If you're spending time in Paris this summer, check out some of the free entertainments that the city offers.
The cave on the bridge
Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, has had a temporary makeover as a piece of pop-up artwork, thanks to the 'French Banksy' JR.
The artist has transformed the bridge into La Caverne - a giant inflatable art installation which visitors walk through to a soundtrack created by one half of Daft Punk.
It's open until June 28th, 24-hours a day, and entry is free (although you may have to queue at busy times). Full details here.
Swimming in the Seine
Paris will reopen its hugely popular swimming spots in the River Seine this year - starting on July 4th and running until the end of August.
Swimming was first allowed last year for the first time in more than 100 years, after a massive clean-up operation by the city allowed first Olympic athletes then ordinary members of the public to swim.
There are three designated swimming areas; Grenelle (opposite the Eiffel Tower), Bercy and Pont Louis-Philippe. Water is tested daily and the sites only open if the water quality is safe for swimming, so check online first. Swimming is free.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about swimming in the Seine in summer 2026
Fête de la musique
This isn't a Paris-only affair, the whole of France celebrates each year on June 21st, but the capital is well represented when it comes to music.
During the festival, which this year falls on a Sunday, the streets of Paris are packed with bands, groups and DJs, with all styles represented from rock to reggae, children's choirs to classical orchestras and a lot more besides.
Although some venues host paid-for concerts, the on-street music is free. June 21st also marks the day when La Vasque will rise for the first time in 2026.
READ ALSO: Fête de la Musique: What to know about France’s 2026 street music party✎
La Vasque
You might have seen this during the Olympics - the huge and beautiful hot air balloon that rose over the city and hovered in the night sky.
Well La Vasque, to give it its formal name, returned last summer and will also return this year, from June 21st to September 14th, and will take to the sky each evening at sunset.
The balloon is anchored in the Jardin des Tuileries, and each evening (weather permitting) it lifts into the air, hovering several hundred metres above the city - lift-off time varies according to the sunset time but runs from 9.30pm to 10.30pm through the summer.
You can visit the tethered balloon every day from 10am, but the sunset liftoff is the most special time and the gardens fill with visitors going to watch. Visits are free and do not require advance reservation - details on liftoff times here.
Open air cinema
Various clubs and neighbourhood groups will host open-air film sessions, but the main one is at La Villette in northern Paris which installs a giant screen every year in its park and shows a variety of films - in both English and French - over the summer.
This year's theme is 'the call of the forest' and films include The Blair Witch Project and Princesse Mononoké.
Entry is free but a ticket must be reserved in advance. The park has bars and snack stalls but it's also OK to bring your own drinks, snacks or a picnic. Chairs can be rented but cost €5, dogs are not allowed (except assistance dogs). Full details here.
Street art
La Villette is currently hosting Beyond the Streets - legends of street art (runs until August 30th, tickets from €10), but also Paris has a lot of street art that you can see for free.
Check out the Tunnel des Tuileries, a former road tunnel running alongside the Seine that has been converted into a combined bike path and street art gallery. Walk or cycle through and check out the latest additions to the walls - as a bonus the 860m long tunnel remains delightfully cool and shady on even the hottest days.
You can also follow the Invaders series - a set of street art mosaics that are gradually spreading around the city and which can be tracked via a phone app like Pokemon. They're a really fun way to explore some of the off-the-beaten track parts of the city, especially for children. (Oh, who are we kidding, adults love them too).
Fête nationale fireworks
July 14th is France's national holiday - known as Bastille Day in the anglophone world - and towns and cities around France will celebrate.
Paris lays on a serious military parade in the morning along the Champs-Elysées - free to watch but advised to get there in advance to get a good view - and fireworks and music in the evening.
This year, as a one-off change, the Paris fireworks will be on the evening of Monday, July 13th - because the 14th is the 10th anniversary of the Nice terror attack, and commemoration events will be held instead.
The fireworks and concert take place in the Champs des Mars, in front of the Eiffel Tower, but the city has plenty of good, and less crowded, vantage points to watch from including the Tuileries and the city centre bridges.
The concert is free to attend but places are limited so you will need to get there early to secure a spot. Full details here.
This is just a small selection of the events happening in the summer in Paris - check out the tourist office Paris Je t'aime for full listings. Or share your favourite events in the comments section below
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