Every year, Paris welcomes many tourists from France and all over the world, eager to discover the wonders it has to offer. Summer is a particularly popular time to visit the City of Light. But the hustle and bustle of the capital can be mind-boggling. To help you make the most of your summer in Paris, we've put together a list of the must-see monuments open this summer.
Alos, what to visit in Paris during the summer months? The French capital is brimming with architectural and historical treasures that are well worth a visit. And it's not the only one! In the Paris region, there are also many treasures not to be forgotten in your sightseeing schedule. To make sure you don't miss a thing, we've selected the must-sees for Paris this summer, divided into two categories: monuments and castles.
You won't be disappointed: Paris is home to (many) historic and emblematic buildings that bear witness to its rich past. Be sure to stop in front of these architectural masterpieces to appreciate their details and stories.
Finally, the Paris region is also famous for its impressive châteaux, witnesses to a bygone era. Summer is the ideal time to visit these royal residences and their sumptuous gardens, which offer an enchanting setting for a stroll or a picnic.
Don't forget that this article is regularly updated with the latest information and tips to help you plan your visit to Paris. Don't hesitate to consult our guide again to discover what's new and make the most of your stay in the City of Light.
By following our recommendations, you'll be sure to make the most of your stay in Paris and discover the French capital's must-see gems. Between monuments and castles, your summer program will be rich in discovery and wonder.
So get ready to explore the best of Paris this summer and create unforgettable memories in Paris. Enjoy your trip!
L'Obélisque de la Concorde: discover a historic treasure donated by Egypt just a stone's throw from the Louvre
The Obélisque de la Concorde is probably one of the most popular monuments in Paris, along with the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre. In any case, it has been enthroned on Place de la Concorde since 1836, donated by the Egyptian government as a sign of goodwill towards France, and is a source of wonder to visitors passing through, whether they're heading for the Champs-Élysées or the Louvre. Want to know everything there is to know about the monument? We've got you covered! [Read more]
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: one of Paris's most historic squares
The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville hasn't always been the lively, cheerful spot in the heart of Paris. Indeed, it was here that many public executions took place over the centuries. You'll never see the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in the same light again! [Read more]
Tour aux figures du parc de l'Île Saint-Germain, an original monument to see in Hauts-de-Seine
Do you know Jean Dubuffet's Tour aux figures in the Parc Départemental de l'Île Saint-Germain? Come and visit this astonishing monumental work, open to all on weekends from March to October. [Read more]
The Château de la Reine Blanche, a curiosity to be discovered free of charge this summer in the 13th arrondissement - photos
A castle in the heart of Paris? In the capital's 13th arrondissement, hidden from view, a royal manor house has been in hiding since the end of the 13th century. And you can discover it for free with guided tours this summer! [Read more]
Château de Blandy-les-Tours, a medieval monument in a charming Seine-et-Marne village
The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours, located in the very center of a picturesque village in the Seine-et-Marne region, boasts a rich heritage that has spanned history, wars and centuries. A true medieval fortress that has been preserved to the present day, it is one of the most impressive castles in the Île-de-France region. We take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home
Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side, you'll find an exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument. [Read more]
Tour Saint-Jacques, the ancient bell tower with its sublime view over Paris, open from May to November
The Tour Saint-Jacques and its panoramic view over the whole of Paris is open to visitors from May 17 to November 10, 2024. Located just a stone's throw from the Hôtel de Ville, this historic monument is a sight to behold, with its 62 meters and 300 steps. Tours are available in small groups. [Read more]
Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department
Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history. [Read more]
La Maison de Fer de Poissy, the unusual museum nestled in the Parc Meissonnier
La Maison de Fer à Poissy, a monument dating from 1896, is an atypical museum on the town of Poissy, to be discovered in the heart of the Parc Meissonnier. Discover its unique industrial architecture and history, and immerse yourself in the story of Poissy's development. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
Château de Bourron, stay in a truly historic château in the Ile-de-France region
We're off to Seine-et-Marne to discover a hidden treasure: Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century residence near Fontainebleau, a haven of peace well worth the detour. Stay in this listed monument, lulled by the authenticity and beauty of its 40-hectare park. [Read more]
A guided tour of the Jeu de Paume room, a treasure trove of the French Revolution
The Salle du Jeu de Paume, famous since the French Revolution, can be visited at weekends near the Château de Versailles, to immerse yourself in history and discover a recently restored national treasure. [Read more]
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
Hôtel national des Invalides: a landmark in France's military history
Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Hôtel des Invalides is an impressive site that plunges us into France's military history. Three museums are housed here: the Museum of the Army, the Museum of the Order of the Liberation and the Museum of the Plans-Reliefs, as well as the tomb of Napoleon 1st, which lies beneath the Invalides dome. [Read more]
The Tour Montparnasse, a 360° view of Paris
The rooftop of the Tour Montparnasse and its open-air terrace offer an impressive view of Paris and its monuments from 210 meters above ground. [Read more]
The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris's hidden monuments. Erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, this historic site is well worth a visit! [Read more]
The Collège des Bernardins: one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris to visit free of charge
Let's discover the Collège des Bernardins - one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris. Be sure to visit this 13th-century gem, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and open to the public free of charge. Open all year round, this cultural space offers a variety of exhibitions and events, and even a café-restaurant. [Read more]
Château d'Asnières-sur-Seine, an exceptional, little-known heritage site on the outskirts of Paris
If you don't live in Asnières-sur-Seine, you may be unaware of the existence of its château. Completely renovated during two restoration campaigns carried out by the town council in recent years, the site is now open to the public free of charge on certain Sundays of the year. [Read more]
Guided tour of Hôtel de la Païva, a mysterious residence with erotic decorations
The Champs-Elysées harbor many secrets, including the home of the Marquise de la Païva, a former courtesan who had an opulent mansion built, also known as the "Louvre of the ass"... Coming for a visit? [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
The July Column at Bastille opens to the public: here is what is inside
The Colonne de Juillet, which stands on the Place de la Bastille in Paris, opens its doors to the public on October 23, 2021. This is the opportunity to discover its necropolis and its secrets! [Read more]
Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest market in Paris!
The Marché des Enfants Rouges, just a stone's throw from Rue de Bretagne, is the oldest market in Paris. To this day, Parisians of all ages gather here to shop and enjoy the stalls, restaurants, counters and gourmet terraces. [Read more]
The Sorbonne Library, in the 5th arrondissement
If you're still a student, then you have the chance to visit the Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, in the 5th arrondissement. A wonderful place to study in peace and quiet. [Read more]
The Richelieu Library, historic birthplace of the BNF
The Bibliothèque Richelieu is one of the most beautiful libraries in Paris. Discover it for yourself! [Read more]
The Japanese garden at Château de Courances: a bucolic and exotic stroll in the Paris region
The Japanese garden at Château de Courances is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens around Paris, and particularly so in France. Located in the fabulous Courances estate in Essonne, this Anglo-Japanese garden delights us with its exotic landscapes. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From June 20, 2024 to September 22, 2027
