Feeling the Heat in Paris? Here’s Where to Go to Cool Off

Don’t sweat it! These Paris gems make hot days a breeze.

Girl Holding Ice Cream

So, the sun is high and Paris is hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement. But don’t swap your Seine dreams for air-conditioned despair—there’s a whole city of shady escapes, splashy sights, cool culture, and ice-cream-fueled adventures waiting for you! Whether you want to soak up some art, cruise the breezy river, or just find the ultimate spot for chilled rosé, Paris in a heatwave can be your new favorite experience. Let’s dive into the best ways to keep cool while exploring everything this city has to offer. 

The best places to chill in Paris during a heatwave include: 

  • Aquarium de Paris 
  • Musée d'Orsay 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Galeries Lafayette 
  • Paris Science Museum 
  • Les Caves du Louvre 
  • Orangerie Museum 
  • Free Splash Zones and Fountains 
  • Eating Paris’s Best Ice Cream 

Aquarium de Paris: Underwater Chill Factor 

As soon as you step out of the sun and into the cool, softly lit Aquarium de Paris, you’ll breathe a literal sigh of relief. Located just across from the Seine in the Trocadéro Gardens, this aquatic wonderland feels miles away from the sweltering summer streets. Inside, over 10,000 fish, shimmering jellyfish, and mysterious sharks glide through floor-to-ceiling tanks, creating a mesmerizing, blue-tinted world. 

This is more than just a spot to beat the heat—it's a total mood shift. Watch colorful tropical fish dart between coral reefs or lose yourself in the silent ballet of a sea turtle. The soothing soundtrack of water and the dimmed lighting offer the ultimate cool-down, both physically and mentally. Little ones love the touch pools and playful, interactive exhibits, while adults get bonus points for escaping into a moment of zen. Don’t forget to check out the film screenings in the underwater cinema—they’re the perfect excuse to stay a little longer in paradise. 

Musée d'Orsay: Art and Air Conditioning 

Let’s be honest—nothing beats a sprawling, air-conditioned museum when Paris heats up, and Musée d'Orsay is one of our top picks. Housed in a grand Beaux-Arts railway station right on the Seine, the museum’s vast galleries brim with masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas and more.  

The river views from the upstairs clock windows are worth the visit alone: stand there for a selfie, gaze at Paris glimmering in the haze, and then get lost among impressionist paintings that seem to glow even brighter in the soft, shady light. There’s ample seating, fascinating rotating exhibitions, and enough space to take things at your own slow, summer pace. Whether you want to brush up on French art history or simply stay cool in style, this is your best excuse for lingering over the world’s best paintings. 

Sainte-Chapelle: Stay Cool in a Sea of Stained Glass 

Sainte-Chapelle, tucked on Île de la Cité, offers both shade and sensory splendor. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by soaring walls of 13th-century stained glass—so intricate and vibrant you might forget the temperature altogether! 

The high-vaulted ceilings and cool stone walls create a naturally refreshing hideaway, while the colored light dancing across the floors feels like your personal air-conditioned art installation. Spend a few moments soaking in the peace, or maybe catch an atmospheric classical concert if the timing’s right. 

What sets Sainte-Chapelle apart during a heatwave? The peaceful hush, the gentle flow of air, and a sense of being transported into a serene, storybook setting guaranteed to lower your stress (and sweat) levels. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Breezes with a Side of Bon Voyage

Cruise Boat on River Seine

Ready to catch a breeze? Take to the water! Jump aboard a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise and glide down the Seine, where cool air, open decks, and amazing views await. 

You’ll sail past Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the gleaming Eiffel Tower, all while snapping postcard-perfect photos. Choose a covered seat for shade or sit on the top deck for light wind and sunshine. Audio guides share quirky facts and stories, but let’s be honest—we’re really here to soak up the ambiance and the sweet, summer breeze. 

