Best Things To Do In Paris In August

What Neighborhood Should I Stay In When I Visit Paris

Amazing Things to Do in Paris & Top Paris Attractions

Le Marais is a great choice to base yourself while spending time in Paris. It’s close to most of the major attractions with good transport links to other parts of the city. From trendy brunch spots to innovative cocktail haunts, the bar and restaurant scene in Le Marais is one of the most diverse. Another great option is the Latin Quarter which has a laidback local atmosphere occupying a good central location.

Tour The Arc De Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a historic monument honoring all those who died for France in the Napoleonic and French Revolutionary Wars. And, beneath its vault, lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War 1. For an unencumbered view of this magnificent structure, visit early in the morning. The afternoon crowds from the Champs-Elysees can be suffocating. Tickets start at 13 and can be purchased online, here, or at the door.

Closest Metro Station: Charles de Gaulle Etoile or George V

Bastille Day In Paris

The highlight of the summer every year is Bastille Day, the French national day on 14 July.

Frances national day is celebrated every year with a prestigious military parade on the Champs-Elysées, broadcast live on television, and an impressive air show. The day ends in style with a spectacular firework display and classical music concert at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. If you plan ahead, you can enjoy the show from the lawns of the Champs-de-Mars otherwise, the firework display can also be watched from a number of venues such as Montmartre hill.

Due to Covid-19-related restrictions, last years parade had to be cancelled, and to avoid a large gathering the firework display took place without a live audience. Depending on the situation, the 14 July festivities may have to be re-thought again in 2021, but one things certain Frances national day will, once again, be celebrated with pride and joy. To make 14 July a truly memorable experience, events are organized throughout the day, including concerts, shows and various free events and other activities. Dont miss out!

All you need to know about the 14 July festivities in Paris

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Join A Food Tour In Paris

Paris is one place where you definitely do want to indulge in local cuisine. You might have heard people say that bread tastes better in France, and its not a myth.

Food is the key to every culture and the French believe they know the key to food. Their belief may or may not be true, but their passion for the culinary arts is unmistakable and definitely admirable. This can be witnessed in many ways but we believe the best choice is to join a food tour and ours is the best!

Why? We have tested many food tours in Paris and most did not enter a single restaurant. Ours goes to 4+ locations including a sit-down dinner, crepes and a wine and cheese bar which is really cool! Not to mention it is in the trendy Le Marais district of Paris! Take a look at out our La Marais Food Tour in Paris.

Paris In August Is Actually Pretty Wonderful

Visiting Paris in August often gets a bad rap.

Too hot, too crowded with tourists, too empty of localsthe list goes on.

True, Paris isnt the only city to have this reputation when discussing the best time to visit Europebut its reputation does tend to scream the loudest.

And you know what?

Its all hogwash.

Paris in August is wonderful!Sure, yes, okay, the lines for big tourist attractions like the Louvre and Notre Dame might be insane, and youll pass plenty of closed up restaurants and shops with notes on the door that say something to the effect of At the beach, be back in September, but none of that is a reason to avoid visiting Paris in August.

Because in addition to long lines and closed restaurants, Paris in August also has plenty of sunshine , blooming flowers, and, oh yeah, its Paris. Theres no bad time to visit Paris.

Planning your own August getaway to the City of Lights?

Heres what to expect and tips for making the most of it.

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What Makes Paris In August A Must

Paris in August is a strange time – quiter than usual, but only on the surface. Workers in Paris get five paid weeks of vacation every year, which generally fall in the month of August. While the locals use their time off to escape to the hills or the beaches, it offers a great time for tourists to take over the city! Enjoy the host of open-air events Paris has to offer to celebrate its weather, like the Paris Plages, the Gay Games, Open Air Cinema Festival, and the Rock en Seine Festival featuring Macklemore and Thirty Seconds to Mars amongst other popular artists. If youre up for a leisurely tour of the city with minimal crowds, shorter lines and warm, sunny weather, book your tickets to Paris in August!

Visit The Beaches Of Normandy

The beaches of Normandy and pointe du hoc bunker are synonymous with World War II and visiting in-person puts things in perspective. The beaches are in no way close to Paris but considering their importance many people take the pilgrimage if they have an extra day in Paris.

It is a 3 hour+ drive and there are lots of things to see along the way including some pretty amazing cider breweries. We offer a great full-day trip to the D-Day beaches of Normandy which includes transportation and lunch. You see Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, as well as a stop for cider! We also offer this as a private tour with an additional price tag!

