Top 3 Essential Activities in Paris During Summer

July in Paris is carpe diem for travelers because this capital city of France will host the 2024 Summer Olympics from 26 July – 11 August 2024. The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad will most definitely enhance the Parisian outdoors and French charm during the summer for visitors alike.

1. Secret Paris Bike Tour, explore the city’s secrets by bicycle

The concept of the 2024 Summer Olympics is based on the transformation of Parisian landmarks into open-air stadiums for sporting events. Moreover, beyond the usual tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, or the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, the small back alleys of Paris will prove to be hidden gems worth a closer look. Additionally, the best way to visit Paris is on a guided bicycle tour! You will discover another side of Paris as the city’s eclectic elegance immerses you in its rich history and culture within just three hours.

Service provided by: Holland Bikes. For more details, check in at https://locations.hollandbikes.com/
Reserve Tickets: Minimum of 2 tickets priced at 45 Euros
Meeting Point: Car park (1st floor) Saemes-Meyerbeer, Paris 9th arrondissement (3 Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin)
Guide: English, Dutch and German (Tuesday – Sunday 14.00) French (Wednesday and Sunday 14.00)

Slow life enthusiasts can tour Paris on a bicycle without a guide. Highly recommended is the “Vélib’ Métropole” bicycle rental service which is strategically located at familiar bicycle rental parking spots (Electric bicycles are also available). Service fees, depending on usage time, starts at only 1 Euro. Alternatively, you can purchase a 1-day pass for 5 Euros. Details at www.velib-metropole.fr

2. Picnic in Paris, have a picnic at popular parks while viewing Parisian summer life

The XXXIII Olympiad emphasizes the creation and use of green energy. Sitting and relaxing on green grass in the city’s public park is an activity that should be on your list. We recommend that you buy a sandwich, some cheese and a nice bottle of wine, and then spread out a blanket, open your basket and enjoy lunch while saying, “Bon appétit!”

1) Jardin des Tuileries

Start your picnic like royalty at the Tuileries Gardens, highlighted by large French-style lawns with symmetrical gravel walkways and manicured rows of trees. From here, you can enjoy majestic views of the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and the Champs-Élysées in full majestic view.

2) Champ de Mars Garden

The area below the Eiffel Tower, known as the Champ de Mars Garden, is one of the largest green spaces in Paris. It is surrounded by beautiful panoramic views of many important attractions, such as the historic Trocadéro Square and the Military Academy, to name a few.

3) Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Buttes-Chaumont Park is the 5th largest park in Paris. With an area of over 59 acres, this romantic garden features waterfalls, caves and artificial lakes. You can opt to sit and relax or enjoy a picnic to your heart’s desire.

3. Where to Eat Ice-cream in Paris, taste classic ice-cream while enjoying the Paris sunshine

What’s better than homemade ice cream with historical ties to the city of Paris? Even though some ice cream parlors have been rebranded to look more modern, their taste and quality remain the same.

1) Glace Bachir

Famous Lebanese 100% organic ice cream with a closely guarded secret recipe passed down from generation to generation since 1936. Special flavors you shouldn’t miss are the Pétale de Rose, featuring a smooth rose petal-flavored ice cream, and Ashta, an orange blossom-flavored ice cream coated with crushed pistachio nuts.

Glace Bachir currently has two branches: one on Rue Rambuteau, near the Pompidou art gallery, and a new branch at Montmartre, near the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre.
Website: https://bachir.fr/en

2) Grom

If you want to experience ‘La Dolce Vita’ or sweet life, then queue in line for authentic Italian gelato at Grom. Every flavor is made with high-quality ingredients and is guaranteed to be gluten-free. We recommend the Salted Butter Caramel flavor and the original Pistachio flavor that made Grom famous.

Grom has 7 branches in Paris. We recommend you check operating hours before visiting Grom.
Website: https://grom.it/en/gelateria-paris.html

3) Berthillon

One of Paris’ most famous ice cream parlors was founded by Raymond Berthillon in 1953. Its flagship storefront is on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, while Berthillon also distributes its ice cream to many restaurants and cafés in Paris. But if you visit the Berthillon shop, an array of flavors will greet you, starting with classics such as Chocolat Blanc or white chocolate, and Gianduja Orange, which is chocolate mixed with hazelnuts and an orange flavor unique to Berthillon. Other favorites include Feuille de Menthe (mint flavor), Yaourt au Yuzu (yuzu yogurt flavor), and alcoholic blends such as Café au Whiskey and Marron Glacé, the latter being described as a beautifully juicy candied chestnut flavor.

Berthillon is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.
Website: https://berthillon.fr/glaces

Plan to visit Paris this Summer? Fly there with Thai Airways!