Paris in June: Time to Celebrate the Start of Summer

As Audrey Hepburn once said: 'Paris is always a good idea' and Paris in June is no exception. Where Paris in August sees most locals flee from the city, June is the month where they savour summer in the city before escaping to the country or coast. The longer days are filled with walks along the Seine, endless family picnics in the park, good music, great food and most importantly even greater wine. With the sun shining and milder temperature into the evening, you'll find an array of open-air events to keep you entertained. So, without further ado, here's Plum Guide's (ever meticulous) pick of the best things to do in Paris in June.

Summertime heralds the best in music from around the world, so get ready for great things when visiting Paris in June or Paris in July. For the last 35 years on the 21st June, it’s not only the longest day of the year but the noisiest. The fête de la musique is a pretty big deal in the whole of France, but particularly in Paris, with big-name concerts, live bands, amateur musicians and street performers on every corner. Stages spring up all over the city but your best bet is to head to either the Jardin des Tuileries, the Petit Palais, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Louvre or the Jardin du Luxembourg for guaranteed entertainment.

If you fancy something traditional, from June to September during Opera en plein air, a well-known traditional opera is performed in the most beautiful heritage sites across the city. It’s worth reserving your place in advance as these shows get booked up. Feel like a day trip? Head to the Palace of Versailles where there’s the Fountains Night Show and the Royal Serenade in the Hall of Mirrors. Exploring the grounds on a balmy summer’s evening whilst fountains and water features are illuminated with beautiful lighting effects and music is what a magical Parisian night is all about. Jazz fans should check out the Paris Jazz festival from 30th June. These are a series of free live jazz concerts held every Saturday and Sunday until the 22nd July in the Parc Floral de Paris. Pack a picnic and crack open a bottle of wine whilst enjoying the smooth jazz melodies in a verdant and floral setting. If these dates don’t suit, try Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés festival which runs from 24th May to 4th June in Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood, or alternatively Musicora 2018 at the La Grande Halle de La Villette - here you’ll find France’s biggest display of musical instruments.

If chilling to music on a midsummer’s eve isn’t your thing and you’re after some more active viewing, worry not, Paris in June is still for you. If you time your trip right, you can head to the Roland Garros for the French Open. This championship attracts the world's best tennis players for just over two weeks of incredible non-stop tennis action. Is there really anything better than spending an afternoon basking in the glorious sunshine, whilst watching two top five players battle it out on the court for this cherished title? And when you’re not watching first-class tennis shots being fired on Philippe Chatrier, indulge in a picnic in the grounds. You’re allowed to bring your own food, so stock up on baguettes, ham and French cheese, just remember no sharp knives or plastic containers over 1.5 litres.

It can be pretty difficult to get tickets to the French Open (as it is with any major competitive sports championship), but there are a few tricks. The first is to grab evening tickets on the day. These allow you into the courts from 5pm, once most fans have had their fill. The second is on finals day you can purchase a €25 ticket (€12 for under 20 years-old) that will get you into Finals Gentlemen's Legends' Trophy (where celebrities come out of retirement to play a round of comedy doubles) on the main courts. This will also grant you access to the grounds to watch the men's final via the big screens - the atmosphere is electric.

Other events to note down in the sporting calendar include the Prix du Jockey club at Chantilly racecourse - a great day out placing bets on the bookies’ favourites. For something a little fancier head to the Prix de Diane Longines - a fabulous high society affair and the crème de la crème of horse-racing - remember to pack your finest attire. Finally, if neither racing nor tennis are quite right for you, there are a plethora of other events that may including the Rugby Top 14 Final hosted at the Stade de France on 2nd June, crowning the top French club of the season and golf during the Open de France back at the Golf National de Guyancourt.

Summer is the perfect time of year to lap up Paris for all it’s worth. Walk along Canal St Martin and find a sweet spot to sit and share a bottle of wine as time drifts by. Make the most of shopping in Paris at this time of year with summer sales, or head to one of the many exhibitions across the city. Choose from displays at the Centre Pompidou, Musée du Louvre, Petit Palais and many more.

Ready to kickstart the summer with a trip to Paris in June? We could've guessed as much. Start planning your trip to the city by browsing our collection of homes in Paris. Our home critics personally inspect each one, so you know you'll be in good hands when you stay with us.