When the temperature rises, we don't necessarily want to go out, we rather stay in the comfort and coolness of our homes. Here's a list of things to do to stay cool while enjoying Paris when it's hot outside.
Check our list of pools and aquatic centers in Seine-Saint-Denis to find a pool near you. Some pools even have sliding roof for those who want to get a little tan.
In the summer is possible to swim in the Bassin de la Villette in a dedicated area installed during Paris Plages. Nb: It is forbidden to swim in Parisian canals except for that designated area.
It is also possible to swim in the La Villette basin in the designated swimming area set up in the heart of Paris Plages. Please note: Swimming is prohibited in Paris’s canals, with the exception of this designated area.
The Canal Saint-Martin will be open for swimming this summer on Sunday afternoons. Swimming is free and supervised.
"Announcement from June 16, 2026: The mayor of Paris announced that the Canal Saint-Martin will be open for swimming starting Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and during all future heat waves.
During all heat waves, a designated swimming area will be set up on the Canal Saint-Martin from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with lifeguards on site to supervise swimmers.
Please note that not all areas will be open for swimming—for safety reasons. Diving from the footbridges is also prohibited.”
Water Play Areas in the Departmental Parks of the 93—Where Can You Find Them?
During summer, beaches and water sports bases are set up along the canals of Paris. Paris Plages or Été du Canal offer activities on the banks and on the water.
Enjoy the waterways by practicing water activities in the Paris region: canoeing, pedal boats, cruises...
Parks, forests and green spaces of Île-de-France offer shaded areas and sometimes water spots where you can cool off during the heat wave.
In summer, some parks and squares install water mirrors, misters and sometimes even paddling pools. In case of hot weather in the Paris region, parks can stay open at night.
park Haute Ile - Neuilly sur Marne
When night falls, temperatures are cooler: make the most of it and go out at night in Paris! Enjoy an open-air evening in Paris, an open-air cinema and discover the nightlife in the Paris region.
You can also cool off by going out in the early hours of the morning in Paris.
Parisian café terraces are ideal for lounging around with a drink. Restaurants, bars, third places and cultural places can offer a terrace to have a drink.
Avoid the heat in air-conditioned places: cinemas, shopping centers, archives and museums are mostly equipped with air conditioning.
You can also visit one of the many churches in the department, churches have the advantage to be cool all year long. A visit to the crypt of the Basilica of Saint-Denis will ensure a cool journey through the history of the monarchy.
If it's too hot outside go under. There are plenty of things to do underground that will keep you cool all day : quarry, underground railroads, crypt, vault... these underground places are worth visiting.
When it's too hot in Paris, you can also wait for the night to go out in the cool and enjoy the party places and open air in Paris or go out early in the morning. If it's really too hot to go outside, wait until tomorrow to go out in the Ile-de-France.
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