in short
- Weather: Average of 16–26 degrees and about seven days of rain, with a chance of heat waves (Canicule).
- July 14: Bastille Day, parade on the Champs Elysees in the morning and a concert and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
- Paris Plage: A free municipal beach on the banks of the Seine and in the Bassin de la Villette, and regulated swimming in the Seine.
- load: One of the busiest months of the year, so book tickets and time slots in advance.
- Food: The seasonal terraces (Terrasses éphémères) and the barbecue festival at the Chateau.
- With children: Disneyland Paris and its second park, Disney Adventure World, and the city parks.
July in Paris is not just another summer month. After the city underwent a massive facelift for the Olympic Games two years ago, July 2026 presents us with a Paris that is at its peak, more vibrant and renewed than ever. While some locals start packing for their annual vacation in August, the city is filled with an incredible international energy. The combination of outdoor events, outdoor festivals and, of course, the July 14th celebrations, make this month the perfect time to experience Paris.
In the guide below, I've compiled all the most up-to-date information about what's happening in the city this month. From the most talked-about exhibitions at major museums, to culinary events, to activities that will delight any family with children. Let's dive in!
Recommended exhibitions in Paris – July 2026
The museum scene in Paris this month is simply breathtaking, with a series of huge exhibitions, many of which end in July. This is a great time to catch rare retrospectives, just before they close. Remember that at this time of year, lines can be very long, so it is important to reserve tickets in advance.
Henri Matisse, 1941–1954
The Grand Palais is hosting one of the most talked-about exhibitions of the year, focusing on the fascinating last decade of Matisse’s life. You’ll get a close-up look at how he dealt with his physical limitations and developed his famous cut-out technique, a move that made color itself the central structural element in his works. The exhibition ends on July 26.
Henri Rousseau: The Aspiration of Painting
The Orangerie Museum is dedicating a major retrospective to the work of Henri Rousseau (“The Publican”). The exhibition challenges the “naïve” label that has stuck to him, and reveals his deep artistic aspirations through a rare collection of works, some of which came from the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia and are being shown for the first time in France. The exhibition will close on July 20.
Renoir and love
The Musée d’Orsay presents a beautiful exhibition that explores the way Renoir painted and captured human relationships, intimacy, and “happy modernity” between 1865 and 1885. It’s a rare glimpse behind the scenes of emotion in Impressionism, and masterpieces that expand the heart. The exhibition ends on July 19.
Hilma af Klint
Join a spiritual and colorful journey at the Grand Palais with one of the art world's greatest discoveries in recent years. Hilma af Klint is today considered the pioneer of abstract art. Her huge, geometric works combine deep philosophy and mysticism that simply mesmerize the eye.
Lee Miller
The Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris (MAM) is dedicating a stunning retrospective to the incredible journey of Lee Miller – from fashion model to surrealist photographer to war correspondent and photographer who documented the liberation of Paris and the camps in World War II. It is a moving opportunity to witness the power of photography to change historical consciousness (closing: August 2).
Madame de Savignier: Parisian Letters
On the 400th anniversary of the birth of one of the most influential intellectual figures in French history, the Musée Carnavalet opens a fascinating window into the 17th century. Through her famous letters, the exhibition recreates the social life, fashion and culture of Paris of old, giving a tangible face to the city of centuries ago.
For the complete guide to the recommended museums in Paris »
To the writer of the monuments and must-see sites in Paris »
Holidays and special events in July 2026
July is a month of celebrations in France, and the city of Paris puts on a holiday on several occasions that will delight you too:
- July 14 (Bastille Day): France’s national holiday is an event not to be missed. Beyond the traditional military parade on the Champs-Elysees in the morning, the main event takes place in the evening. At 21:00 PM, the “Paris Concert” will take place at the foot of the Eiffel Tower with the National Orchestra of France (admission is free, but it’s worth arriving early). The highlight of the evening, of course, is at 23:00 PM, when the city sky will be lit up with a grandiose and exciting fireworks display that lasts about half an hour.
