In Paris for the Summer Olympics? Check out these other happenings

Paris will be alive with Olympic and Paralympic excitement this summer, but for those looking to take a break from the sports scene or simply wishing to discover more of the city's offerings, a variety of alternative events and attractions will be available.

Discover some of the top exhibitions, walking tours, culinary festivities, and other unique experiences in Paris this summer.

Explore Paris Plage, the city’s beach

The beloved annual event Paris Plage returns this summer, transforming parts of the city into a “beach” from July 6 to September 8. Expect to see the banks of the Seine adorned with deckchairs, parasols, and palm trees, with sunbathers soaking up the sun when the weather permits, plus plenty of other spots to explore.

This year, the trendy Canal St-Martin is joining the fun with activities like boules, table tennis, and a riverside exhibition. While there’s been speculation about Olympic athletes competing in the Seine, locals can take the plunge at various locations, including three open-water swimming pools at the Bassin de la Villette along the Canal de l'Ourcq. Different areas will be active at different times, so be sure to check online for specific dates.

Savor daily apéro evenings (Asian style)

Since its opening in 2016 in the 11th arrondissement, The Hood has become a local favorite for all-day Asian cuisine. This summer, the restaurant will host daily apéro evenings (short for apéritif), featuring five plates and five wines for just €5 each. Visit on weekdays from 6:30pm to 8pm and weekends from 4pm to 8pm for dishes like Singapore satay, vegan fried tofu with homemade wasabi mayonnaise, and veggie spring rolls. If you love saké, mark July 28 on your calendar, as The Hood will pair its apéro menu with a selection of Wakaze sakés, crafted in France using Japanese techniques and Camargue Japonica rice. As these events fill up fast, it's wise to reserve your spot online.

Experience a sports-themed exhibition

Each summer, Paris hosts a must-see exhibition, and this year is no different with several exciting sports-themed options. For those intrigued by Olympic history, tickets are available for Olympism at the Louvre (April 24 to September 16, 2024), which explores the origins of the modern Games in the 19th century. MATCH: Design & Sport - A Story Looking to the Future (from March 11 to August 11, 2024) at the Musée du Luxembourg showcases significant design innovations in sports, including the first sports bra, the Jogbra, and NASA-influenced Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits. Fashion enthusiasts won't want to miss Fashion on the Move #2 (April 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025) at the Palais Galliera, which features sportswear from renowned designers like Chanel, Azzedine Alaïa, and Yohji Yamamoto.

Enjoy a vibrant party atmosphere on a terrace by the Seine

Securing a terrace seat in Paris during summer, even outside of the Olympics, is quite a feat. Savvy locals flock to the Seine's banks near the floating hotel OFF Paris Seine, where its sister venue Chouchou sets up a vibrant summer pop-up bar and terrace. Located on Quai d’Austerlitz in the 13th arrondissement, this spot recreates a charming South of France-style guinguette—an old-fashioned open-air café featuring blue-and-white-striped deckchairs and gingham tables amid olive trees and twinkling lanterns. The apéro menu boasts a variety of charcuterie and delicious rillettes to share, complemented by signature cocktails. A lively lineup of open mic nights, DJ sets, and stand-up comedy adds to the entertainment. Chouchou welcomes visitors from 4pm to midnight until September.

Enjoy open-air cinema atop a rooftop

The annual open-air cinema at La Villette, a spot featured in Emily in Paris, has been canceled this year to accommodate Olympic events. However, Hotel Paradiso offers an alternative for film lovers. This movie-themed hotel, created by the founders of the renowned MK2 cinema chain, hosts its own rooftop open-air summer cinema. Weather permitting, every Sunday from June to September at 9:30pm, a French or international film (sometimes in English) will be screened. Advance booking is required, as tickets sell out quickly. If you're lucky enough to snag a ticket, arrive early to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset before the show.

Discover the stories of Paris' remarkable women on a walking tour

Inspired by the fact that many Paris tours highlight primarily the achievements of men, tour guide Heidi Evans created her own Women of Paris walking tours. She shares the tales of the city’s influential women through six unique tours, often paired with delicious food tastings at local markets or pâtisseries, allowing participants to experience both Parisian history and culture. Although the Paris Stylé fashion tour is canceled this summer due to road restrictions from the Olympics, Evans has introduced two exciting new options: the History & Heroines of Montmartre and Liberté, Égalité, Marché. These tours are perfect for those seeking to escape the anticipated crowds during the Games. Most tours are wheelchair-accessible, with no age restrictions, and groups are capped at 15 participants, with private tours available as well.