coach’s high energy. An immersive practice designed to unplug from daily stress while gently waking up the body. Once the session ends, treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast served right in front of the rooftop's panoramic view. And because great memories deserve a keepsake, every participant leaves with a limited-edition co-branded yoga block. Namaste!

Staycation x Riise, Dame des Arts, Paris 6th. August 26, 27, and 28 from 7:45 AM to 9:15 AM. €49. Bookings open August 16 on Staycation.

Jeu de Paume never disappoints: after the sharp lens of Martin Parr, make way for Fragile Beauty, an exhibition showcasing photographic treasures from the collection of Elton John and his husband David Furnish. Over 300 prints, legendary names—Robert Mapplethorpe, Diane Arbus, Irving Penn, Harley Weir, Ai Weiwei…—and a journey through five powerful, timeless themes: desire, fashion, celebrity, identity, and photojournalism. Here, glamour flirts with vulnerability, icons rub shoulders with outsiders, and every image tells a story of human strength and fragility alike. The highlight? A monumental installation of 149 prints by Nan Goldin, as moving as it is hypnotic.

And that’s not all! Gracing the art center’s walls is the very first retrospective dedicated to Madeleine de Sinéty. Having remained in the shadows for a long time, this self-taught French photographer nevertheless produced a body of work of incredible power. Over four decades, she slipped into places no one else was looking: working-class Montparnasse, Manhattan slaughterhouses, and a tiny village in Brittany. There, she shared the daily lives of around twenty farming families, capturing over 50,000 photos of a changing rural world. She photographed the invisible—workers, farmers, single women—with a light and sensitivity that make every scene deeply moving. This exhibition celebrates the beauty of ordinary lives, proving that nothing is more extraordinary than real life.

Fragile Beauté and Madeleine de Sinéty, until September 24 at Jeu de Paume, 1 Place de la Concorde, Paris 1st.

© Madeleine de Sinéty / Ethan Swope / Harley Weir

It’s the new hot spot cranking up the temperature! Located just steps from the Grands Boulevards, Ember Studio breaks all the rules of traditional fitness centers. The moment you walk in, the noise of Paris fades away, replaced by a sleek, design-forward cocoon with an almost meditative vibe. Every detail here has been thoughtfully designed for a complete wellness experience: immaculate locker rooms, premium skincare products on hand, and a cozy atmosphere that feels more like entering a boutique hotel than a gym. It’s a timeless bubble where you come as much to push your limits as you do to catch your breath.

The house specialty? Hot Pilates, practiced in a room heated to… 35 °C (95 °F). This controlled heat boosts mobility, deepens muscle conditioning, and allows for deep-tissue work while building flexibility. On the schedule, several 50-minute formats cater to all goals: the Signature, ideal for discovering the technique, the Total Burn for those craving a high-intensity cardio boost, plus sessions focusing on recovery and mobility. Coaches expertly guide each student, correcting postures and supplying motivating energy, whatever your fitness level. The bonus: the Recovery space! Because recovery is now an essential part of training, Ember Studio created an area dedicated entirely to winding down. Slip into pressotherapy boots to boost circulation and muscle recovery, or enjoy a LED face mask session renowned for enhancing skin radiance and quality. You’ll leave the studio with relaxed muscles, light legs, and a complexion as fresh as a day outdoors.

Ember Studio, 8 Rue d’Uzès, Paris 2nd. Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Discovery offer: 5 days in the Hot Room + 1 recovery ritual - €80.

Head over to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where DnuD has just opened its very first Parisian boutique. More than a simple storefront, the brand has created a true summer haven right in the heart of the capital. Limewashed walls, light stone, stained glass, raw materials, and sculptural lighting build a backdrop inspired by Mediterranean holiday homes. It's a sunlit escape where you’ll love to linger, far from the city noise.

In this sun-drenched sanctuary, DnuD reveals its complete wardrobe: impeccably cut swimsuits, chic beachwear, lingerie, and accessories designed for all summer long. The collections combine timeless silhouettes, exclusive prints, and a luminous color palette, while OEKO-TEX certified Italian fabrics guarantee absolute comfort. Among our favorites: the asymmetric black Casino one-piece (€176), the Macramé high-waisted bottoms (€197), the butter-yellow buttoned bralette (€119), plus a selection of discounted lingerie. A new go-to destination that’s bound to become a pre-vacation pitstop!

