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!
The Institut de France, the cultural hub par excellence at the end of the Pont des Arts
Discover the Institut de France, located at 23 Quai de Conti in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Founded in 1795, this cultural center is home to five prestigious academies and the Bibliothèque Mazarine, offering a fascinating insight into French history and culture. A must for all art, literature and science enthusiasts! [Read more]
Saint-Denis Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France in Saint-Denis (93), discover its history
How about (re)discovering the Basilique Saint-Denis? Classified as a historical monument, this religious edifice in Saint-Denis (93) is home to the necropolis of the Kings of France, and is a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the region's heritage. We tell you all about it! [Read more]
Did you know? Why is it called the Fountain of the Innocents?
The Fontaine des Innocents, the jewel in the crown of Paris's Les Halles district, is back in full view and freshly restored, just ahead of the Olympic Games. Do you know the history of this emblematic monument, witness to Parisian history since the 16th century, and why it bears its name? We tell you. [Read more]
The Parc des Princes, a soccer temple that has been home to Paris-Saint-Germain since 1974
After the Stade de France, the Parc des Princes is the largest soccer stadium in the Paris region, and has been home to Paris-Saint-Germain since the late 1970s. Accessible on guided tours, it is mainly used on match nights. [Read more]
The Lutetia Arena, a Gallo-Roman amphitheater in the heart of Paris
Did you know about the Arènes de Lutèce? This well-preserved Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, located in the heart of the Arènes de Lutèce square in Paris, is a true symbol of the Parisian art of living! [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]
BnF Richelieu, the historic home of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and its museum
The Richelieu site, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is the historic birthplace of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which has housed collections of royal documents since 1721. A historic site, recently modernized, accessible to all! [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]
Photos of the Château de Breteuil, its sublime gardens, stories and events
Château de Breteuil, at Choisel in the Chevreuse valley, is a must-see castle in the Yvelines region. A jewel of the 18th century, the château boasts sublime gardens to discover: a remarkable garden, century-old trees and a labyrinth await you. It also offers young and old alike the chance to plunge into the heart of Perrault's fairy tales. [Read more]
Château de la Roche Guyon, a troglodyte castle in the Val-d'Oise with a breathtaking view over the Seine valley
Have you heard of Ile-de-France's only troglodyte castle, nestled in the only village in the region to be named one of France's most beautiful villages? We'll take you on a tour of the Château de la Roche Guyon, an unusual castle in the Val-d'Oise, with an eventful past that also inspired the adventures of Blake and Mortimer. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [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]
The Galerie des Carrosses, the free museum at the Grandes Ecuries of the Château de Versailles
The Galerie des Carrosses, nestled in the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles, opens its doors free of charge every weekend. When visiting Versailles, it's a discovery you'd be wrong not to make. We'll take you on a tour... [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]
The Hôtel de la Marine in Paris, the sublime monument on Place de la Concorde
Do you know the Hôtel de la Marine? Let's discover this restored treasure of Parisian heritage, enthroned on the Place de la Concorde! [Read more]
Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [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]
The Château de Champs-sur-Marne, a magnificent Renaissance-style building with an 85-hectare garden
In the Seine-et-Marne département, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne is less well known than Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau. A testament to its rich history, Champs-sur-Marne is best known for its vast 85-hectare wooded park, which is open all year round! [Read more]
The Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument
The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets. [Read more]
The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution
The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. [Read more]
Roland-Garros stadium, the temple of clay tennis in Paris
Known the world over thanks to the French Open tennis tournament, the Roland-Garros stadium is a veritable open-air museum for fans of the sport and clay courts, located at Porte d'Auteuil in the west of Paris. [Read more]
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, in the heart of the Latin Quarter
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a landmark in the Latin Quarter. Discover its history! [Read more]
The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris
Immerse yourself in medieval history at the Tour Jean-sans-Peur in Paris. The last vestige of the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne Valois, the Tour Jean sans Peur was built in 1409 and offers a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages in a reconstructed residence. It currently houses an exhibition on Health in the Middle Ages, which runs until September 10, 2023 (excluding the month of August). [Read more]
Did you know? The Flame of Liberty on the Pont de l'Alma is not really dedicated to Lady Diana.
At the entrance to the Pont de l'Alma stands a beautiful golden flame, often associated with Lady Diana since her death in an accident. Although it is now an unofficial memorial, the Flame of Liberty is first and foremost a symbol of Franco-American friendship! [Read more]
The Catacombs of Paris, an unusual visit to the bowels of the capital
Have you ever ventured into the Catacombs of Paris? Let's go and discover this creepy brown place, known to all but where most have never been. A fascinating and historic site, a guided tour of the Catacombs is well worth the detour, as well as keeping you cool on hot days. [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]
La Conciergerie, the former royal residence and revolutionary prison on the Île de la Cité
Right in the heart of Paris, not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Sainte-Chapelle with its magnificent stained glass windows, the Conciergerie is an imposing building with a rich history: this palace, which was also a prison, is one of our national monuments and a must-see if you want to find out more about the history of Paris. [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 Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument on the Champs-Élysées that sits at the center of the Place de l'Étoile, is a must-see on your visit to Paris! [Read more]
Sacré-Coeur de Paris, the must-see basilica at the top of Montmartre Hill
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris's must-see monuments. But how much do you know about its history and treasures? We'll take you on a tour of this edifice perched atop the Butte Montmartre, and take a look at what's happening there at the moment! [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]
Villa Savoye, a taste of modernism ahead of its time in Poissy
Want to discover the heritage of the Île-de-France region? Built between 1928 and 1931 by Le Corbusier, the Villa Savoye in Poissy offers a striking architectural immersion in the Modern Movement. Take a tour of this geometrically purist building. [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]
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: the reopening of this emblematic monument is eagerly awaited
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Announced for December 8, 2024, its reopening is eagerly awaited. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [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 Hôtel de Soubise, a remarkable setting for the French National Archives
In the heart of the Marais district, discover a private mansion and its hidden garden, home to the Archives nationales and a free museum open to all. A chance to admire the sublime architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise! [Read more]
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its spaces and its history. Come and admire this superb château, with its medieval and classical styles, and its ornate gardens covering more than 130 hectares. [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 Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris (Paris Historical Library), to learn more about Paris
At the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris, you can consult a wealth of documents, maps, photos and more on the history of the French capital. You're sure to become an expert on the subject! [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 Mazarine Library, France's oldest public library
The Bibliothèque Mazarine is France's oldest public library. And you can visit it! [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 Château de Rambouillet and its Bergerie nationale, an exceptional estate in the Paris region (78)
A princely, royal, imperial and then presidential residence, the Château de Rambouillet and its grounds are steeped in history and boast some remarkable nooks and crannies, including the Queen's Dairy, the Chaumière aux coquillages and the Bergerie nationale, not to be missed. [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]
Parc du Château de Plaisir, a green bubble in the heart of Yvelines
On the outskirts of old Plaisir, nestles the Parc du Château de Plaisir and its verdant setting, a veritable corner of nature for strolling, picnicking or playing sport. Classified as a historic monument in 1961, this site has many assets. [Read more]
The Château de Maisons-Laffitte, a pleasure home with a royal air, in the Yvelines department
In Maisons-Laffitte, in the Yvelines département, the town's château has all the hallmarks of a chateau, yet it was once a "simple" pleasure house! Less than an hour from Paris, it's a beautiful place to discover with family, friends or on your own. [Read more]
Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris
Along with the Louvre, the Château de Vincennes is one of the most important castles in French history. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe... [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From June 20th, 2024 to September 22th, 2024
