GUEST AUTHOR: Giovanna Thomaz, Spothaome Student Ambassador
Winters can be harsh in Paris, the low temperatures can go on for many months while the sun hides from sight. So when it finally comes out and the streets of Paris are once again glowing and green, let's make sure to make the most of it!
So if you need help getting through the hot days of summer in Paris and enjoying the new refreshing vibe of this city in summer, Spotahome is here to help. From sipping a cold lemonade in a beautiful parisian park to refreshing yourself in a cold pool by the Seine, there are many options here in Paris for you to take advantage of in this summer.
Picnic in the Park
If you want to live an authentic parisian summer experience, the picnic cannot be left out of your list. This is probably the most classic activity of the parisiens in the summer: taking a cold lemonade, baguettes and differents cheeses to eat while sitting in the green grass in one of the many amazing gardens offered in Paris.
You could go to the 'Luxembourg Garden', to the 'Tuileries Garden' or the 'Champs de Mars' just to quote a few, and you would not be dissapointed.
However, a personal favorite of mine is the 'Place des Vosges', this particular little park is located right in front of where it used to be Victor Hugo's house (today a free entrance museum) and right next to the park, there's a very affordable and delicious boulangerie called Miss Manon.* Through all my time here in Paris, I don't know how many times I picked up some goodies at Miss Manon to eat at this lovely Parks, I might say this is one of my favorite things to do in this city!
Place des Vosges: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Miss Manon: 87 Rue St Antoine, 75004 Paris 4eme
Outdoor movies at Park de la Villette
For too many months during the year, parisians have to stay mainly indoors because of the long winter. For this reason, in order to enjoy the hot summer days, during the summer some typically indoor activities end up happening outside. During the summer, for the last 28 years, the park 'La Villette', in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, turns into the biggest open-sky cinema of the city.
This year the theme is "songs", so every saturday you can come and sit on the grass along with many parisians to watch a movie or a musical about music, the last one on screen was "La La Land", and I can assure you that singing along in an open space together with a crowd of people in this beautiful city is an experience not to forget.
Cruise on the Seine
A sunny day in Paris is always dazzling, don't get me wrong. But sometimes this city can get a little too hot. In that case, when even walking under the sun gets complicated, a cruise trip on the seine will give you some time to sit tight and rest on the famous seine waters. You can easily find a boat for the trip just by walking along the river. The prices vary between 8 to 14 euros, depending on the lenght of your trip, and all of them go through the main tourist spots of the city. Looking at the Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower from the middle of the Seine with the sun above your head is also something that should not skip your list.
Rooftops
There is no better way to spend your summer evenings in Paris than by sipping a cold beverage while gazing at the astonishing views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Spending an evening at a parisian rooftop is another very typical activity during the summer. The altitude gives you a certain breeze so you can relax and watch the sun set in Paris from above. Lately, they have become so famous that you actually have many options to choose from. A classic pick is the rooftop at the Galeries Lafayette, but two other very good options are the rooftop of the l’Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers for a more elegant vibe, or the Mama Shelter rooftop where you'll feel practically on the beach.
Galeries Lafayette: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Hotel National des Arts et Métiers: 243 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
Mama Shelter: 109 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris
Public Outdoor Pools
And last but not least, the final ressource for the hot parisian summer: the public pools. They are cheap, clean and very well maintained - and also very awesome. Some of them are actually on top of the Seine, so not only you can swim but also enjoy some top sights. For this one on the Seine you should look for 'Josephine Baker' pool, and for bigger ones, 'Piscine Jacqueline Auriol' or 'Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles'
Josephine Baker: Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris
Piscine Jacqueline Auriol: 7 Allée Louis de Funès, 75008 Paris
Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles: 5 Place Paul Verlaine, 75013 Paris
Winter will be here soon so make the most out of your Summer in Paris!
Have you moved or are you moving to Paris and still stuggling to find accomodation? Spotahome is here to help you!!