Things to do in Paris this summer besides the Olympic Games

As hosts of this year’s Olympic Games for the first time in 100 years, Paris, France, will be a popular destination for tourists and sports enthusiasts to visit over the summer. With the festivities kicking off with an opening ceremony in Paris on 26 July, summer is about to be pretty electric in the French capital. 

And while many tourists will be engulfed in the excitement of this celebrated competition, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This summer, while the Olympic Games are taking place in full swing, there are many other events happening in Paris that visitors can enjoy for a change of scenery.

Whether you’re looking to visit Paris for its culture or if you’re simply looking to fill some gaps in your Olympic Games schedule, below, we round up some of the most exciting cultural events to check out in the French capital this summer apart from the Olympic Games. The French Open

The French Open is one of the most exciting tennis tournaments in the sports’ yearly roster. And what better way to gear up for the Olympic Games than to catch one of the most famous Grand Slam tennis tournaments at the iconic Roland Garros Stadium? Taking place from 20 May to 9 June, expect to see tennis’ brightest stars from Novak Djocovic to Carlos Alcaraz take to the courts at this famed venue.Nuit des Musées

For one evening over the past 20 years, Nuit des Musées (Night at the Museums) is an event that celebrates art and history lovers by inviting visitors to check out a vast amount of Parisian museums late into the evening. This year, for one night only on 18 May, many museums in Paris will offer free entry and special events and it is a great chance to experience the city’s cultural treasures in a unique atmosphere.Paris Jazz Festival

If you’re a music enthusiast with a passion for jazz, then the Paris Jazz Festival is definitely something to check out while in Paris. This summer, the festival will return to Parc Floral de Vincennes from 26 June to 8 September, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit — and catch the Olympic Games in complete luxury if you so desire. Expect wonderful open-air concerts in the idyllic setting of the Parc Floral de Paris. A perfect music break from the hustle and bustle of the city.L’Olympisme Exhibition at the Louvre

The Musée du Louvre is gearing up for the Olympic Games with a brand new sporting exhibition that will take a deep dive into the history of this iconic sporting tournament. From 24 April to 16 September, visitors can check out “Olympism, a modern invention, an ancient heritage” at the Louvre, which will reveal the secrets of these modern Games through various paintings, drawings, sculpture and works of goldsmiths and silversmiths.Omnivore Paris

This year, from 8 to 10 September, Omnivore Paris will return for a celebration of the culinary arts. Known as one of Europe’s leading festivals in this category, Omnivore Paris features chef demonstrations, conferences and talks, degustations, exhibits and much more. Held in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, Omnivore is where catering professionals, up and coming chefs, producers, winegrowers and all those involved in the food industry converge to celebrate food as we know it. This is definitely a food festival you wouldn’t want to miss.

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