Galeries Lafayette: Cool Shopping and Sky-High Views 

Retail therapy takes on a new meaning when the air outside is roasting! Galeries Lafayette isn’t just Paris’s grandest department store, it’s also a climate-controlled palace for shopping, window browsing, and epic people-watching. Marvel at the Art Nouveau glass dome before ducking into chic boutiques for everything from French designer finds to the latest street styles. 

Fashionistas adore the rooftop terrace—one of Paris’s best-kept secrets—where you can sip something cold and soak in spectacular city views, all while enjoying a refreshing breeze. Not in the mood to shop? Pick up a pastry at the ground-floor food hall, then find a quiet corner under the dome to savor in style. 

Paris Science Museum: Weatherproof Family Fun 

The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is Paris’ ultimate interactive indoor playground—perfect for families, curious minds, or anyone looking to swap heatstroke for discovery. Inside, the galleries hum with hands-on exhibits exploring everything from outer space to underwater worlds. Children can unleash energy in designated play zones (hello, cool and covered), while adults ponder the marvels of technology and design shows in the planetarium. 

What keeps us coming back? The sheer quantity of fascinating exhibits and the blissful, reliable air conditioning. Don’t skip the nearby Géode, a futuristic silver sphere housing a giant cinema—perfect for escaping the sun even longer. 

Les Caves du Louvre: Wine Tasting Underground 

For the ultimate shade—and a sophisticated sip or two—venture into Les Caves du Louvre. This historic wine cellar, just a short walk from the Louvre Museum, delivers both an education and an escape from the blazing streets above. Wind through atmospheric, centuries-old stone tunnels as expert sommeliers guide you through the story of French wine, from grape to glass.  

Tasting sessions (often paired with cheese or chocolate) add delicious refreshment, and the cool underground setting keeps you comfortable as you swirl, sniff, and sample. It’s the perfect blend of Paris glamour, tasty tradition, and a much-needed chill-out—a must for anyone who considers vacation synonymous with “wine o’clock”. 

Orangerie Museum: An Impressionist Oasis

Couple Looking at Monet's Waterlilies

The Orangerie Museum, nestled in the leafy Tuileries Gardens, offers two unbeatable perks in summer: constant air conditioning and the transcendent calm of Monet’s Water Lilies. 

Step into the sunlit oval rooms—purpose-built to showcase Monet’s panoramic masterpieces—then explore more intimate galleries stocked with Renoir, Picasso, and Modigliani. There’s something delightfully peaceful about sipping in the cool air while surrounded by masterpieces inspired by balmy afternoons. Outside, the shaded benches of the gardens are perfect for a rest before diving back into the sunny streets. 

Free Splash Zones: Play Like a Local 

When in doubt, do as Parisians do: head to a splash fountain! Paris City Hall sets up “Paris Plages” during summer months, transforming the quaysides into sandy hangouts, and the fountains at Place de la République or Jardin Nelson Mandela (next to Les Halles) become de facto spray parks for young and old. Kick off your shoes, cool your toes or go all in—just remember to bring a quick-dry towel and some sandals so you can jump right back into sightseeing after your spontaneous splash session! 

These watery oases are perfect if you’re traveling with kids, but let’s be honest—everyone loves a midday fountain frolic when the temperature’s climbing. There’s no ticket needed, no queue, just pure, simple fun in the heart of Paris. We especially love how these spots attract locals, so you’ll get a dose of genuine Parisian summer vibes alongside your cooldown. 

Eating Paris’s Best Ice Cream: Savor Sweet Relief 

There’s only one thing more refreshing than a Parisian evening breeze: Parisian ice cream. The city takes its frozen treats seriously, and there’s nothing better than licking a scoop (or three) of creamy, dreamy gelato on a summer stroll. Head to Berthillon on the neighboring Île Saint-Louis—this artisanal institution scoops up flavors like wild strawberry, pistachio, and their legendary salted caramel that draw fans from around the world. 