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How Much Time Should I Spend In Paris

To get a good feel for Paris and see most of the major attractions, you’ll need to allow at least 3 days. This will be enough time to visit the major museums and galleries, wander some of the most interesting neighbourhoods and experience the local food and bar scene. Adding an extra day will allow you to include a day trip, such as an excursion to the lavish Palace of Versailles.

You Can Hit The Beach

TOP 10 Things to Do in PARIS | France Travel Guide

The Paris Plages, or beaches set up along the Seine, run through mid-Augustso if you arrive in the first half of the month, you will have the opportunity to sunbathe on the Seine!

The general rule of thumb is that the plages come down after the first half of the month, but they were still up at the end of our visit in the third week of August.

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Paris Packing List For Fall

Use these tips to learn how to stay warm in cold weather without looking like a snowman!

What clothes should I wear in Paris in winter?

The perfect footwear for a colder climate is, of course, boots. Leather is preferable as it is comfortable, durable, and tends to be waterproof. However, faux leather materials can perform a similar function. If you want added warmth, opt for boots with a warm lining, like wool.

Tucked into your boots to create the perfect winter look will be your dark jeans or thick trousers. Layering is essential for colder climates, so pack long sleeve tops, a few sweaters, and even a t-shirt or two to wear underneath your heavy fitted jacket or warm coat.

Thermal underwear for women is the ultimate secret to packing light in the winter!

Accessories not only add style to your outfit, but warmth! Opt for long, cashmere or silk scarves in the colors of your choice as well as a stylish hat and fingerless gloves. A pair of black leather gloves can look chic as well.

Since winter in Paris is a wetter season, dont forget to pack weather-appropriate gear like a waterproof coat or an umbrella.

What shoes should I wear in Paris in winter?

As with your clothes, plan your shoes based on the weather and your planned activities. Choose no more than two-three pairs of shoe in neutral colors that can mix and match with all your clothing.

Leather sneakers are also an option for mild days.

How To Pack And Prepare For A Trip To Paris In August

Before hitting that “book” button and hopping on the plane or train, make sure you prepare properly with a well-planned suitcase and other gear. This is especially important in the late summer, since the weather in the capital frequently alternates between hot, muggy conditions and rain or even thunderstorms. Here’s our general advice on how to get ready for your trip:

with average temperatures at around 75 degrees F. Rain is frequent and it isn’t unusual for autumn-like conditions to foil plans for outdoorsy activities.

In recent years, however, major heatwaves have been known to strike in August, and temperatures have sometimes climbed to the high 90’s. In 2003, a two-week heatwave hit Paris in early August and caused a significant number of heat-related illnesses and deaths. Elderly visitors, visitors with medical conditions, and parents with infants and small children should remain especially alert to possible spikes in temperature, and take necessary precautions. Reserving a hotel room with air conditioning is one of them. Making sure to keep plenty of water on hand and drinking regularly, even when you experience little to no sensation of thirst, is another. This advice is especially important for elderly travelers, who tend to not feel thirst as acutely.

Pack a reliable umbrella in case one of these takes you off guard you during a stroll or picnic.

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Does Paris Really Shut Down During August

Before we delve into the best of Paris during August, its important to talk a little bit about the most common misconception of the French capital city during the high summer.

While its true that some of Paris does indeed shut down during August, this is typically smaller family-run businesses and restaurants. Visiting the city for yourself and youll soon discover that all of the major attractions and hotels are still open for business and operating as usual!

The Best Things To Do In Paris In August 2021 Summer In The City

. The weather is great and, with many Parisians out of town for les vacances the annual month-long vacation, the crowds are much smaller. The city becomes your own personal playground and, yet there are still plenty of spectacular events and the reopening of Covid-delayed museum exhibitions.

As Paris opens up following pandemic and lockdown we will continue to update information on the best things to do, places to eat, and the greatest ways to explore and enjoy the city we love. Our love for the City on the Seine and our joy in helping travelers plan their visit remains the same.

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What Are Some Hidden Gems To See In Paris

Set on a hillside tucked into neighbourhood streets, the Vignes du Clos Montmartre is a tiny vineyard that produces 27 varieties of wine. Its a wonderful hidden gem in Paris which you can visit during the annual grape harvest party on a guided tour. While Paris is known for world-renowned art, 59 Rivoli is a gallery with a difference. Originally occupied by squatters, it was only legalised in 2006 from where it grew to become one of the coolest art spaces in the city.

