I’ve visited Paris many times before, but until now, it was one of the few major capitals I hadn’t explored since starting my blog. Though I cycled around Versailles last year (read: Cycling the Gardens of Versailles), I deliberately avoided Paris. Until now. This time, I was ready to spend my summer in Paris!
In my opinion, summer is the perfect time to visit Paris. During the summer months in Paris, you’ll find a unique side of the city. From July to August, the city can get quite hot, but it’s also wonderfully empty. Parisians tend to escape the city during this time, which works in your favour. Plus, in a year marked by the virus and the absence of overseas tourists, I had the usually bustling city almost entirely to myself. Not that I need an excuse to be traveling to France.
So, let’s dive into the Parisian lifestyle during summer! Experiencing summer in Paris truly transforms your perspective on the city.
Read below about my thoughts on traveling to France amid the pandemic.
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Summer in Paris
I had four days to explore the city, and it was the perfect amount of time. Even so, there is never enough time to fully embrace the Parisian lifestyle during a summer in Paris. Honestly, few travel experiences compare to spending a summer in Paris, and it is one of the many reasons I love traveling to France.
The Louvre Museum
One of the most famous museums and a must when in Paris, visiting the Louvre without the crowds was amazing. (Remember to prebook your tickets online here. Compared to my last visit, this time I was able to walk straight up to the Mona Lisa as my very first stop. It was just Mona, myself, and perhaps ten other admirers. It was a wonderful experience.
After taking a quick photo, I spent the next three hours wandering through the Louvre at my own pace, soaking up centuries of history and art. Only then was it finally time for a well-earned croissant.
If you love art and culture, visiting the Louvre during a summer in Paris offers a wonderful glimpse of the city at its sunniest and most relaxed. Moments like these are exactly why I keep coming back and why I never tire of traveling to France.
So, what else is there to do in Paris with no tourists? Well, plenty! Spend your days wandering through the city’s beautiful streets, browsing the boutiques, relaxing at a traditional French café, and enjoying an ice cream as the world goes by.
And while I’m here, with hardly anyone else around, why not climb the Eiffel Tower during a summer in Paris? After all, no summer in Paris would be complete without this iconic experience. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love traveling to France.
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The Eiffel Tower
With just over 700 steps to the second floor, it didn’t take me long to reach the viewing platform and soak in the stunning views over Paris. But I wasn’t stopping there! For the first time ever, I decided to continue all the way to the summit. Experiencing a summer in Paris, especially from the top of the Eiffel Tower, is something I’ll never forget. The only way to reach the summit was by lift (following all the COVID guidelines, of course), and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it!
The day couldn’t have been more perfect for taking in the breathtaking panoramic views across the city. Standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower, looking out over Paris in the summer sunshine, was an incredible feeling (hence all the photos…). I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone planning a summer in Paris. It’s one of those unforgettable moments that reminds me why I love traveling to France.
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Enjoying the Parisian lifestyle
I’ve always loved Paris. My last visit was with my mum, and we ended our trip by enjoying a fantastic cocktail together on our final evening. So, returning felt especially meaningful. This city never gets old. It’s the perfect blend of style, culture, and countless French delis waiting to be discovered. The moment you set foot in the city, you realise that a summer in Paris is unlike anything else.
Of course, this visit felt different. More shops were closed, the streets were quieter, and there were noticeably fewer tourists. But the Parisian charm? It was still very much alive. And that’s exactly what makes a summer in Paris so magical.
Read on for more tips below…
Scare-Coeur Basilica
Small tip: If you have some time spare in Paris I would recommend to make a quick trip to the La Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. During the summer, Paris reveals its quieter side, especially at places like Sacre-Coeur. Sitting up on a smaller hill in the city (Montmartre), it is a beautiful basilica, within a gorgeous part of Paris. Very cute!
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Traveling to France with no tourists
Although travel looked a little different during this trip, I still found traveling to France to be an incredibly enjoyable experience. One unexpected advantage was being able to experience a summer in Paris without the usual crowds. Exploring world-famous landmarks, strolling through quiet streets, and visiting museums at a relaxed pace made the city feel even more special.
As I was driving through Europe, getting around was straightforward, and once I arrived in Paris, I could simply enjoy everything the city had to offer. It was a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s most visited destinations from a completely different perspective.
In most summers, Paris is buzzing with visitors from around the globe. This time, however, I could take my time, linger a little longer, and truly appreciate the city’s beauty. Experiencing a summer in Paris like this is something that may never happen again, and it made me appreciate traveling to France even more.
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