If you’re wandering the chic Marais, Pozzetto offers silky, Italian-style gelato in classic flavors, served with a trademark no-fuss Parisian attitude. In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Grom churns out perfectly smooth sorbets and cream-based delights made with natural ingredients. Grab your cone or cup, find a shady bench or a scenic step, and let the heat melt away as you savor every bite. Ice cream in hand, suddenly that Paris sunshine feels just right. 

 

Whether you’re gliding along the Seine’s breezy waters, exploring masterpieces in air-conditioned bliss, tasting wine in ancient cellars, or simply giving in to the joy of a citywide ice cream crawl, there are countless ways to beat the heat and seize the day. The best Paris adventures, after all, are as much about feeling as seeing—and sometimes those feelings are cool, crisp, and deliciously chilled. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Aquarium de Paris or Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Paris 

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A row of colourful Eiffel Tower keyrings on display in a shop
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Best Paris Souvenirs

Did you know the word souvenir derives from the French term for memory or remembrance? What could be more appropriate, then, than to take a memento of your visit to the City of Love home with you? Read on for our guide to the best Paris souvenirs, and where to find them. From the Ubiquitous to the Unique No Paris souvenir is more emblematic or ubiquitous than the humble Eiffel Tower. You’ll find reproductions of The Iron Lady absolutely everywhere, from kitsch souvenir booths and street stalls to the high-end jewelry stores that line the Champs-Élysées. Tacky? Perhaps. But you’re guaranteed a reminder of that wonderful weekend you spent in Paris each and every time you look at it. The tower comes as – deep breath – a fridge magnet, bottle opener, wine-stopper, mug, cuddly toy, bedside lamp, keyring and pen. You’ll see it on t-shirts and tea-towels and inside snow globes. It comes in every shape, color, size and format imaginable, with or without flashing lights. But you can’t really beat a simple metal replica. These tiny, faithful reproduction ornaments can be found in the Eiffel Tower’s gift shops and, well, just about everywhere else. Looking for something a little more unique to you? Paris is home to some of the finest perfumers on the planet, with many offering unique custom fragrances. Scent magicians Fragonard have a workshop in which you can design and create your very own mini eau de toilette to take home. Alternatively – should you have deep enough pockets – you can engage the services of celebrated Paris perfumer Stéphanie de Bruijn, who will personally oversee the creation of your very own signature scent. Or head to Place du Tertre in Montmartre where, on a picturesque cobbled square against the stunning backdrop of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, local artists will create perhaps the ultimate Paris keepsake: a portrait or caricature of your own beautiful face, captured for posterity. And you don’t get much more unique than that! Souvenirs for Culture Vultures Paris boasts literally hundreds of museums and art galleries. And where there’s a museum or gallery, there’s a gift shop. Hit up the Louvre for all your Mona Lisa mug and tote bag requirements. Of course, as befits the world’s most-visited museum, there’s much more to the Louvre’s beautiful wood-clad boutique than da Vinci knick-knacks alone. Think intricately detailed maps of pre and post-Haussmannian Paris, replica period jewelry and hundreds of prints of masterpieces from the museum's vast art collection. Gift shops at the Rodin and Picasso museums also merit a visit in their own right. The Rodin Museum boutique is where you’ll find note-perfect ornamental replicas of the French sculptor’s most famous works, including The Kiss and The Thinker. While