<BR>Traditional wisdom has it that August is a bad time to tourist in Paris. European vacations, businesses, restaurants and sights closed. Is this still true? <BR> <BR>Does anyone have recent (last two years)experience with Paris in August?

Hi Rich, <BR> <BR>We went to Paris last August because that was the only time we could go. I had the same worries from everything I had heard and read but decided there wasn't much I could do about it so we would just enjoy what we could. Well, you'd never know the city was on vacation. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed everything we wanted to see. We only had 4 days and we were going at break-neck speed to fit it all in as it was. Having a few things closed would have helped All the tourist sights we wanted to see were open. <BR> <BR>Now, that said, some restaurants will be closed. I looked at all the recommendations and just made sure to note what days they were closed and if they were closed in August. Most guide books will list this for you. Then you'll just have to work around this. There are still tons of wonderful restaurants open. <BR> <BR>It is crowded but then most big cities are. Anyway, we had a wonderful time in August but now I would like to go back in a different season to see the differences. Maybe spring or fall next time. The weather was warm but it did rain one afternoon. Wish I was going again this year! <BR>Joan

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Thanks, Joan <BR>

Don't know who responded for me above, but thanks, Joan. We are locked into August for business reasons and was hopeing it would not be a wasted trip. <BR> <BR>Rich (real this time)

It's mom and pop places that seem to close up the most. Small boutiques, dry cleaning places, every day stuff like that. <BR>

<BR> <BR>Thanks xxx <BR> <BR>Rich

Rich, <BR>I hated Paris in August and couldn't wait to leave ( it was my fifth trip and I should've known better). Yes, it is the "mom and pop" places that are closed, but those are the places I like, plus it was JAMMED with tourists as most Parisians have the good sense to leave and go to Normandy or Britanny where I should've stayed. If you have no choice, you might consider staying in either of those two and spending a day or two in Paris ( hot and humid, to boot). <BR> <BR>Michele