I posted earlier about a third-week-in-August trip to the Riviera I've been considering but about which I wasn't thrilled about due to the potential for heat. I'm writing now to see if anyone has experienced a late August trip to ANYWHERE in France that was both (a) a delightful location and (b) not uncomfortably hot.

My daughter is limited to that third week in August and insists on France but now is more willing to go somewhere besides the Riviera if the Riviera could be uncomfortably hot. We'd like to split the week between 2 cities. We recently toured Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley so don't want those on this trip.

Have you been to Annecy in summer and what do you think? Where else would be great? I would love your thoughts on locations.

Annecy is good for a day, IMO.

In the absence of information on your interests, it's hard to recommend anything. For me, the Dordogne; for you and your daughter, ???

If you haven't already consulted it, weatherspark.com is an excellent resource for climate data.

It's hard to predict the weather. Not to mention, each person has their own acclimation and limits. Me, I can handle the 115 F degree temps my city gets. But get me where it is 80F and humid, and I turn into a whiny brat.

So, really, that limits you considerably. Kja's suggestion for Annecy is a good one. Gets you in mountains where it is likely to be cooler with proximity of a lake for cool off. Also gets you near Switzerland if of interest.

If you and daughter have specific interests, maybe you can meet those with relief of AC - though Europe doesn't put theirs on full blast like every establishment does in the US.

Just to be clear: I wasn't recommending Annecy. It's nice enough for a day, though it can get quite crowded. I was just responding to the OP.

Weather is so unpredictable. Our first trip to France was in August. We visited Paris and the Loire Valley, and the temperatures were very comfortable. In the 70's and 80's. Have you been to Paris? Paris was also not overly crowded in August. So, if you haven't been, Paris could be a good choice.

Or the Dordogne. Or Languedoc-Rousillon. You could have a look at Lyon. I haven't been there but Tripplanner001 posted a wonderful trip report earlier in the spring that included Lyon.

Just make sure whatever hotel you book has A/C.
GOOD air conditioning, if you are going to spend a week there. Read reviews.

I was thinking of Lyon too, but then again I was already thinking about a trip there next year, ending up in Paris. I received some good suggestions on a previous thread.

If Lyon is of interest, see post #190 and following of my trip report:
A stellar month in southeastern France

My mistake. Nearing the home stretch before my own French sojourn and read too quickly.

After Provence, Auvergne is my favorite region of France. It is La France Profonde. Right in the heart of France with its own culture and food. It is an ancient volcanic region with verdant valleys punctuated by black lava outcroppings. Le Puy is one of the most dramatic towns in Europe. Nearby, Polignac has an imposing chateau that looms hauntingly over the surrounding greenery. And the you can visit Les Puys, the volcanoes that are now vast bowls with the tops of the mountains blown off.

No worries, T_N! Wishing you a great trip.

I'd look at Haute-Savoie and Alsace.

I'd look at Brittany northern coast or down the Bay of Biscay coast including the Ile de Re/La Rochelle. The coast will keep it cool, you can catch a train out of Paris to this region reasonably easily.

I would avoid cities as they will get hot. But smaller cities and towns get a bit more reasonable.

Much as I love Alsace I would not go there in August, the hills will be very hot (which is why they grow wine grapes there). Auverne, Languedoc yikes way too hot.

https://www.brittanytourism.com/gett...tany/by-train/
https://www.guide-charente-maritime....-maritime.html
seat61.com

BOOK NOW, you are running late.

https://weatherspark.com/y/55196/Ave...nce-Year-Round

I'll point out the warmer areas tend to be better setup to deal with the heat.

I'd also agree your choice depends on what you want to do. No point suggesting a remote wild beach if you really want a city break.