I was just in Paris in early June, and instead of sweltering, I was reaching for a sweatshirt almost every day. I only packed one, assuming summer in Paris would be much warmer, but the cool weather was actually a pleasant surprise. Fast forward a couple of months, and Paris is dealing with summer heat waves—a good reminder that the city’s Métro stations can be more than just a way to get around.
Reader/Contributor Tina B recently shared a great tip: During a heat wave, many Paris Métro stations offer welcome relief with amenities like drinking water, shade, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Paris’s transit agency (RATP) even recently reminded riders about these free services, making the Métro a convenient place to cool off, recharge your phone, refill your water bottle, or simply take a short break from sightseeing.
One pleasant surprise is the quality of some of the station restrooms. Tina recently used the facilities at the Musée d’Orsay Métro station and gave them high marks, noting they were spotless thanks to the station’s self-cleaning system.
One word of caution: While the Métro is an excellent place to escape the heat, it’s also one of the places where pickpockets are most active. Keep your phone, wallet, and passport secure, and stay aware of your surroundings—especially in crowded stations and on busy trains. Here’s video of thieves in action and how to protect your belongings.
Paris is one of my favorite cities, and little insider tips like this can make a visit even more enjoyable. If you’re heading there this summer, remember that sometimes the coolest place in the city is underground.
Related: Top 10 Things to Know About Going to Paris in Summer 2026
