Melanie

Hello-<BR>I realize that August is typically the time when most Parisians go on vacation, but is it a bad time to travel there? I have heard that it is a nice time to be there as it is quieter...But, will the boutiques, stores, etc be closed?<BR>Thanks for the advice.

elvira

All the museums, tourist sights, and department stores will be open. The only thing that closes are smaller restaurants, hotels and shops (the MomandPop variety) as the whole family goes on vacation. You won't even notice the closings as they are really a small percentage of the places most tourists use.<BR><BR>I don't know who told you it would be quieter, but I wouldn't take their advice on anything. July/August is tourist season, and busloads of daytrippers as well as tour groups invade the city. You exchange a few thousand Parisians for a couple million tourists. It can be miserably hot/humid in August, so a hotel with air-conditioning is de rigueur; they aren't that common, and the big tour groups book them early.<BR><BR>Unless August is the only time you can take your vacation, you should rethink for late September-October.

michele

Elvira is absolutely correct. If you can go at another time, do so.

Melanie

thanks for the advice. I actually got the advice from a Parisian! She said that it is pleasant as a local to be there at that time because so many people leave the city.....

Suzzie

We were in Paris the first two weeks of August last year. Almost everything was open except for a few restaurants. I dont know how crowded Paris is normally, but we were very comfortable...not many crowds...Metro almost always had plenty of seats available. We only waited about 20 Min to get into the Lourve and the only room that was packed was the Mona Lisa's. Also we took meals at the small neighborhood restaurants...that was a joy! Because they were not crowded we often were able to have leisurely conversations with the owner/cook...what an excellent addition to a delicious meal! <BR>The wait for the Eiffle tower was 40 Min.. We did not have nor did we need air conditioning...we rented a private party's apartment, and found plently of cooling breezes on the 12 floor. So I would have to say the August is a good time to see Paris! Now London, on the other hand, was jammed with folks in the 3 rd week of August...wouldnt do that again!