August in Paris: 3 cultural outing ideas in the 13th arrondissement
In August, Paris changes pace. The streets are calmer, the days feel longer, and the capital reveals itself in a different way, far from its usual bustle. For those staying in Paris or coming to enjoy the city in summer, the 13th arrondissement offers a beautiful alternative to the most touristy districts.
Between swimming on the Seine, monumental street art and a stroll through one of Paris’s most charming village-like neighbourhoods, the 13th arrondissement invites you to experience a more local, sunny and unexpected August. Here are 3 cultural outing ideas to discover before or after a visit to TOO Hôtel Paris.
1. Swim on the Seine at the Joséphine-Baker swimming pool
When temperatures rise, it is hard to resist the urge to swim in Paris. In the 13th arrondissement, the Joséphine-Baker swimming pool is one of the most original places to enjoy summer by the water.
Located on Quai François-Mauriac, at Port de la Gare, this floating swimming pool offers a unique experience with views over the Seine and its boats. In summer, its roof can open, revealing an open-air pool and a solarium perfect for enjoying the sun.
Come here to swim, cool off or simply enjoy a summer escape in the heart of Paris. It is the perfect way to start the day before continuing your walk along the quays or heading towards the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand district.
Why discover the Joséphine-Baker swimming pool in August:
- A swim in the heart of Paris, directly on the Seine
- A pool with a retractable roof, ideal on sunny days
- A solarium to enjoy the sunshine
- An original address in the 13th arrondissement
After your swim, head to the quays to continue the day between contemporary architecture, bookshops, terraces and views over the Seine.
2. Explore the monumental street art of the 13th arrondissement
The 13th arrondissement has become one of Paris’s major open-air canvases for street art. Around Boulevard Vincent-Auriol, monumental murals cover building façades and transform the neighbourhood into a true open-air gallery.
On foot or from line 6 of the elevated metro, the route offers another way to discover Paris. The works reveal themselves as you move through the streets, between giant portraits, colourful compositions and impressive graphic creations.
It is an ideal outing in August, when the streets are quieter and you can take the time to look up. The street art of the 13th tells another story of the capital, one that is more urban, more contemporary and deeply alive.
Not to miss during your walk:
- The large murals on Boulevard Vincent-Auriol
- The works around Nationale and Place d’Italie
- The colourful façades visible from the elevated metro
- The small streets of the neighbourhood, where art sometimes appears around the corner of a wall
A perfect walk for those looking for a free, accessible and different cultural outing in Paris.
3. Wander through Butte-aux-Cailles, the hidden village of the 13th
For a softer outing, head to Butte-aux-Cailles. With its cobbled streets, low houses, small squares and village atmosphere, this neighbourhood offers a surprising contrast with the more vertical and contemporary Paris of the Tours Duo or the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand.
In August, Butte-aux-Cailles is best discovered at a leisurely pace. Wander without a precise itinerary, between colourful façades, neighbourhood cafés, small terraces and traces of the 13th arrondissement’s working-class past.
It is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a drink at the end of the day or simply experience a more discreet, almost secret side of Paris.
Why we love Butte-aux-Cailles in summer:
- A village atmosphere in the heart of Paris
- Quiet streets full of charm
- An ideal neighbourhood for strolling without rushing
- Another cultural and heritage side of the 13th arrondissement
After swimming, street art or a walk, Butte-aux-Cailles perfectly completes a summer day in the 13th.
Extend the experience at TOO Hôtel Paris
After a day exploring the 13th arrondissement, TOO Hôtel Paris invites you to rise even higher. Located at the top of the Tours Duo, the hotel offers spectacular views over the capital, perfect for admiring the sunset after a summer day.
In the evening, head to TOO Restaurant for a panoramic dinner, or to TOO TacTac for a cocktail facing the Paris skyline. With its spa, rooftop, restaurant and rooms with a view, TOO Hôtel transforms a simple outing in the 13th into a true Parisian escape.
Book your stay at TOO Hôtel and discover Paris differently, between culture, swimming and panoramic views.