DnuD, 5 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris 6th. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

We’ve found the ultimate little luxury to treat yourself to this August, hidden inside a discreet setting in the 7th arrondissement. We’ve already raved about the charm of the 5-star hotel Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts and its iconic checkerboard terrace… But did you know you can now enjoy its breathtaking outdoor pool nestled at the very back, even without booking a room? Le Jardin du SAX is opening its pool to non-hotel guests for a well-deserved day fit for royalty.

The €300 day pass grants you pool access, complete with a fluffy bathrobe and slippers—perfect for swimming laps and taking queen-worthy photos that will blow up your Instagram. But that’s not all: lunch is included in the package (starter, main, and dessert) featuring fresh, seasonal creations by chef Emile de France. Between sunbathing sessions on the double sunbed or the waterproof banquettes along the deep end, you’ll also enjoy access to the hammam and sauna in the spa and changing rooms located on level -2. Summer in Paris never looked so attractive!

Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts, 55 Avenue de Saxe, Paris 7th. Reservations recommended at +33 (0)1 81 69 07 40, or walk-ins on-site.

“Summer days drifting away, to (ooh-ah) oh the summer nights,” as Olivia Newton-John used to sing… and that’s the vibe we want! To spice up August, we’ve found 3 incredible spots for the ultimate summer nights out. Head over to Badaboum, just steps from Bastille: every Thursday, the LA CH!CK collective hosts 100% pop-themed parties delighting baddies of all generations: Reggaeton All Stars (Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee) on August 6, Bieber Fever on August 13, or BBL Party (Theodora, Ice Spice) on August 20 are waiting for you.

Option two: party on a cruising boat. The Disco Disco Cruise returns to Quai Saint-Bernard along the Seine starting at 7 PM. Featuring a lineup of up-and-coming Parisian DJs and collectives, you’ll sail past the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Tradition dictates screaming every time the boat passes under a bridge! At 11 PM, head back to shore for part two at the stationary disco club, running until 1 AM. Dress code strictly requires glitter, fringes, and bright colors!

Finally, if you’re looking for pure fun, make your way to Amusoire (formerly This is Blindtest). The concept: private rooms for 1-hour sessions (for 2 to 22 people) where you can play a blind test, sing karaoke, take a quiz… or all three! It’s the perfect spot to spark your competitive side and guarantee a night to remember.

Disco Disco Cruise, every Tuesday at 4 Quai Saint-Bernard, Paris 5th. From €10 on Shotgun. 

LA CH!CK, every Thursday from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM at Badaboum, 2bis Rue des Taillandiers, Paris 11th. Tickets available on Shotgun! Free entry before midnight. 

Amusoire, locations in Paris 14th, Paris 16th, and Paris 17th. 

© Alexis Armanet / Pop Ch!ck / Disco Disco

A stone's throw from Parc Monceau, L’Hôtel du Collectionneur unveils a pop-up terrace that makes for a perfect excuse to rediscover its peaceful garden. Through September, this 5-star hotel—a true icon of Parisian Art Deco—hosts its Jardin Tropézien, designed in collaboration with Minuty to capture the Riviera spirit of Saint-Tropez in one of Paris’s finest neighborhoods. With a Mediterranean tapas menu served from 3 PM to 9 PM and decor featuring soothing sand and blue tones, it’s a must-visit summer hotspot in August.

To go with a glass of Château Minuty Rose et Or (€16), share chickpea panisses dipped in saffron aioli (€12), pretty Niçoise onion tartlets (€12), or focaccia spread with tapenade and anchoïade (€12)—or opt for a mixed platter of charcuterie and cheese (€28). The cherry on top: Carette’s artisanal ice cream cart is parked outside the hotel (and in the garden by evening) through late September, serving up scoops of vanilla, yogurt, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, mango, or coconut (€11 for two scoops). So chic!

Le Jardin Tropézien at Hôtel du Collectionneur, 51-57 Rue de Courcelles, Paris 8th. +33 (0)1 58 36 67 96. Terrace open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Restaurant service 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Mediterranean tapas from 3:00 PM. Bookings at +33 (0)1 58 36 67 96.

Paris wouldn't be Paris without its casual dancers gracefully twirling outside the Opéra, along the banks of the Seine, or on open plazas. From cheerful beginners to passionate experts, the capital swings all summer long! To stay updated on dance nights, check out the community Facebook group and follow these local clubs: Les Chatons Swingueurs, a Parisian dance association dancing to jazz and blues at Quai Saint-Bernard, and Salsa Seine, offering energetic salsa and bachata lessons all across Paris.

