Things to do near the Eiffel Tower in Paris this summer
In summer, the area around the Eiffel Tower comes alive: picnics on the Champ-de-Mars, lively riverbanks, shady gardens and café terraces on Rue Cler. Around the 7th arrondissement, you can enjoy Paris outdoors without travelling far by metro. Here is how to fill your days, from morning to night.
Key takeaways. This summer near the Eiffel Tower: a picnic on the Champ-de-Mars, Paris Plages on the riverbanks, the Musée Rodin garden for shade and the Rue Cler market. The ideal base: a 4-star hotel a short walk from the Seine, with a spa.
The Champ-de-Mars, a picnic at the foot of the Tower
It’s the ultimate summer spot. At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the Champ-de-Mars spreads out its lawns where Parisians and visitors settle in for a picnic, especially late in the day when the tower begins to sparkle. Bring a blanket and some treats from nearby Rue Cler, and enjoy the show. It’s free, it’s magical, and it’s just a short walk from the hotel.
The banks of the Seine and Paris Plages
In summer, the banks of the Seine become a place to stroll and relax, and Paris Plages sets up deckchairs and activities along the river from mid-July to the end of August. From the 7th, you can follow the quays to the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. It’s also the perfect starting point for a boat trip, boarding close by at Port de Suffren.
Gardens and museums for the hottest hours
When the sun is beating down, the area offers lovely shady breaks. The Musée Rodin garden, with its sculptures set among the roses, is one of the most peaceful in Paris. The Musée du Quai Branly and its wild garden, or Les Invalides, let you carry on exploring out of the heat. Enough to alternate between the open air and cool spaces without ever going far.
Rue Cler, the neighbourhood market
To get a taste of the 7th’s village atmosphere, head to Rue Cler. This pedestrian street lined with food shops, cheesemongers, greengrocers, bakers and wine merchants is the ideal place to put together a picnic or sit down at a café terrace. The essence of the Parisian art of living, just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower.
Hôtel du Cadran, your base at the foot of the Tower
After a day outdoors, a comfortable base makes all the difference. A 4-star hotel at 10 rue du Champ de Mars, Hôtel du Cadran is just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, with a spa, sauna and jacuzzi to unwind after the heat, and quiet rooms in an exceptional neighbourhood.
Your summer at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
A short walk from the Champ-de-Mars and the Seine, with a spa, sauna and jacuzzi to unwind after the heat.Book my summer stay
Summer at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is best enjoyed slowly: a picnic on the Champ-de-Mars, a walk along the quays, a shady garden. Settle in the 7th and enjoy it like a Parisian: book your stay at Hôtel du Cadran.
Frequently asked questions
What free things can you do near the Eiffel Tower in summer?
Picnicking on the Champ-de-Mars, walking along the banks of the Seine and enjoying Paris Plages, wandering down Rue Cler or through the Musée Rodin garden are among the area’s free or inexpensive summer pleasures.Can you swim near the Eiffel Tower?
Not in the immediate area, but in summer, supervised swimming spots reopen in the Seine, including the one on the Bras de Grenelle, opposite the Île aux Cygnes, accessible from the 7th. Access is free and supervised, generally from 4 July to the end of August.Where can you see the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
From the Champ-de-Mars, at the foot of the tower, or from the quays and the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. The sparkling lasts a few minutes at the start of every hour, after nightfall.