- Paris Plages: In summer, the beloved tradition continues. The banks of the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin area are transformed into an urban beach with deckchairs, parasols, sports activities and a variety of small cafes. The Bassin de la Villette area even offers public swimming pools immersed in the canal water. It is the perfect place to escape the July heat and cool off.
Classical Music Concerts in Paris – July 2026
The Parisian summer offers many opportunities to enjoy classical music of the highest quality, with many of the concerts taking place inside historic churches that are architectural gems in their own right. This is a wonderful opportunity to combine a thrilling acoustic experience with an unforgettable visual setting.
Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons” at the Madeleine Church
On July 3 and 4, the “Violins of France” ensemble will perform Vivaldi’s famous work inside the impressive Madeleine Church.
The opera “La Traviata” at the Opéra Bastille
For opera lovers, a huge production of “La Traviata” from the Paris National Opera will be staged throughout the month, with a standout performance on July 4th.
Concerts at the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
On July 11, a beautiful classical recital will take place in one of the ancient and magical churches of the Left Bank in an intimate and magical atmosphere.
For the complete guide to concerts and classical music in Paris »
Culinary events in Paris in July 2026
The culinary map of Paris in July combines classic restaurants and bistros with especially experiential summer events outdoors.
One of the most intriguing events of the beginning of the month is the Paris Barbecue Fest , which will take place on July 4th and 5th on the Île des Impressionnistes in Chatou. This large-scale event combines high-quality food, street food culture and live performances, and offers a different, lighter and more relaxed angle on French food culture. Furthermore, don't miss the seasonal terraces (Terrasses éphémères) that are popping up all over the city, where Parisians flock at the end of the day to have a glass of wine in front of the summer sunset.
For an article about culinary tours and cooking workshops in Paris »
Paris with children and Disneyland Paris
If you’re visiting Paris with the younger generation, July is a great month for you. The city’s parks offer plenty of space to run around, and there are plenty of attractions for the whole family. But the real star of summer 2026 for many families is of course Disneyland Paris , which is introducing some particularly exciting new features this year.
Innovations at Disneyland (Disney Adventure World)
The park, which recently became Disney Adventure World, opened this year with the impressive “World of Frozen” area, which takes visitors straight into the kingdom of Arendelle, where Anna and Elsa live. There’s also a new summer parade dedicated to the beloved princesses. It’s highly recommended to get your tickets in advance!
The comprehensive guide to Disneyland Paris on my website »
For the complete guide to attractions and activities for children in Paris »
Questions and answers about July in Paris
What is the weather like in Paris in July?
Hot. The average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius and at night around 16, but heat waves (Canicule) can push temperatures much higher than that. There are an average of about seven rainy days, mostly short summer storms. It's worth making sure your hotel has air conditioning. You can find an updated forecast on the Paris weather page.
What's happening in Paris on July 14th?
Bastille Day, France's national holiday. In the morning, the military parade on the Champs-Elysees, and in the evening, a free concert at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, followed by fireworks. Anyone who wants a good spot on the Champs-de-Mars should arrive early, because the security checks at the entrance are long.
What is Paris Plages?
Paris's urban beach: The banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette are filled with deckchairs, parasols and sports activities, and admission is free. Since the summer of 2025, you can also swim in the Seine itself, in regulated and supervised swimming sites, as long as the water quality allows.
Is July a busy month in Paris?
Yes, it's one of the busiest months of the year, with long lines at museums and major sites. It's a good idea to book tickets and time slots in advance, and plan your visits in the early morning or evening, when it's cooler.
What food events are there in Paris in July?
Seasonal terraces (Terrasses éphémères) are popping up all over the city, where Parisians head out at the end of the day. In early July, the Barbecue Fest is also held on the Isle of Impressionists at the Château (July 4th and 5th in 2026).
What to do with children in Paris in July?
Paris Plage and the city parks are the free alternative, and Disneyland Paris is the star of the summer, with its second park now called Disney Adventure World. In the summer the parks are packed, so it's worth buying tickets in advance and arriving when they open.
More on the subject
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There will also be a Neil Young performance on July 13th.