With Les Chatons Swingueurs, free beginner classes in swing, Charleston, and solo jazz run every Friday and Sunday in August with no registration required. The best part? You don't even need a partner—they'll find one for you! Alternatively, mark your calendar for August 23 and 30 to groove to Charleston beats with La Seine Swing, featuring workshops and open dancing. Give it a spin!

Swing sessions along the docks with Chatons Swingueurs, 7 PM to 11 PM on Fridays and 6 PM to 10 PM on Sundays. La Seine Swing on August 23 and 30 from 4 PM to 6:50 PM at Quai Saint-Bernard. © Gilles Tumbao via Facebook

Who says you can't spot stars in Paris? From August 7 to 9, the 36th edition of La Nuit des Étoiles invites budding astronomers to gaze at the cosmos under the guidance of the Association Française d'Astronomie. At Square Louise Michel (18th), Jardins d’Éole (18th), Parc Montsouris (14th), or La Cité des Sciences (19th), the program offers brilliant stargazing evenings featuring workshops to learn how to navigate the night sky.

Which stars are shining bright? How do you spot and identify them? Depending on the date and time, you might even view Saturn and the Moon through a telescope or discover nebulae and distant galaxies. This year’s spotlight shines on the Sun in honor of the August 12 eclipse, which will—of course—be visible. Bonus feature: the night sky on August 12 and 13 will host The Perseids, aka the most breathtaking shooting star shower of the year. No special equipment needed, though you might want to bring a jacket for chilly late nights.

La Nuit des Étoiles, August 7, 8, 9, and 12. Locations and info online.

 © Christian Gagneux / Stuart Fort

The 16th arrondissement has nothing to envy of the French Riviera! The proof is at Brach Paris, the most coveted 5-star hotel in Western Paris, whose rooftop overlooking the Eiffel Tower hosts the Villa Minuty Mediterranean terrace all summer long. It must be said that, since its creation in 1936, the Château Minuty wine estate has extended its 220 hectares over the Saint-Tropez peninsula… and knows a thing or two about Provençal aperitifs! Thus, its exceptional wines can be found in this open-air space inspired by the Tropezian shores, totally redesigned in the colors of Minuty. Our recommendation? Arrive from 6 PM to secure a table or to enjoy the low light just before sunset. We start with the elegance and freshness of a Château Minuty Rose et Or 2025 (€15 a glass, €69 a bottle) or a Château Minuty 281 2024 (€120 a bottle) before nibbling on some good, sun-drenched products. Choices include: pepper cream, olive tapenade with fig, tuna rillettes, artichoke poivrade confit in olive oil, and pappa al pomodoro (choice of 3 spreads, €29). Nota bene: this year, Villa Minuty also offers a high shaded table for private hire that can accommodate 8 to 10 people.

Villa Minuty – Rooftop of the Brach Paris hotel, 1-7 rue Jean Richepin, Paris 16e. Open seasonally from 5 PM to 12 AM, no reservations - weather permitting. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.

We’re loving Free People’s summer wardrobe, the Philadelphia-born brand that has made romantic dresses, loose fits, and bohemian codes effortlessly cool. At the crossroads of Coachella and Y2K aesthetics, its We The Free collection is available all summer long at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, as part of a pop-up that evokes warm sand and salty skin. The vibe? A mix of new summer-ready gems alongside the brand’s iconic pieces — lace slip dresses, perfectly cut barrel jeans, tailored jackets — plus a few highly fashionable statement items that complete the look.

Among our favourite picks to try in-store: the lace-trim satin mini skirt Meet Me In The Middle, paired with a fitted tank top (€50), the Lotty jacquard jacket with buttons (€208), the low-rise Fable jeans with a deliciously relaxed feel (€138), the iconic Emerson leather bag in ultra-soft leather available in all colours (€198), and the sublime Lana leather jacket with golden military embroidery, looking like it came straight off a couture runway and instantly topping our birthday wishlist (€820). Always sexy yet effortless pieces that enhance the silhouette with style and ease.

