Summer is hot in Paris. Hot with a capital H! From the outside, the city looks like a typical sunny destination where the famous landmarks glisten under the sunshine, but the heat is something else! Why do you think Parisians love the South of France? We don't just do it because it's glamorous and luxurious! We do it because we need to cool off by the seaside to regain our sanity. But when I can't leave Paris in summer because of work, I retreat to the big churches, swim in the public pools, or just stay inside my apartment and turn the aircon on.
Summer in Paris is defined by its massive heatwave. It can get so hot in the French capital that you'll need to cool off in more ways than one. Try swimming in a public pool, escaping to a big church, or when all else fails, just stay at home!
Drop by The Paris Plages
The Paris Plages are constructed specifically to help people cool off in Paris every summer. I always go to the one by the Seine every year at least once, even if it's a bit of a way off from where I live. Sure, I could just stay home and keep the fan on in front of me, but I admit that these man-made beaches are pretty fun. The French Riviera they are not! But they're still a great alternative for those of us who barely get any time off to vacation in the Southern France in summer.Go to The Public Swimming Pools
Paris fortunately has a variety of public swimming pools across its many chic neighborhoods. My favorite is the famously floating Joséphine Baker Swimming Pool since it's right be the Seine in the 13th arrondissement and it’s always cool. It can get crowded here at times, which I find extremely annoying, but what could I do about it? I'm not the only one who need to stay cool in the very hot summer in Paris, after all. If you don't want to contend with the crowds here, you can always to the lesser-known but equally cool pools like Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles, the Georges Vallerey Swimming Pool, and more.Head to The Grand Churches
You didn't expect this, didn't you? Churches mostly draw visitors with their awe-inspiring architecture and almost other-worldly ambiance, so many often overlook how cool they are. I'm far from what you'd call a Christian, much less a religious person, and yet I always find myself going to the nearest grand church, the famous Sacré-Cœur. Located in the 18th arrondissement, the breathtaking church is perched atop Montmartre Hill, so you just know that it's cool and refreshing here. Many other churches in Paris provide a shady (in a good way!) and cool escape from the summer heat.Drink Some Water
You probably don't need me to tell you that drinking water is a must to survive the extreme that is summer in Paris. Don't underestimate just how hot the French capital gets at this time of year. The average temperature can get as high as 46°F (8°C), especially every August, so you need to stay hydrated to survive. Fortunately, there are many sparkling water fountains across Paris's central neighborhoods. Practically each arrondissement has at least one!Eat Indoors
Paris may be known for its beautiful cafes with terraces, but I assure you that summer is not the time for all of that! Spring is, but not summer! When June rolls around and you notice the temperature rising to an almost uncomfortable degree, cancel your reservation at the nearby outdoor cafe and go to an indoor restaurant instead. The food will stay the same and you can take advantage of their air-conditioning too. What's not to love?Get Some Ice Cream
Ice cream has always been my favorite way to stay cool and survive every summer in Paris. I have a huge sweet tooth and the city's ridiculous heat is the best excuse to get some beyond dessert. And let me tell you—many other Parisians do it too! Don't feel ashamed for getting ice cream in the middle of the day, especially before dinner, during summer. Lots of other people do it and, for an added benefit, there are a few places that sell organic ice cream!Dress Lightly But Appropriately
Don't use the summer heat as an excuse to dress inappropriately, especially at work. You should never arrive at the office in a short shorts, a tank top, and a pair of open-toed slippers. That sounds like an outfit for the beach, not for work. And unless you're heading to the Paris Plages, you're better off following how Parisians dress for summer. This means going for organic but sturdy fabrics (e.g. linen, natural cotton, etc.), softening up the tailoring (so suits are still a must!), and when all else fails, go for the classic white button-down!Find The Shade in The Park
If you thought I'd suggest that you go to the park to survive summer in Paris, even the more unknown and underrated parks in Paris, you're correct! But I'm gonna add another tip: head straight under the shade! The sun can get pretty intense at times, so much so that an umbrella might not be enough to keep its rays at bay. Fortunately, the city has several parks and most of them have tall, leafy trees that provide such perfect shade. Hanging out under them is a great way to enjoy a day in Paris while still surviving its notorious summer heat.Watch a Movie
This might be a pricey tip for many of you, but I can't end this list without it. As a bonafide cinephile, I've always used the summer heat as an excuse to watch movies in Paris. Luckily, most of the theaters here are air-conditioned so it's a great way to cool down when the temperature outside continues to rise. Also luckily, especially for me, Paris also has a few theaters that screen old movies. My favorite is La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin in the 5th arrondissement. This is where I get my usual black-and-white Old Hollywood fix!Stay Home
When all else fails, you can simply stay in your luxury apartment in Paris, turn on the fan or air-conditioner, and forget about the rest of the world. Now, I do have to say that not all apartments and other homes in Paris come with air-conditioning. It wasn't exactly common here back then and it's only becoming the norm bit by bit. Hence, there's still a good number of properties that don't have them, especially those inside older buildings. If you do get to live in one, I advise you to take advantage of it every summer!Summer in Paris is defined by its massive heatwave. It can get so hot in the French capital that you'll need to cool off in more ways than one. Try swimming in a public pool, escaping to a big church, or when all else fails, just stay at home!
