My husband and I are planning a trip to London and Paris in August. But now we read that August is absolutely the worst month to go to Paris, because of crowds and things that will be closed. This is supposedly the time the French people are on holiday. We haven't paid for our tickets yet. Any advice from anyone who has been there at this time of year????

Helene hi! Yes, if you can, avoid Paris in August. It can be very hot. It has an awful lot of tourists. A lot of little shops including nice bakeries next door and some smaller restaurants, close down. <BR>Try to make it for September, but make sure to book your hotel room early. September, everything goes back to normal, including trade fairs, business trips, etc. <BR>PS: A lot of large European cities are hot and crowded with tourists in August and should be avoided, whereas the countryside and beaches are nice.

Hi Helene. <BR> <BR>I totally agree with Ursula. <BR> <BR>I have lived for some years myself in Paris and August can be quit awful. <BR> <BR>My favourite month for Paris is May, but since you're planning for this year I would recommend mid-September, where the weather is still hot enough to sit at small cafees and eat outside in the evening. <BR> <BR>Since It's also your first trip to Paris? it would be a shame if it would be spoiled by closed attractions - too many tourists and an awful heat. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip

Helene, <BR>In August 1998 my husband and I spent a week in Paris for our honeymoon. Yes, it was hot and crowded, but we still had a great time. We had no problems with monuments/museums being closed; however, Ursula is correct in that a lot of the small restaurants are closed. That's because the Parisians *do* go on holiday in August, but so does the rest of Europe, so Paris is crowded with Germans and Italians. <BR> <BR>If you can't change your plans, I wouldn't sweat it (no pun intended There are better times to go to Paris, but you can still create great memories. We found that the best thing was to visit key places early in the morning or in the evening and take a nap or relax in one of the many gardens during the hot afternoon. We visited the Eiffel tower at night instead of the middle of the day and it was the best part of our trip! We also spent one hot afternoon eating a picnic in the beautiful Luxembourg gardens with other Parisians; you don't have to do the typical tourist stuff to have a great time. <BR> <BR>Hope you have a great trip! <BR>Liesl

I agree with all of the above! If you can pick your month August would not be first choice. Fall or the following spring would be much better. But if you can't change the month don't despair! You can still have a wonderful time in August. We were there last August and the weather was surprisingly pleasant and all the sights were open. We live in Southern California so were are used to very warm Augusts. If you come from a more temperate climate it may be too warm for you. <BR> <BR>It's true that many restaurants will be closed but that just helps with the decision making because there will be hundreds still open. I took down dozens of recommendations from this site and cross referenced with guide books to see which ones remain open in August or what days of the week they might be closed. <BR> <BR>There will be lots of people but all big cities are crowded. There are ways to work around the masses! Arrive at "must see" sights first thing in the morning or in the evening. Take tours that include popular sights on the tour and they wisk you right in without waiting in line or having to wait to buy tickets. We did this and it worked out beautifully for seeing the Lourve and the Eiffel Tower. <BR> <BR>And when all else fails just sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. Take in some of the magnificent parks for a quiet afternoon and a picnic. Paris is a great place for people watching! <BR> <BR>You'll have a great time no matter what time of year but I'd rather go in August than in cold, dreary January. At least the sun's out! Have a great time!

Helene -- I have been to Paris twice before and both trips were in August, and it was WONDERFUL. Some businesses are closed, but it's no big deal -- there are still plenty of terrific restaurants, shops, etc. -- and all the museums are still open. Yes there are lots of tourists there in August, but there are always lots of tourists in Paris virtually no matter when you go. I would not worry about it. May or June or September might be better, but Paris in August is still gorgeous, magical Paris. P.S. I'm going to Paris myself later this month, so I guess I'll have a point of comparison then.

I was in France in August a number of years ago. While the temperature in southern France was terribly hot, it was perfect weather in Paris - around 80, sunny, not humid. Many of the restaurants were closed but there were still plenty of good ones open! Go for it!