What should I expect to be closed in Paris in August?
 

I know that many Parisians take their holiday during this month. In an effort to help me plan, including which area to stay in(I'm leaning towards the 7th), I'd like to know, generally or specifically, what is closed during mid-August. Is it much of the city, or just a few restaurants and shops? Thanks.

It is basically the local restaurants and small shops such as boulangeries and cafes that will be closed for their annual vacations all or parts of August - the impact on the average tourist is minimal. All big stores and many restaurants, cafes will be open - it's mainly the neighborhood small places that close - as these oft family-run places simply shut because manay of their normal clientele is on vacances so their business dries up. Paris is a joy to be in during August as the oft suffocating smog dissipates as the traffic is way down - the oft smog-scarred view from the Eiffel Tower is much better. Some streets are even turned into pedestrian streets - tons of sand are brought into the banks of the Seine by the Louvre to create a 'beach' - the decrease in traffic is the most pleasant. As for hotels August is actually one of the lower seasons - especially in hotels that cater to business types who do not come to the city that month.

I'm another one of those rare people who loves Paris in August (Two of us in a row, my goodness!) Many restaurants will be closed. If food is your top priority and if you have a "list" of restuarants you particularly want to dine at this could be a problem. But there will be no shortages of places to eat. Also, some shops will be closed in July rather than August, and some will take their four-week vacation from July 15 to Aug. 15.

Thank you both.

Dave in Paris, I will be arriving in Paris on August 16. Is there a website or other source at which I can check to see if particular restaurants will be open/closed?

Also, this may be a stupid question, but, do you live in Paris? If so, I have another question or 2 for you! Thank you kindly.

I think you will need to check with any "target" restuarants individually to find whether they'll be open during your stay. I do live here (though there's a lot I don't know.) Test me!

There is a website for Paris restaurants - http://75.resto.fr - that list most of the restaurants in Paris. It includes the days of the week the restaurant is closed and also indicates whether it is closed in August. Once you have a list of restaurants, you might want to check with the restaurants to be sure.

See; I told you I didn't know everything!

Let me re-phrase that: Yet another thing subtracted from the long list of things I don't know. Thank you mamc!

When I lived in Paris my favorite bakery closed down for August. This is a sorrow almost beyond description. Also, I recall, parking restrictions are relaxed and there are plenty of street places available. That will work in in your favor if you are driving, if it is still the case.

I have only been to Paris once, it was in August, and I did not notice anything to be closed (I'm not saying things weren't just nothing that effected my trip).

The last time we were in Paris in August I noticed that some restaurants, etc., were closed. I did not think the city was any "less busy" since there seemed to be a lot of those Europeans on THEIR vacation who had come to visit the city.

My neighborhood, at least, in the 11th arrondissement just east of Place de La Basille, is notably less busy -- less car and pedestrian traffic -- in August.

my visit was in august, nothing seemed closed,all attractions/markets/shops open as usual.

the weather was great. a whole rain free week.

mamc, thanks for that website. I searched 4 separate restaurants (Allard, Le Florimond, Le Clos des Gourmets and Au Bon Accueil.) The first two are closed and the latter 2 are open. That site will be very helpful for restaurant planning meals.

Deave in Paris I am looking for your opinion. THIS IS NOT A TEST!!! Here goes...

I will be in Paris for one week by myself. I have absolutely no agenda while I am there, other than to sit in cafes, take in a few museums, walk a lot and sit in the beautiful parks. I am comfortable going anywhere during the day by myself, but at night, will probably prefer to stay close to my hotel. So, the area I stay in must be: (1) safe for a womam to walk alone at night (with the usual precautions, of course); and (2) close to good restaurants (not haute cuisine), because I like to eat well! I have ruled out an apartment, because I think I will enjoy contact with others at a hotel.

Last year, I stayed very centrally located on rue Bonaparte in the 6th, but would prefer to try something new this year. I like Le Marais, but think I will pass on it this trip. I do enjoy the 7th, and am considering Le Vernueil and L'Hotel d'Orsay (both near the musee d'Orsay, and Relais Bosquet (closer to the Eiffel Tower on rue Champ du Mars). My concern with the 7th is, although it appears residential, will it be too touristy so close to the Eiffel tower?

I am also interested in the possibility of staying a bit further out of the mainstream areas, to get a flavor for day to day Parisian life. Should I look at the 12th, the 16th, both, or something else? Any particular suggestions? Thanks in advance!

O.K...YOU HAVE 25 MINUTES...BEGIN!

Your agenda sounds great! I can't image how a paris visit at that pace could go wrong.

In the 7th, the Hotel de Varenne near Invalides and just down the street from the French Parliament is quite nice:

http://www.varenne-hotel-paris.com/

We've stayed there a few times ourselves. It's off the street, and your breakfast is served outside in good weather. And the price is attractive, I believe.

The 7th around Invalides is extremely well-policed, with government offices and the National Assembly nearby. And the 7th has elegance and green spaces. But restaurant choices are somewhat more limited in that arrondissement than in some other areas of the city. In August, the resident-tourist balance in that affluent arrondissement will shift, perhaps somewhat more so than in some other arrondissements.

The 16th is residential and fairly affluent. I don't know it well, though I lived there very briefly upon arrival 18 years ago. We live on the borderline of the 11th and 12 arrondissements, halfway between Place de Bastille and Place de La Nation.

The 12th is quite upscale close by Place de la Nation, as are the under the archway shops of art restorers and other craftspeople, mixed with pleasant gift shops and cafes, on Blvd. Diederot in the 12th -- enjoyable and interesting - and the strip park over the shops, wich offers a walk all the way to Vincennes, is very pleasant, although no hotel in either of those areas comes to my mind. I'm a partisan of the 11th arrondissement for a variety of reasons (among them that I'm not obligated to dress nicley). The restaurants are varied, multiple and fairly priced. But I recognize that the grittier neighborhoods of the 11th aren't for everyone. I do suspect, based on what you've said, that you should be staying in the Marais this time. I fear this hasn't been very helpful, but I'll follow this thread, and may have a few other thoughts.

Thank you for your reply. I will re-read and consider all of your points.

Why do you believe that I should stay in the Marais? Please explain your thoughts.

Thanks!

Because, if I'm not mistaken, you're looking for a neighborhood that's lively yet comfortable, with a measure of authenticity and a good variety of choices of restaurants and cafes, and a touch of class!

Dave, you get an A+!!!

Iregeo,

What are you? A Marine drill seargent? An assistant high school principal?

If you want to cool it and still be close to the action find a hotel near Place Maubert, 5th.

a Marine Drill Seargent.