the Musée Picasso boutique in the Marais is your one-stop-shop for decorative houseware, pottery, bags, artful cushions and more, all designed to pay tasteful homage to the father of Cubism. The stretch between Quai Voltaire and Quai de la Tournelle on the Seine’s Left Bank is a bonanza for book lovers. Stroll the pretty embankment, enjoying glorious views of Notre-Dame and the bateaux that bob along the river, as you browse the wares of the Bouquinistes. This is the place for books of all shapes and sizes sold from stalls that line the riverside. Think literary classics, graphic novels, dusty antiquarian doorstops, childrens’ books, art, poetry... it’s all here, and then some. Budding philatelists and deltiologists are also well catered for by the Bouquinistes, with many selling antique French stamps and postcards alongside their books. At the eastern end of this stretch, on the edge of the Latin Quarter, is also where you’ll find beloved English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company. Within this labyrinthine treasure trove of groaning shelves and teetering piles lies the perfect souvenir or gift idea for the bookworm in your life: a beautiful book of your choice, stamped with the shop’s famous logo on its flyleaf. Wearable and Edible Paris Souvenirs If you’re lucky enough to be able to rock the beret-and-marinière look like the couple in the picture above, we recommend splashing out on these traditional Gallic fashions in a store with French-made goods, rather than picking up the cheap knock-off versions that are ubiquitous in the high-street souvenir shops (and that are liable to fall apart the minute you get them home). Try La Cerise sur le Chapeau for your chic headgear and Armor-Lux for your Breton striped shirt. Neither will break the bank and both have branches throughout Paris. What might break the bank, however, is a visit to the flagship Louis Vuitton megastore on the Champs-Élysées, the biggest in the world. Seven stories of eye-wateringly expensive accessories await you in this palace of pleasure. It’s worth visiting purely to ogle at its many wonders but, if you can afford it, what an absolutely perfect souvenir that magnificent little purse would make. Food, glorious food... Given that France can stake a reasonable claim to having the finest cuisine on the planet, it would be remiss if you fail to take home something edible: an exquisite little jar of the yellow stuff from the Maille boutique on Place de la Madeleine, perhaps. Or some powdered hot chocolate from the legendary Café Angelina. Paris is also crammed with delightful fromageries and caves à vin for all your cheese and wine needs. Follow your nose to quaint Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris and home to The House of Androuet, its highly decorative exterior tempting you inside to where hundreds of fragrant French fromages await. Head to Galerie Vivienne for an old-fashioned wine-shopping experience at Legrand Filles et Fil. Beneath the grand glass canopy of this 19th-century arcade, you’ll find a wonderland of wines from Bordeaux to Burgundy and beyond. And finally, it’s impossible to talk about edible souvenirs without mentioning macarons, those colorful little meringue confections so beloved of Parisians and Instagrammers everywhere. You can pick these up from any Paris pâtisserie worth its salt, but for a truly decadent souvenir or gift, treat yourself to a box of beautifully presented macarons from the opulent Ladurée store. Or visit rival Pierre Hermé, whose must-try signature flavors include Ispahan (raspberry, lychee and rosewater) and Mogador (chocolate and passion fruit). You’ll find both of these fine establishments on (where else?) the Champs-Élysées. Save on things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
People Looking at Art
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Sun sets behind Notre Dame Cathedral
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Is Paris in May a good idea?

