7 Best Things You Can't Miss This Summer When Travelling in Paris, France [2024]

Summer in Paris is a magical time, filled with vibrant events and unique festivals that make the city come alive. From the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics to the charm of music festivals and the allure of the annual Summer Sale, there's something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we'll uncover the seven best things you can't miss during your summer travels in Paris. Get ready to make your trip truly magical and create lasting memories in Paris, France!

# 1 Explore Free Museums

Beat the summer heat and explore Paris's rich cultural heritage by visiting its world-class museums. Take advantage of free admission to the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Musée Picasso, and Musée Rodin on the first Sunday of each month. If you miss that special day, don't worry! You can still enjoy cultural treasures on a budget. Visit Victor Hugo House, City of Paris Museum of Modern Art and Maison de Balzac, which offer free entry every day. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, these museums offer masterpieces and fascinating stories to inspire your summer adventures.

# 2 Witness the Olympics Opening Ceremony

If you're lucky enough to be in Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics, don't miss the excitement of the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Scheduled for 26 July, Paris 2024 will offer an unforgettable event that will undoubtedly become a landmark moment in Olympic history.

This grand spectacle will take place in the heart of the city along the Seine, breaking tradition by moving the ceremony from a stadium to the vibrant riverbanks. This unique setting ensures a breathtaking experience accessible to a large audience, with the upper quays open to everyone, providing a fantastic opportunity for both Parisians and visitors from around the world to witness history in the making. Join the locals in celebrating this global event and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as Paris welcomes athletes from all corners of the globe.

# 3 Enjoy Summer Musical Festivals

Paris hosts a variety of music festivals throughout the summer months, catering to all tastes and preferences. From classical symphonies at the iconic Opéra Bastille to intimate jazz nights at La Villette, and contemporary concerts at La Seine Musicale, the city offers a diverse range of musical experiences. Many of the open-air programmes are even entirely free, including La Défense Jazz Festival and The Fnac Live Paris Festival, allowing you to immerse yourself in the music without spending a dime. Whether you're a fan of classical, jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, rock, or electronic music, Paris's summer music festivals promise to captivate and entertain you.

# 4 Experience Disneyland Paris Special Events

Experience the magic of Disneyland Paris with special events that are sure to make your summer unforgettable. From enchanting parades and captivating shows to thrilling new attractions, Disneyland Paris offers a wealth of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Don't miss out on the summer spectaculars, including the new Alice in Wonderland Show and the breathtaking Disney Symphony of Colours, featuring stunning fireworks and projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle. With extended opening hours and a calendar packed with special events, there's no better time to visit the happiest place on earth than during the summer months. Get ready for a magical adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish forever!

# 5 Celebrate Bastille Day with Fireworks

Experience the spectacular Bastille Day celebrations in Paris with the biggest firework displays in the city. Held annually on July 14th, Bastille Day commemorates the French Revolution with a dazzling array of fireworks illuminating the night sky. Join the locals and tourists along the banks of the Seine or gather at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower for the best views. With vibrant colours and awe-inspiring pyrotechnics, the Bastille Day fireworks offer a mesmerising experience that captures the spirit of France's national day and leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.

# 6 Exploring Enchanting Garden Festivals

Experience the beauty of Paris in full bloom at the city's enchanting garden festivals. From the famous Tuileries Garden to the hidden gems like Parc Floral de Paris, these festivals showcase stunning floral displays, landscape designs, and horticultural innovations. Don't miss the chance to wander through a sea of vibrant colours, breathe in the fragrant blooms, and take in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, Paris's garden festivals are sure to delight your senses and create lasting memories.

# 7 Shop the Summer Sale & Save Your VAT

Paris is renowned for its vibrant shopping scene, and visiting during the summer means you’re in for a treat with the annual Summer Sale. From June 26 to July 23, 2024, you can enjoy incredible discounts ranging from 30% to 70% off. This is your golden opportunity to save on luxury brands like Prada, Dior, Valentino, Armani, Missoni, Maje, Sandro and Gucci. Head to iconic shopping destinations such as Galeries Lafayette and La Samaritaine for fantastic deals on clothing and accessories. Don’t miss outlets like La Vallée Village for luxury brands at discounted prices. Enjoy shopping along the Champs-Élysées or in the trendy Marais district to make the most of your trip to the fashion capital of the world!

What’s more, non-EU residents (including those travelling from the UK due to Brexit) can get a tax refund on eligible purchases made in France, adding to your savings. With the tax-free shopping app Wevat, you can save up to 20% VAT with no minimum spending requirements on each purchase. This applies to clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, technology, wine, souvenirs, and much more. You can find the full list on our other blog here.

For more help on using the Wevat app, check out our HOW TO and FAQ pages for a step-by-step guide. Make sure you’ve downloaded the Wevat app and completed the sign-up before heading to France to maximise your shopping experience!

About Wevat App

Wevat - a new digital tax refund app that makes it easy for travellers to save money on their shopping in France! We are a community of people who love travelling, shopping and saving money. Since our launch in 2019, we've helped refund travellers from 88 countries more than €18 million on their shopping!

Compared with in-store VAT refund providers, Wevat gives you up to 23% more VAT back and with no minimum spending requirements on each purchase. With Wevat, you can simply snap a picture of your purchase invoices then generate and scan your barcode when you leave France. There are no paper forms, repeated scanning or dropping off forms required with us. Our super-friendly, multilingual customer support team will be always on hand to support you throughout your trip via our app.

We are fully regulated by both French and UK customs.

Download our app now to start saving money on your shopping in France!

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