10 things you have to do this summer in Paris!

Of course there are plenty more things to do in Paris, especially in summer, but make sure at least not to miss these 10 we chose! ;)

1. Paris Plage - Well, let's be honest, there have been some mixed feelings here on whether we like Paris Plage or not - but what we are sure about is that you shouldn't miss at least taking a stroll on the banks of Seine and checking out the atmosphere. It is the festival started by Mayor Bertrand Delanoe in 2002. There are so many cool organised summer activities (especially for kids and those who feel like kids). More info here.

2.  Cinéma en Plein Air de La Villette - It is such a Parisian thing to do in summer. Films start around 10:30 PM but make sure to come much earlier (around 6, 7 PM) to secure yourself with good picnic spot! You may also rent blankets, deckchairs. Did we mention it’s free activity? :D Choose the movies and days here!

3. Le Perchoir / Nuba & Wonderlust / Faust 

Nuba

Ok, you might skip first two things on the list but this point - don't you dare! Those are the spots where you'll get to be as close as possible to feeling like a real Parisian - like one of them (especially in Le Perchoir). Believe us, go there and you'll get what we mean as soon as you grab your wine and start rubbing shoulders with French speaking minimalist fashionistas while Eiffel Tower is sparkling the sunset. Read here our entire post about Les Perchoirs and all the "What to know" you need.

Nuba 

4. Amorino & Berthillon Ice Creams - We can't choose which one we like more, so you tell us! Lines are huuuge in front of both but totally worth waiting for! We love the flower shaped ice cream at Amorino but also adore the classic flavours of Berthillon. It's absolutely impossible to miss Amorino shops which are spread all over Paris but just in case - :) .

Amorino

Berthillon

5. Place Vosges + Maison de Victor Hugo + La Carette - Oh, this square! How much we love it during the summer! Here you can spot everyone - from children playing with fountain water to fashionistas tasting and posting photos of the macarons from famous La Carette (even though we must admit - our always favourite macarons are from Georges Larnicol, but just wait for that post! :D). For a perfect day out just stroll the streets of Le Marais, come to Place Vosges, soak up the atmosphere and sun, check out iconic Maison de Victor Hugo and visit one of the bars/coffee spots - it certainly won't leave you disappointed. 

6. Shakespeare and Company - There are two things you need to know before stepping in this legendary bookshop! 
    1 - Don't underestimate how much time you need to pick a book. No, no, one hour is not enough! Also, consider checking in one more suitcase with only your books in it. Also - ask for the legendary "zero kilometer" stamp!
   2 - Before heading there check out this link  to see if there is an event planned for the period you are in Paris so you can check it out! :D

7. Canal St. Martin - whatever you plan to do in Paris make sure you arrive 2 hours earlier to find the spot! That counts for the canal as well. You may often find yourself unable to find a single spare spot to sit down on the banks of the Seine in summer. It's hipster area where during the warm summer nights you can meet tipsy Parisians swimming in Seine, dancing, laughing, singing... Go there in a group - more fun and certainly safer!

8. Bastille Day - If you happen to be in Paris on 14th of July - make sure to do the grocery shopping in the early morning, buy lots of picnic essentials, head towards Champs de Mars around 5 PM, position yourself and wait for the fireworks! In the end, it's all about the atmosphere but the 30 minutes long (!!!) fireworks around midnight are really wow! 

9. Moonshiner / Candelaria : Speak Easy Bars - How about entering fully packed pizza restaurant, crossing the room, opening the fridge, entering, passing through and on the other side ordering the best cocktails in the city just because now it's all about prohibition and reinvention of the 20ies in Paris. This list may help you choose the best - though we tried only Moonshiner and Candelaria we were stunned! And - bar tender's choice is certainly the best way to go, just indicate them the tastes you prefer.

10. Amusement park in Le Jardine des Tuileries - This park is almost like all in Paris gorgeous and so royal but what we are proposing here is not visiting the park itself but the amusing part of it! Be kid! Treat yourself with cotton candies, delicious crepes and all kinds of sweets in between the crazy rides.

... ok (we lied it's not just 10 points) one more thing - Just walk through Paris! - In may 2009, the French magazine Beaux Art published a survey in which the French were asked about the biggest source of beauty in their everyday life. Their answer was stunning! 44 per cent of people replied 'walking in the street'! We believe this is always the best way to get to know any city and especially Paris. Wherever you go out from metro you'll spot impressive architecture, bistros, boutiques, open air activities, concerts... just let yourself to Paris and discover it without maps, goals and hurry - just be there, let it seduce you!

A & J

We owe one big THANK YOU to certain people - our little Parisians - Ella, Andjelija & Luca, the best photographer/brat Jonathan & whole SU group.