Summer in France: A Season of Simple Joys and Slow Living

There’s something undeniably magical about summer in France. It’s not just the warm weather, the golden light, or the scent of lavender in the air—it’s the mood.

The rhythm of life slows down, stress softens, and for a few precious months, it feels like the whole country collectively exhales.

Summer in France

The Unofficial Start of Summer

While the calendar officially declares summer from June 21 to September 21, the French will tell you it begins much earlier—sometime around mid-May, when the days noticeably stretch longer and the jackets start staying home.

It’s the season of “les ponts”, or long weekends, thanks to a string of public holidays in May and June. These long weekends are perfect for a quick getaway to the countryside, the coast, or simply a moment to enjoy a slower pace in the city.

Apero: The French Summer Ritual

One of the true joys of French summer is the “apéro”, short for apéritif. It’s more than just a pre-dinner drink—it’s a state of mind. Around 6 or 7 PM, friends and family gather on terraces, balconies, or garden patios with a chilled glass of rosé, a spritz, or a local pastis in hand. Bowls of olives, cured meats, cheese, chips, and tapenade are shared. Conversation flows. Music plays softly in the background.

The apéro isn't about drinking—it’s about being together, about marking the end of the day and the start of a long, lazy evening. In summer, the apéro often stretches into dinner, and dinner might casually become hours of laughter under the stars. In cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Lyon, cafés overflow with people, and parks become gathering spots for picnics and impromptu celebrations.

The Long, Golden Days

One of the best parts of summer in France is the long daylight hours. The sun doesn't set until after 10 PM in June. This gives everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors—whether it’s a stroll along the Seine, a bike ride through lavender fields in Provence, or a dip in the Mediterranean before dinner.

The pace of life slows, shops might close a little earlier, and people take their time. Meals are longer, conversations deeper, and even the most fast-paced cities seem to sigh with relief as they settle into this softer season.

Escaping the City

French-Style July and August mark the great migration. Parisians flee to the south, the west coast, or to their family homes in the countryside. You’ll find small villages come alive, local markets bursting with summer produce, and the beaches filling with sunbathers. Trains are packed, but no one seems to mind—it’s all part of the journey. Whether it’s the chic glamour of the Côte d’Azur, the rugged charm of Brittany, or the mountain cool of the Alps, there’s a summer destination in France for every kind of traveler.

La Vie Est Belle

In summer, France feels lighter—physically and emotionally. It’s as if all the usual worries and routines dissolve under the sun. People take more time to live. To connect. To enjoy the moment. If you visit France in the summer, don’t come with a checklist of sights to see. Instead, bring an appetite—for food, for conversation, for stillness.

Join the locals in doing not much at all, because that’s where the magic happens. Sit down for an apéro. Watch the sunset. Breathe.

Summer in France is not just a season. It’s a vibe.

Apero by the Water