Bercy Village Paris. Photo: frantic00 / Shutterstock While the heat wave that is hitting France and continental Europe this week has led sites and attractions across Paris to adjust their activities and even close some spaces to the public, travelers don't have to give up their vacation in the City of Lights.
Beyond the familiar sites, Paris offers plenty of indoor, air-conditioned, and surprising places, from mysterious underground tunnels to digital art centers and unique museums. If you're looking for a way to escape the high temperatures and still enjoy the city, here are five places worth visiting.
The digital art center has become one of the city's most sought-after attractions. The venue features huge exhibitions projected onto walls, floors, and ceilings dozens of meters high, combined with music and special effects. The experience is immersive even for those who are not fans of classical art, and the air-conditioned hall provides a perfect escape from the high temperatures outside.
Atelier des Lumières Paris. Photo: wjarek / ShutterstockIn the heart of the Marais district is a small and surprising museum dedicated to the world of illusions, magic and stage tricks. Visitors can watch live magic shows, discover the history of the field and experience interactive exhibits. This is an original attraction suitable for both families and adults seeking something different from the usual tourist route.
Beneath the bustling streets of the French capital lies a whole other world. The Catacombs of Paris extend over hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels, a small portion of which are open to visitors. The temperature remains constant at around 14 degrees Celsius year-round, making it one of the coolest places in the city. Beyond providing relief from the heat, it is one of the most intriguing and unique attractions in Paris.
The Catacombs of Paris. Photo: ShutterstockA paradise for film lovers. The Cinémathèque complex is dedicated to the history of film and features rare exhibits, props from famous films and one of the largest film archives in the world. There is also a cinema on site that screens classics and special films throughout the year. For those looking for a few hours of culture in the air conditioning, this is one of Paris's best-kept secrets.
Cinémathèque Française in Paris. Photo: EQRoy / ShutterstockA semi-covered entertainment and shopping complex that combines historic buildings that were once used as wine warehouses with boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. Along with the unique Parisian atmosphere, you can also find indoor entertainment complexes, a modern cinema and shaded seating areas. It is an ideal place to spend the hot afternoon hours without giving up the city experience.
When Paris heats up, you don't have to stay cooped up in a hotel. From the underground catacombs to digital art exhibitions and surprising niche museums, the city offers plenty of air-conditioned places that can turn a heat wave into an opportunity to discover a different, less familiar side of the French capital.
Bercy Village Paris. Photo: Smn Jlt / Shutterstock