Does Paris shut down in August?
 

We are planning to travel to Paris around August 19-August 23. I understand that Europe shuts down sometime in August. Is that true? Is this a bad time to go?

In the more heavily touristed areas like the Marais, 5th, 6th, and 7th, you'll find that life goes on more as less as normal. Some restaurants may be closed, but plenty will be open.
In other parts of town, for example, the southern and western halves of the 16th arrond, it may very well seem like a dead zone. Generally, the more residential the neighborhood is, the more likely you will see shuttered cafes, shops, etc.
The French government has been trying to persuade Parisians to stagger their vacations more instead of departing en masse in July and August. But they've been about as successful with that as they were pushing the EU constitution.
For restaurants, check the Michelin red guide. Under each restaurant listing is noted their holiday closures (if any).

There's one guy named Pierre that keeps rooms to let in his home in August...

... but no, seriously, August is a time when maybe one-third of restaurants (mom'n'pop places particularly) or shops might be closed for any given 10-15 day period. But with thousands of restaurants to choose from, it just makes your choices a little less bewildering. Museums are open; hotels are open.

You'll almost certainly want hotels that do have good air conditioning.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi esque,

Europe does not shut down in August, it's when everyone goes on vacation and all of the tourists are in residence.

Everything you would want to see/do will be open.

If you can do it, though, I suggest holding off until after Labor Day.

Airfares are lower, there are fewer vacationers, it's a bit cooler.

((I))