Summer in Paris: Top Spots to Tan in the City

For those of us spending summer in Paris, finding a nice spot to tan, worry-free, is on the agenda. But no fear, we’ve gathered our top picks for tanning spots across the city, whether you prefer in a park, on a reclining chair, or at the beach.

Jul 7, 2025 - 08:00

Summer in Paris: Top Spots to Tan in the City

For those of us spending summer in Paris, finding a nice spot to tan, worry-free, is on the agenda. But no fear, we’ve gathered our top picks for tanning spots across the city, whether you prefer in a park, on a reclining chair, or at the beach.

Paris Plages

A man looks at the Seine river at sunset while sitting on the banks of the river with a person relaxing on a sun lounger to his left, with a blue umbrella in between. — photo by François Hardel

Since 2002 the City of Paris has created temporary beaches along the Seine and since 2007, the Bassin de la Villette. This year there are 6 sites for Paris Plages, and for the first time you can swim in the Seine at 3 sites: Bras Mariein the 4th arrondissement, Bercy in the 12th and Grenelle in the 15th which also has great Eiffel Tower views. Relax, replenish your Vitamin D, and enjoy the warm weather from July 5- August 31.

Le Petit Bain

Parked on the quai near Bibliotheque François Mitterand, Le Petit Bain is a boat that serves as an event space at night and cantine/bar during the day. Open from noon to midnight, you can grab a chair and a drink while floating over the Seine.

Le Petit Bain – 7 Port de la Gare, 75013 Paris

Il Cottage

Often referred to as the “only rooftop on the first floor” by its owners, this terrasse space has a bar and restaurant and a section dedicated to sunbathing. You can tan and enjoy one of their famous #yopizzas afterwards.

Il Cottage – 1 Boulevard Lannes, 75016 Paris

Bois de Vincennes

a grassy field with trees and grass in the foreground. — Bois de Vincennes, photo by Timi Gaier

Grab a vélib and bike down the Seine towards the Bois de Vincennes. On the border of the 12^th arrondissement, this park has a forest, a château, a zoo, and plenty of long stretches of grass where you can lay out to your heart’s content.

Bois de Vincennes – Route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris

Grande Halle de la Villette

A large building with a lot of people inside of it. — La Villette, photo by Jametlene Reskp

Paris’ Halle de la Villette is an event space and park in the 19^th arrondissement. The park is perfect for tanning during the day, and if you stick around after sunset, it turns into an outdoor cinema.

Grande Halle de la Villette – 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris

Jardin du Luxembourg

a group of people sitting on chairs in a park. — Jardin du Luxembourg, photo by Kamilla Isalieva

This just may be the best place in central Paris to tan and people watch at once. Grab a chair near the fountain and bronze peacefully all afternoon.

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris

Bonus

If you happen to have a car, you can drive 40km out of the city to the Base de Loisirs de Jablines for a day at a lake beach. The center is family friendly and entry is just 8€ per person.

Base de Loisirs de Jablines, 77450 Jablines