Sample Wine At Free Tastings

Oenophiles and curious wine lovers will find free sipping at a few of Paris’s standout wine shops. Along with a series of wine courses in English , La Dernière Goutte hosts free wine tastings on Fridays at 5:00 pm and all-day Saturday starting at 11:00 am. Lucky you if you happen to be in Paris during one of Caves Augé’s famous dégustations. This bustling shop, known as Pariss second oldest cave, rolls out the barrels for its monthly tastings with the vignerons from the important wine regions of France: the Rhone Valley, the Savoie, Jura, and Alsace, Loire, and Beaujolais. Best of all, Augé also hosts two splendid annual champagne tastingsles bulles.

Insider Tip: The famous Caves de Taillevent no longer hosts formal free tastings, but drop by on a Saturday and you’ll invariably find bottles open and flowing.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodors Paris Travel Guide

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Where To Eat In Paris

Paris, Ontario is a foodies paradise. There is everything from fine dining to pub fare. So there is something for everyones palate. The best part is many of the restaurants along Grand River Street offer patios overlooking the Grand River. The best place to start is with a good cup of coffee and youll find that at Dog-Eared Cafe. This adorable cafe and bookstore offers a range of drinks, treats and sandwiches.

A few great restaurants to eat in Paris are 2 Rivers, Juniper Dining, and edit Restaurant located in the Arlington Hotel. For the best patio in Paris head to Stillwaters. Their awesome menu offers everything from international to Canadian cuisine and their roof top patio offers awesome views of Paris. Are you looking for a pub? Try Cobblestone Public House. If youre craving top-notch pizza then head to the Paris Inn. And if youre visiting in the summer and need a refreshing ice cream then pop over to Paris Whats The Scoop?! Need something to whet your whistle? Youre in luck because Paris has a new brewery, Paris Beer Company, located in Wincey Mills.

Take A Tour Of The Paris Catacombs

5 Things You Can Do in Paris in August – What to do in Paris in August?

Did you know that underneath the City of Light there are tunnels full of bones? The Catacombs of Paris might seem a little spooky or gross, but they are a fascinating part of Parisian history.

One of the best things to do in Paris is to tour the creatively-stacked tunnels. Containing the bones of over six million people, the Paris catacombs are officially the worlds largest grave.

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Where To Stay In Paris In August

As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris whether its a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. We have them all! Book your accommodation by using the interactive map below.

We recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself with the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?

Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show!

Eat And Drink Where The Locals Do

Despite appearances, not every Parisian bolts in August.

Some remain to enjoy the tranquillity , and if you happen to find their favourite hangouts, you’re in luck especially as the eateries and bars in these areas likely won’t be as packed as usual. Neighbourhoods like Pigalle, the Marais and the 10th arrondissement continue to thrive in August.

Stumbling upon the 10th’s Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis one evening was a revelation initially distracted by the triumphal arch towering over one end of the street , I was shocked to see people everywhere, milling in and around its many restaurants and drinking holes.

Cour des Petites Écuries, a tiny passage curling off the road, was even more packed with locals of the ‘painfully cool’ variety.

Oberkampf is another eating district I enjoyed, thanks to a tip from one of Agoda’s Paris travel guides. You’ll find a huge variety of cuisines in the area, which is handy if you’ve overdone it on the French delicacies and find yourself craving something else.

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Svres Cit De La Cramique

Source: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France / Wikimedia | CC BY 2.0

Hop on Line 9 of the Métro to the western suburbs to visit the French National Ceramics Museum.

Sèvres is the most revered name in French ceramics, and has been the site of a Royal, then Imperial and now National Manufactory since 1756. In 2010 a joint museum opened in Sèvres and at the other famous porcelain centre at Limoges.

The Paris branch has almost 50,000 pieces of ceramics from all eras.

The largest chunk of the exhibition deals with invaluable European porcelain from the 1400s to the 1800s, but theres also Moorish earthenware, Ancient Greek ceramics, Chinese porcelain and terracotta from North America.

Admire The Promenade Plante

The inspiration for New York City’s highline, this beautiful 4.5 kilometer walkway elevated three stories above the Paris streets extends from Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. Built in 1988 over a graceful arched viaduct, whose arcades now house the art galleries and artisan studios of the Viaduc des Arts, the Promenade Plantée‘s lush, overgrown gardens and trees take walkers eye-level through an architecturally rich part of the city. A jogger’s paradise, the promenade is a favorite route for walkers and Sunday strollers.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodors Paris Travel Guide

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