WHAT TO DO IN PARIS WHEN IT'S HOT?

When Paris sizzles under the summer sun from June to September, the streets glow with golden light, terraces overflow, and the desire to cool off becomes essential. But how can you experience a Parisian summer with elegance and sophistication? Here are seven luxurious and unique experiences to enjoy when it’s hot in Paris—each just steps from Hôtel Vernet, one of the capital’s finest 5-star addresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETREAT TO PARIS' 
secret gardens

To escape the heat without leaving the city, nothing beats a stroll through Paris’s most hidden green spaces. Head to the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, a lesser-known botanical haven, or the tranquil garden of the Musée Rodin, where monumental sculptures sit amidst shaded groves. These spots offer peace, romance, and a welcome breath of fresh air.

Another exquisite choice: the tree-lined paths of Parc Monceau, close to Hôtel Vernet and beloved by Parisians seeking refined greenery. This aristocratic garden—with its Roman-style ruins, lush vegetation, and secluded nooks—is perfect for a shaded reading session or an elegant picnic.

For those in search of truly secret spots, the Jardin Catherine-Labouré in the 7th arrondissement is a serene orchard surrounded by vines, ideal for a shaded break on a deckchair. Another hidden gem is the garden of the Hôtel de Sully, accessible via a discreet doorway from rue Saint-Antoine in the Marais. Enclosed by ancient walls, this timeless French-style garden is a world of its own.

And for a blend of history and horticulture, get lost in the gardens of the Palais-Royal, where shaded arcades, central fountains, and chestnut trees create a delightfully timeless atmosphere.
 

 

INDULGE IN WELLNESS
at an exceptional spa

When the heat rises, a wellness escape offers the perfect remedy. Just steps from Hôtel Vernet, the Spa at Hôtel de Sers welcomes you into a calm, air-conditioned cocoon ideal for rejuvenation. From personalized facials to relaxing massages and bespoke rituals, every treatment is designed to soothe both body and mind.

With its contemporary design, delicate fragrances, and expert care, this spa invites you to truly let go. Extend the moment of relaxation with a refreshing drink in the hotel’s verdant patio—a hidden garden bathed in light, where time seems to stand still.

 

DINE OR CRUISE ON THE SEINE
in a private yacht

At sunset, treat yourself to a sparkling private cruise on the Seine with champagne and hors d’oeuvres aboard the iconic Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes de Paris. It’s a festive and refined way to rediscover the Parisian quays from a unique perspective. Some providers even offer personalized experiences with an onboard chef, live music, or a private guide. Watching Notre-Dame, the Conciergerie, or the Eiffel Tower from the water, gently rocked by the river breeze, offers a magical vision of Paris in summer.

Departing from the Port de Suffren, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, this approximately one-hour cruise unfolds the most beautiful panoramas of the capital: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, the Conciergerie… Iconic monuments that even Parisians enjoy rediscovering. An afternoon cruise is also ideal to enjoy a gentle breeze while admiring the city’s architectural richness.

You can also opt for a haute couture floating dinner: gourmet menu, discreet service, and the soothing lapping of the water as your accompaniment. This experience is perfect for a romantic getaway or an intimate family evening away from the city’s heat.

Some cruise services offer live music, from solo violinists to jazz trios, adding an atmospheric soundtrack as Paris glides by. Others include a private guide to enrich the journey with historical anecdotes and hidden stories behind the city’s bridges and landmarks.

 

 

WANDER THROUGH AIR-CONDITIONED
passages and galleries

When the temperature soars, shopping becomes a pleasure in Paris’s historic covered passages like Galerie Vivienne, Passage Verdeau, or Galerie Véro-Dodat. Between antique shops, art bookstores, and luxury boutiques, these charming arcades offer a timeless Parisian experience.

For something more modern, visit Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, just a short walk from Hôtel Vernet. This futuristic flagship offers an immersive journey through fashion, beauty, and gastronomy—all in a bright, air-conditioned space. The perfect place to indulge while staying cool.
 

 

SAVOUR
haute couture ice cream

Paris’s great gastronomic houses are reimagining ice cream with bold flavors and artisanal flair. Pierre Hermé, Le Bac à Glaces, La Glacerie Paris, and the legendary Maison Berthillon serve exclusive creations with silky textures in stylish settings. Enjoy flavors like jasmine, timut pepper, or grand cru Madagascan chocolate.

Some pastry chefs craft ephemeral, seasonal creations blending fruits, flowers, and fine spirits for a truly sensorial experience. For something unexpected, try the Japanese-inspired Hibiki ice cream shop or the frozen dessert salon at Hôtel Lutetia—where each scoop is served like a work of art.

 

SIP A COCKTAIL
on Paris' chicest rooftops

There’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail above the city, gazing out over Paris’s rooftops bathed in golden light. Far from the busy streets, the city’s rooftops transform into breezy, stylish sanctuaries—perfect for a sophisticated escape.

Top cocktail spots in Paris include Le Perchoir Menilmontant, or Créatures atop Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, which blends Mediterranean vibes, greenery, and colorful cuisine. Near the Champs-Élysées, Perruche—perched atop Printemps Haussmann—offers a spectacular view and a menu inspired by the South of France.

For a trendy and artistic vibe, head to Le Jardin Suspendu in the 15th or La Suite Girafe near Trocadéro, both offering stunning atmospheres blending urban nature with Haussmann elegance.

As night falls, Paris’s rooftops take on a new magic: fairy lights, soft music, signature cocktails, and breathtaking sunsets create a festive yet refined ambiance. The perfect moment to toast to summer in Paris—suspended between city and sky.

 

EXPLORER HIDDEN,
air-conditioned museums

Escape the heat and immerse yourself in culture with a visit to some of Paris’s more intimate museums. Discover the charm of the Musée Jacquemart-André, the Maison de Balzac, or the Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce—places where heritage and contemporary art coexist in serene, climate-controlled environments.

Often hosting surprising temporary exhibitions, these museums offer a calm alternative to the crowds of the Louvre or Orsay. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing break in their shaded courtyards or garden cafés—perfect for a quiet, refined pause.

 

CONCLUSION

Summer in Paris can be synonymous with elegance, relaxation, and indulgence. From private cruises and wellness escapes to shopping in historic galleries, every day can become a uniquely sensorial experience. Far from the typical tourist trail, these suggestions invite you to discover a softer, more refined side of summer in the capital.

By staying at Hôtel Vernet, just steps from the Champs-Élysées, you’ll have the perfect base from which to explore a sun-drenched Paris with discreet luxury.
Book your Parisian summer experience today—and live the art of French summer in style.