Places to cool off this summer in Paris
In summer, Paris can become quite warm but there are many ways to cope with the heat. You’ll find pretty, shaded terraces on which to enjoy a coffee, of course, but there are other ways to cool off, too. The Hotel Eden has some suggestions for fresh air, relaxation and beautiful walks while staying out of the sun.
The best places to catch some fresh air during the summer
The best way to enjoy some fresh air while still making the most of the summer remains Paris Plage. This translates as ‘Paris Beach’ and is a popular event that takes place annually. Tons of sand are brought in to convert parts of the capital, especially along the Seine, into beaches where everyone is invited to have fun in a family-friendly atmosphere. Or you can simply snooze on a lounger in the shade of a parasol! If that puts you in mind of a frosty treat, by the way, check out Grom, the Italian ice cream maker, for the best gelato in Paris.
In summer, the gardens of the Parc André Citroën are a delight for nature lovers. Located in the 15th arrondissement, this is the only green space in Paris that opens directly onto the river, and boasts a tethered balloon which you can ride 150 metres into the sky for a fabulous, and cool, panorama of Paris.
The Square des Batignolles, in the 17th arrondissement, can trace its history back to the Second Empire and was designed along the lines of an English landscape garden, with a stream, a mini-waterfall and a pond. The air is filled with the intoxicating scents of flowers in the summer.
Even Notre Dame Cathedral offers plenty of shade beneath its looming gargoyles and Gothic architecture!
Finally, there’s the distinct chill of the Paris catacombs, where millions of bones taken from old cemeteries are stored in a constant temperature of about 14°. Take a tour and you’ll be glad to return to the warmth of the sunny streets once more!
******
Learn more:
• Parc André Citroën
• Square (landscape garden) des Batignolles
• Towers of the Cathedral Notre Dame
• Catacombs of Paris
Hotel Eden Paris, a Hotel with garden, close to the Porte de Versailles