Paris is always a good idea. But Paris in May could well be the good idea to end all good ideas. Offering perfect sightseeing weather – sunny skies, almost no rain and very little humidity – Paris in May is a joy to behold. Temperatures which seem to rise by the day trigger a wealth of spring blooms alongside a sense of good cheer that even the surliest of Parisians can’t fail to get caught up in. Weather aside, Paris in May is able to boast a busy calendar of events and lengthening daylight hours in which to enjoy them to their max. Whilst the start of the city’s high season, there’s nowhere near the number of visitors as in July and August. The result? A happy balance between T-shirt wearing weather and entrance line lengths – which can of course be avoided by exploring with Go City! When in Paris... Paris has no fewer than four public holidays scheduled for May: Labor Day (May 1), World War II Victory Day (May 8), Ascension Day (40 days after Easter) and Whit Monday (or Pentecost, 50 days after Easter). Expect some shops and restaurants to be firmly closed for each. It’s best to check in advance though, with the Louvre’s mighty galleries closed on May 1 but open the rest of the month. Other museums may have reduced hours. What does this mean for anyone visiting Paris in May? It means the chance to see the city from the eyes of its residents. Many love nothing more than using their free days to head to the banks of the River Seine or one of the city’s multitude of green spaces. Spots on the Place du Vert Galant at the tip of Notre Dame Cathedral’s Île de la Cité are fiercely fought over because of its views across to the Louvre and the 18th-Century Hôtel de la Monnaie. But there’s no shortage of other potential picnic locations in a city with over 400 parks. Take a stroll Alternative activities on the Île de la Cité include a stroll among the stalls of the Queen Elizabeth II Flower Market. A stone’s throw from the stained-glass windows of the Church of Sainte-Chapelle and the ancient stonework of La Conciergerie, it has a particular significance on May 1. By tradition, the date is marked by giving a sprig of lily of the valley to loved ones. Every Sunday, it turns into a bird market alive with chirruping. The pleasant weather makes May in Paris a great time of year to pull on the walking shoes whatever your interests. The river’s banks are a good place to start, with a guided walking tour along the Seine full of fascinating stories from the city’s extensive history. Anyone who knows Paris a little already can instead explore the hidden gems of Le Marais, a residential area filled with historic sites such as Place des Vosges, once home to Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables. Sun and sea – of a kind Hitting the sidewalks of the French capital isn’t the only way to discover the city. Visitors have been getting a bird’s eye view from the top of the Eiffel Tower since 1889. But those seeking elevated views of the tower itself can opt for the Ballon de Paris Generali instead. It’s the world’s largest helium-filled balloon. The adventures can continue beneath the waves at the Aquarium de Paris in the Trocadero Gardens opposite the Eiffel Tower. Concentrating on lifeforms found in French waters – which include islands in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean Sea – 60 tanks provide habitats for 7500 individual animals, including 50 sharks and 2500 jellyfish. Night owls will love the fact that the nearby Palais de Tokyo stays open late at least once a week. It’s home to the Paris Museum of Modern Art, one of two major contemporary collections in the city. The Pompidou Center is the other. Sample cordon bleu menus With café and restaurant tables again a firm fixture on the Paris streets after the chill of the winter months, May is also a great time to get to grips with the city’s famed food scene. For a lunch on the go that would make any Parisian proud, look no further than jambon-beurre. A ham sandwich with an added touch of class, both bakeries and cafés prepare this half-baguette containing butter and jambon de Paris ham in vast quantities each day. If you’re after a more leisurely midday meal the croque monsieur may be the answer, sharing many of the main elements of a jambon-beurre but with extra sumptuousness supplied by a béchamel sauce and a light grilling. Your tastebuds also won’t want to miss the Fête de Pain (Bread Festival) the week either side of May 16. An annual celebration of Saint-Honoré, the patron saint of bakers, it has the city’s artisans sharing their skills with the general public. Just add cheese for a perfect bite to eat! Major May events Around the same time, sports fans begin descending on the Bois de Boulogne for the opening rounds of the French Open Glam Slam tennis championships at Roland Garros. However, there are still plenty of other events for those who don’t know their Halep from their Barty or their Federer from their Nadal. The Printemps Des Rues street festival on the Canal Saint-Martin’s Quai de Jemmapes creates a magical atmosphere suitable for all the family. Dance, music and theater all come together for just one weekend to mark the coming of spring to the city’s streets. It’s the upmarket Saint Germain-des-Prés neighborhood that’s the main location for one of the city’s foremost music events – Festival Jazz. Its stages bring together new talent and household names wherever they might be found. There’s always a strong contingent of American musicians, alongside those hailing from as far afield as Cameroon and India. The Villette Sonique Festival at Parc de la Villette sees crowds welcoming not only jazz greats but also rock and post-punk experimental acts. Better still, it’s free to attend many of its outdoor daytime concerts! What to do in Paris in May May in Paris can more than hold its own against the other months of the year. Continuously improving weather, a relaxed holiday atmosphere and brilliant events mean a vacation at this time of year will be remembered for all the right reasons. And whilst Paris in May is the start of peak vacation season, with higher accommodation costs, don’t forget that by traveling with your trusty Go City app to hand you’re going to make substantial savings on admission to many of Paris’s top attractions!
Ian Packham

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