Free People at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, 40 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9th. From July 19 to August 25, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8:30pm, Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

Are your next holidays taking their time? While waiting to embark for the French Riviera (#soon), it is the Riviera itself that is settling on the Champs-Élysées… and more precisely at Cira, the brand-new terrace of the 5-star Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel. In a sun-drenched courtyard with elegant decor, the red and white stripes of the armchairs match the beautiful, colorful plates and instantly propel you into a Sorrentino film. We start by toasting to summer with organic wines by Gérard Bertrand: Cote des Roses (€10), Orange Gold (€11), or La Grande Bleue for white wine lovers (€12). The cocktail team will delight in a Limoncello Spritz (€18) or a non-alcoholic Verger d’Amalfi (Ginger ale, peach syrup, lemon, €15). Salute!

Among the delights on the menu of this refuge of good taste: tomatoes, stracciatella, and basil pesto (€15), amberjack tiradito, bottarga flakes, and finger lime pearls (€20), or a divine vitello tonnato (€18), followed by an octopus seared over vine shoots with its Mediterranean herb risotto (€42) or a grilled gilthead seabream with its herb virgin sauce, peas, and fresh mint (€49). Don't skip the lovely desserts, between the chicest frosted lemon in Paris (€14), a pistachio and morello cherry tiramisu (€12), or ice creams and sorbets from the king Philippe Faur (€6 per scoop). Also note: the Sunny Menu at lunch with starter - main or main - dessert at €35 during weekdays, musical evenings every Thursday, as well as a fabulous Sunday brunch. Plenty to enjoy at any time in this Eden preserved from all Parisian bustle, where time passes slowly and in total discretion.

Cira, 70 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8e. 01 53 93 55 06. Open Monday to Saturday from 12 PM to 10 PM (last service at 9:30 PM) and Sunday from 5 PM. Sunday brunch from 12:30 PM to 3 PM. Reservations at 01 53 93 55 06 or on SevenRooms.

Some might think that street art only belongs to the street. For others, like the artist Logan Hicks, “We should bring the city to the museum”! The Petit Palais takes on this challenge with flying colors: after the phenomenal success of the We are Here exhibition in 2024, street art once again invades all the rooms of the Petit Palais, bringing together 75 French and international artists including D*Face, Invader, and Shepard Fairey, and more than 200 works, canvases, tags, installations, and sculptures.

A particular favorite is the work Rêverie by Speedy Graphito (photo), a French artist who explores multiple facets of art through his acrylics, from impressionism and tapestry patterns to modern art. “I like the painting to reveal itself gradually”, Speedy confided to us on the day of the opening, advising to stop, contemplate, and discover every detail of the canvas little by little. We also love Shooting from the lip by Conor Harrington and its beautiful reference to La Haine, for a painting that interprets the different facets of Europe: “I look at the world, I worry about it, and I try to channel that into my paintings. I don’t paint what I like, I paint things that I try to understand or that concern me”, he admitted to us then. But the highlight of the show is the Concorde room, which transforms into a true art gallery from floor to ceiling in a kaleidoscope of works, each more colorful than the last. And because street art is above all a popular art, the exhibition is accessible to everyone… for free!

We are (still) Here until September 20th at the Petit Palais, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Free entry.

© Petit Palais - Nicolas Bore

We had already sung the praises of Tessa Ponzo, pastry chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Irwin. During the latest Michelin ceremony in Monaco, the virtuoso pastry chef won the coveted Passion Dessert Award for her extraordinary and deeply inspiring work, which had already captivated us during a dinner at Irwin Durand’s restaurant.

From May 16 through September, food lovers should rush to FUMO’s pop-up in the Marais to discover her creative vision of ice cream, seasoned with savory accents to create an entirely new tasting experience.

Using artisanal and 100% organic ice creams and sorbets from Ardèche-based Terre Adélice (fittingly, Tessa is originally from Nyons), unexpected toppings are added to achieve umami perfection: olive oil, burnt rice, wasabi seeds, Espelette pepper, cardamom, and pepper (seasoned ice cream starting at €7.50).

The result? Unprecedented texture combinations playing against the cold and paired with kombuchas from ArchiPel (ice cream and beverage pairing starting at €13.50). A gourmet event imagined by Mélanie Rozencwajg, founder of FUMO, conceived as an evolving collaborative project featuring other chefs in the future.

FUMO : Pop-up glacier expérimental, 59 rue Charlot, Paris 4e.  Open from May 16 to September 20, Wednesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m

Also discover three sublime terraces open all through August and new rooftops to hang out on all summer long.