In Paris this Summer?
Suggestions from the locals
You may already have your itinerary locked and loaded for your visit but there’s always a way to spruce things up. It’s with that in mind that I tapped a few locals to share their recommendations for a memorable Parisian summer, in addition to my own tips!
EATING & DRINKING
“I’m so excited to try Reyna and so looking forward to picnic-ing at my trusty spot on the Pont des Arts (cleaner and better-placed for sunset-watching than the quai down below). I'll bring fried chicken sandwiches from Dogma, a cold bottle of Domaine V Peyre's pétillant naturel rosé, and a carton of Haagen Dazs x Pierre Hermé chocolate macaron ice cream, which we'll probably have to eat first!”
— Lauren Collins, staff writer The New Yorker & author of When in French
“Grab an ice cold craft beer from Cave à Bières on Rue de Buci, but don't crack it open yet! First, stroll along Rue Dauphine and pick up a snack if you're hungry. Cross Pont Neuf to Île de la Cité and find a spot on the river below. Now you can drink as you sit and watch the boats pass under sunset.”
— Jay Swanson, Paris in My Pocket (another summer tip can be found directly in one of Jay’s latest videos)
EATING & DRINKING— ON THE WATER
“I recommend checking out the Ducasse sur Seine lunch cruise. It’s a lovely (less crowded and slightly air-conditioned) way to cruise the Seine, see all the major monuments with a cold glass in hand and a delicious meal. You can also walk on the deck between or after courses!”
— Ajiri Aki, Madame de la Maison and author of Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life
“I tend to get outta town in August, but there's a summertime activity that I always look forward to upon my return: renting a small electric boat on the bassin de la Villette with friends. Bring your own picnic (crudité, cheese, baguette—or even a mix of dumplings, which is how we changed it up last year—plus all your beverages) and glide up and down the bassin for a few hours. Boats rent by the hour and rates depend on the size of the boat you choose. Definitely book ahead!”
— Sara Lieberman, writer (check out her newsletter!)
**A second vote for Canal rides! “A fun thing off the beaten tourist track: rent a boat on the canal, drive out of the city, moor and stop for a picnic and pétanque along the river before heading back ! With a bottle of Lutèce for the apéro, of course ;-)”
— Josh Fontaine, founder Lutèce, co-owner/founder Candelaria and Le Mary Celeste
BEATING THE HEAT (WITH A SIDE OF CULTURE)
“One of the best-kept secrets of Paris, and you may or may not have noticed them, are the Wallace Fountains! Financed and donated to the city by Sir Richard Wallace, these fountains have been a part of the Paris landscape for close to 150 years. Their sole purpose is free and clean drinking water for Parisians—some of which is sparkling!Don't just admire them, enjoy drinking from them and even go on a self-guided tour with the Wallace Fountains of Paris Association.”
—Jane Bertch, co-owner La Cuisine Paris cooking school (on that note, book a class while you’re at it!)
GO SWIMMING
“This is not trendy or new at all but what I’m going to do this summer is swim in the 50m open-air Georges Hermant (public) swimming pool, next to the Buttes Chaumont. I usually end my Sundays there: 7pm to 8.30pm, when most people are gone. Bliss!”
— Fanny Boucher, jewelry designer-owner Bangla Begum
Another option: splash around in the section of the Bassin de la Villette that’s opening to the public (more info here).