If you’re staying in Paris for your summer vacation in 2026, you’re probably running out of ideas for things to do. Luckily, the Paris Secret team is here to give you some suggestions! Exhibitions, outings, day trips… you’ll have plenty to choose from!
Calling all art lovers looking for something new. L’Atelier des Lumières in Paris’s 11th arrondissement—a true mecca for immersive exhibitions—is currently presenting two brand-new experiences simultaneously. On one hand: *The Little Prince: The Immersive Odyssey*, which brings this global phenomenon to life through images and music. On the other, *Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience* immerses visitors in the sun-drenched world of the Dutch painter. *The Starry Night*, *Sunflowers*… His most iconic masterpieces are brought to life in this 360-degree exhibition. In a modernized museum space, rediscover the works of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Van Gogh through a new lens.
When you say “summer,” you inevitably think of “Paris Plage”! And this year, Paris Plage is back with several lively venues. From July 4 to August 30, you can soak up the sun along the Canal Saint-Martin, near the Bassin de la Villette, and around the Parc Rives de Seine.
On the movie front, you can’t miss the most anticipated film of the year. Following the box-office triumphof *Oppenheimer*, Christopher Nolan takes on Homer’s *Odyssey*, filmed entirely in IMAX, with a star-studded cast led by Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron. Tickets are in high demand!
The sunny days are finally here! Why not take advantage of them to dance the night away and have fun at the season’s best open-air venues? La Prairie du Canal, Le Barboteur… there’s no shortage of cool spots!
Looking for a fun break in July during your summer vacation in Paris? Head to the Paradox Museum, a temple of illusion 2.0 nestled at 38 Boulevard des Italiens. Here, defy gravity in the famous Zero Gravity Room, where you’ll walk with your feet pointing toward the ceiling like an astronaut on a mission. With nearly 90 interactive experiences spread across 1,700 m², it’s a festival of trompe-l’œil, optical illusions, and visual puzzles to enjoy with family or friends. Bonus: the space is air-conditioned, and the decor is perfectly summery. So this is THE cool thing to do this summer! And to make the outing last longer: a mandatory stop at Hans & Gretel—this sweet spot lets you recharge with a refreshing ice cream after your visit (or even before; you don’t need a museum ticket to get in).
When the weather is nice, you’ll want to make the most of it. And what better way to lift your spirits and enjoy summer even more than with a delicious brunch? Many restaurants offer leafy terraces sheltered from prying eyes. We especially love the one at the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre—it’s incredibly romantic.
📍23 Av. Junot Pavillon D, 75018 Paris
Haven’t tried a Candlelight concert yet ? Take advantage of the quiet holiday season to treat yourself to a timeless moment in an idyllic setting. At the Maison de l’Océan, a virtuoso string quartet performs the most beautiful pieces by the genius composer Hans Zimmer, creator of the iconic film scores for *Pirates of the Caribbean*, *Gladiator*, *Top Gun*…
Why not take advantage of the holidays to play detective in the streets of Paris? Head to the Marais for a life-size scavenger hunt that will let you rediscover the neighborhood from a whole new perspective! Starting at Place des Vosges, set out with your team on the trail of Mamie Sion, an elderly woman found in a panic by a police officer… Her memory seems to hold many secrets, and a mysterious threat looms over her. Armed with an investigator’s briefcase and a logbook, set out in search of clues through 2 to 3 km of narrow streets before putting together your investigation report. The game lasts about 2.5 hours, with a final ranking and even a small prize for the winning team!
Buren’s iconic stripes are transforming Monet’s landscape this summer in Giverny. For an artistic getaway outside Paris during summer vacation, note that from July 17 to November 1, 2026, the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny is giving Daniel Buren free rein for the exhibition “Plantations, works in situ, 2026, ” which will take over the gardens and galleries to create a dialogue between the artist’s colored stripes and Monet’s landscape.
Looking for an immersive outing that’s a change from traditional exhibitions during summer vacation? Head to Zoo Art Show Paris in La Défense: this 4,000-square-meter exhibition-event brings together more than 500 international artists for a true journey through 40 years of street art, extended through June 28, 2026. Monumental murals, 360° installations, workshops, and performances bring the space at the foot of the Grande Arche to life.
To end the summer on a high note, head to one of the most beautiful settings in the Paris region: as the season draws to a close, the entire Domaine national de Saint-Cloud transforms into a temple of music. From August 26 to 30, Rock en Seine returns with an XXL lineup that’s sure to delight fans of rock, indie, pop, and hip-hop. This year, the festival is pulling out all the stops with The Cure, Tyler, The Creator, Lorde, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Deftones, The Black Keys, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, Turnstile, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, Tash Sultana, Slowdive, and Amyl and The Sniffers. Between concerts, enjoy the unique atmosphere of Saint-Cloud Park, with its expansive lawns and shaded paths. For more information, visit the official website.
A lush getaway where Renoir and Monet found inspiration. Want to get out of Paris for a bit while staying close by? The Île des Impressionnistes in Chatou is a lush island on the Seine that inspired Renoir, Monet, and other Impressionist painters, accessible in about 15 minutes by RER A from Paris. Once there, you can visit the Maison Fournaise (an immersive museum featuring holograms and virtual reality) and attend the annual Festival Lumières Impressionnistes; the 2026 edition, dedicated to the Monet Centennial, is a free event.
Dance at sunset more than 50 meters up on the Eiffel Tower terrace. For a summer evening that’s truly out of the ordinary, head to the Eiffel Tower: every Thursday through September 3, 2026, Sapiens Tower nights take over the first-floor terrace for open-air house and electro DJ sets. The events take place in the evening (7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. through August 27), and admission is included with your Eiffel Tower ticket at no extra charge.
A medieval village where seven streets lead down to the same river. If you’re looking to escape Paris for a day during summer vacation, head about 100 kilometers southeast of the capital: Flagy is a medieval village crossed by the Orvanne River, whose streets converge toward the river and are dotted with bridges, washhouses, and a 13th-century mill now converted into a hotel-restaurant. The village, designated a “Village of Character,” offers a peaceful stroll past the church, old farmhouses, and landscaped riverbanks.
Looking for a summer outing that’s a little out of the ordinary? Go behind the scenes at the Versailles Equestrian Academy and meet its horses on an exclusive tour. The Grande Écurie de Versailles offers 1.5-hour guided tours to explore the Equestrian Academy, its riding arenas, tack room, and stables, as well as the 40 horses housed on site. Groups are limited to 25 people.