Heat Wave in Paris: The Official Map of 1,400 Cool Spots and a Little-Known Trick Parisians Use to Stay Cool
When the temperature rises in Paris and the heat clings to the cobblestones, the question quickly arises: where can you find some relief from the heat? To combat the heat wave in Paris, the city has put a robust plan in place, and there are far more great spots than you might think.
Fountains, misters, and urban oases of coolness
Paris has 1,200 water fountains located throughout the city. They allow people to quench their thirst without spending a cent, even on the most grueling days. The City of Paris has expanded its network with 48 misting stations and 35 2-in-1 fountains that combine drinking water and misting, as well as two new fountains in the 4th and 13th arrondissements.
In addition, a map of urban cooling spots lists all of these locations: fountains, misting systems, free swimming areas, and parks categorized by their sun exposure. A nighttime version of this map is also available for evenings when temperatures are high.
So, it’s still entirely possible to cool off on a budget, no matter which neighborhood you’re in. The water feature at Place de la République, with its fountains and misters, is a very popular spot during heat waves, for example.
Parks and gardens: natural refuges on hot days
If you’re looking for some shade without going far, Paris’s parks and gardens are still your most accessible options. The Jardin des Plantes (5th arrondissement), the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (19th arrondissement), and the Parc Montsouris (14th arrondissement) all offer lovely shaded areas for picnicking or simply relaxing. Self-service sparkling water fountains have now been installed in some of these spaces, such as the Jardin de Reuilly (12th arrondissement) and the Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King (17th arrondissement).
Less well-known spots are also worth a visit: the garden at the Musée de la Vie Romantique (9th arrondissement), the garden at the Musée Zadkine (6th arrondissement), and the gardens of the National Archives, right in the heart of the Marais. These hidden oases offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.
“During heat waves, six major parks are open until midnight on an exceptional basis: Parc Monceau (8th arrondissement), Square Marcel Pagnol (8th arrondissement), Square Montholon (9th arrondissement), Parc Georges Brassens (15th arrondissement), Parc André Citroën (15th arrondissement), and Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King (17th arrondissement).”
For families looking for wide-open spaces, the Bois de Boulogne remains a top choice. The Jardin d’Acclimatation offers fun activities, a small zoo, and a misting area in the summer. Similarly, a stroll along the banks of the Marne is the perfect way to relax in the cool air.
Swimming in Paris During a Heat Wave: What’s Possible
Hot weather often makes you want to take a dip. Several outdoor pools are very popular in the summer, such as the Joséphine Baker Pool on Quai François Mauriac and the Butte aux Cailles Pool, both in the 13th arrondissement. Swimming is also permitted in the Seine at the Grenelle, Louis Philippe, and Bercy branches, as well as in the Bassin de la Villette.
New development to note: Starting June 17, 2026, swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin will be permitted from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during heat waves. It’s an accessible way to cool off, right in the heart of the city.
For those who prefer to stay afloat without getting wet, the license-free boats available for rent at Akwa let you explore Paris from its waterways. It’s a unique and enjoyable way to experience the capital on a hot day.
- Joséphine Baker Pool (13th arrondissement): an outdoor pool on the Seine
- Butte aux Cailles Swimming Pool (13th arrondissement): a very popular outdoor pool in the summer
- Bassin de la Villette: Free Swimming and Water Activities
- Canal Saint-Martin: Swimming permitted from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting June 17, 2026, during heat waves
- The Banks of the Seine: Palm Trees, Misters, and Deck Chairs for a Seaside Break Right in the Heart of Paris
By the Water: The Most Pleasant Spots
The banks of the Seine offer a seaside atmosphere with palm trees, misters, and lounge chairs. You can also enjoy a drink on the terrace of a barge, such as the one at Rosa Bonheur. To the northeast, the Ourcq Basin also attracts those who love a harbor atmosphere, with several barges and the Paname Brewing Company, which offers a breathtaking view of the basin.
In Bastille, the Arsenal marina offers a more peaceful atmosphere, with its pleasure boats and the terrace of the bar-restaurant Le Grand Bleu. The water fountains in André-Citroën Park are also a hit with children on hot days.
Ice cream, juice, and mint tea: cool off while enjoying a treat
When the shade isn’t enough, it’s time for a gourmet break. In the Marais, Pozzetto offers highly acclaimed artisanal ice cream. In the 6th arrondissement, Grom is another must-visit spot. For juice lovers, We are Juice on Avenue Kléber offers a selection that’s mostly organic—a true oasis of freshness in western Paris.
On a different note, the courtyard of the Paris Mosque in the 5th arrondissement is the perfect place to quench your thirst with a mint tea in a serene setting. Alain Ducasse’s Manufacture de Glace on Rue de la Roquette offers flavors that are as classic as they are original: praline and hibiscus, three varieties of vanilla, and raspberry-redcurrant. Small stands on Rue des Petits Champs and Rue Cler also offer a few additional flavors.
For those seeking a cool escape underground, the Catacombs remain a very serious option. The temperature there is moderate year-round, making them an unexpected refuge during a heat wave in Paris. Air-conditioned museums, such as the Louvre, also offer a welcome cultural break in a cool setting.
Shopping centers also serve as effective refuges during heat waves: the Forum des Halles, Galeries Lafayette, the Carrousel du Louvre, and the Bon Marché Rive Gauche are among the most accessible options. Religious buildings such as Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Basilica of Saint-Denis, with their centuries-old stone walls, also offer a naturally cool atmosphere. As for movie screenings in modern theaters, they provide a way to escape the hottest hours of the day during a heat wave in Paris.
