My wife and I are planning to go to Paris in mid-August. We've heard that its not the best time to go becuase it is very hot and most restaurants are closed. Will we get the most out of Paris going in August or should we schedule for a different time of the year?

A lot of the famous restaurants are closed, such as Taillevent. For a list, try Patricia Wells' book Food Lovers Guide to Paris. She lists restaurants open in August, open on Sunday, with AC, etc. Have fun.

That's what I was going to say, some of the more upscale ones are definitely closed. <BR><BR>I don't think you'll get the most out of Paris as that is an offseason in many ways, but it depends what you are looking for. I wouldn't worry at all about the restaurants as you will find places to eat. And also the weather -- I have gone many times in July and the weather in August is no worse than July (in fact, July is statistically the hottest month in Paris and many places, although people don't think that). <BR><BR>It's just that during a major vacation time, the city has a different ambience, but if you mainly want to do first-time tourist things, that probably won't matter a lot. I don't usually travel much in August to major cities because there are rarely good performing arts schedules as concerts, ballet and opera seasons close in June (or later in July if you're lucky). This is very important to me, but isn't to most people. Most cities still have tourist-type concerts, though.

We're going last week in July. Yes, Taillevent is closed but Guy Savoy and Le Grand Vefour (we have a reservation there) are open. My favorite chocolate shop (Puryicard) is closed.....I knew that. We were there about 5 years ago in Aug. and it was fine...certainly enough to do.

We lived about 4 hours by train south of Paris for 3 years. We definitely preferred Paris when the crowds were gone in August. <BR>Most restaurants are open. Only if you are concerned about a particular restaurant should you call to check on its availability.<BR>As to getting the most out of Paris, since all the usual sights are open, which would you prefer, no crowds or big crowds. For us, it was a no-brainer.