Welcome to “Things to Do in Paris” on this bright Friday, July 11, 2025! As the city gears up for a festive weekend, Paris is positively buzzing with excitement. The weather is shaping up beautifully for outdoor adventures, with clear skies and mild summer temperatures—a perfect backdrop for the action-packed days ahead. The air feels particularly fresh, thanks to a recent citywide initiative to reduce noise and air pollution around major hubs like Orly Airport, where new night curfews go into effect starting tonight[5].

If you’re looking for something special to do today, you’ve hit the jackpot. Paris is rolling out the red carpet for Bastille Day celebrations and much more. Here are the top events lighting up the City of Light:

- Bastille Day Festivities: The Fête Nationale weekend kicks off, leading to the grand parade on the Champs-Elysées on Monday, but you’ll already see the city twinkling with anticipation. Don’t miss the firemen’s balls and popular street events popping up in neighborhoods across town—music, dancing, and good vibes guaranteed[1][4][7].
- Moulin Rouge Windmill Returns: After over a year of repairs, the iconic windmill at the Moulin Rouge is set to twirl once again, reviving the spirit of Paris nightlife and the historic charm of Pigalle. Catch the festive reopening this evening—it’s sure to be a spectacle[2].
- L’Été du Canal: The summer canal festival is in full swing, bringing floating concerts, street art, free workshops, and open-air cinema to the city’s waterways. Whether you’re in the mood for music, art, or simply a scenic stroll, this festival’s got it all[3].
- Paradox Museum’s New Experiences: Explore five new immersive exhibits at the Paradox Museum, where optical illusions and sensory surprises blur the lines between reality and imagination. Top it off with a treat at the whimsical Hans & Gretel Café next door[3].
- Family-Friendly Fun at Imagi Park: A brand-new adventure playground has opened in Val d’Europe, perfect for kids (and kids at heart). If you’re traveling with family, this is a must for today’s itinerary[6].

In local news, the Seine has officially reopened for swimming at three new sites—Bras Marie, Bercy, and Grenelle—thanks to efforts linked to the upcoming Olympic Games. For the first time in decades, you can take a dip right in the heart of Paris, marking a major win for both locals and visitors seeking a unique way to cool off this summer[8]. Meanwhile, fans of cute creatures will want to check out Paris’s first permanent Pokémon store, which just debuted a new immersive shopping space near the rue de Rivoli[6].

Looking for a must-do? Head to the newly reopened Musée de Cluny garden in the Latin Quarter. After months of renovation, this 4,000 m² haven of medieval greenery is now free for all and offers a refreshing retreat from urban bustle[7]. And for Insta-worthy views, brave the Glasswalk at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann—a nine-meter-long glass walkway suspended high under the iconic dome[6].

Local tip: If you want to feel like a true Parisian, grab a picnic and beeline to the banks of the Seine for sunset. With the new swimming spots open, you might even spot locals taking a refreshing dip—a tradition that’s been revived after years off-limits[8].

Don’t forget: This weekend brings the big open-air symphony concert and the dazzling Eiffel Tower fireworks show, with a brand-new drone display set to light up the sky. Brazilian culture is this year’s special highlight, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement[4][1]. And tomorrow? We’ll have the scoop on secret rooftop parties, quirky museum nights, and more—so be sure to tune in again for your next dose of Parisian adventure!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI