Paris in August is unlike any other time of year, and if you’re wondering what to expect in Paris in August, the answer might surprise you. While you’ve probably heard that “everything closes” because French people all leave on vacation, the reality is much more nuanced.
Yes, August has its own rhythm, and you’ll definitely notice it. But rather than feeling empty, Paris simply feels… calmer.
I’ve always loved Paris in August for exactly that reason. There’s a softness to the city of lights that can be hard to find during the busier spring and early summer months. Mornings feel quieter, locals linger over coffee before heading out of town, and evenings stretch long into golden sunsets along the Seine. It’s a different version of Paris—but one that’s absolutely worth experiencing.
If you’re planning a summer vacation in the French capital, here’s everything you should know before you go.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
- Is Paris Really Empty in August? Understanding the French Vacation Tradition
- What’s Actually Open in Paris in August?
- Why August Can Be a Wonderful Time to Visit Paris
- Paris Weather in August & How to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat
- Best Things to Do in Paris in August
- August 2026 Events & Festivals in Paris
- Should You Book a Paris Photoshoot in August?
- More Paris Summer Guides You’ll Love
- Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Is Paris Really Empty in August? Understanding the French Vacation Tradition
So, there’s a reason you’ve probably heard that Paris “shuts down” in August.
For generations, August has been the traditional month for French holidays. Schools close for the summer, many businesses encourage employees to take extended vacations, and countless Parisians head to the coast, the countryside, the south of France, or abroad to escape the city for a few weeks.
It’s such an established tradition that you’ll still see handwritten signs on the doors of neighborhood bakeries or boutiques announcing they’re fermé pour congés annuels—closed for annual holidays.
But here’s the part that I think is often left out: Paris doesn’t close.
Let’s be honest. It’s one of the most visited cities in the world, and millions of travelers continue arriving throughout August. Museums, major monuments, department stores, and many restaurants remain open, especially in central neighborhoods where visitors spend their time.
Okay, yes…you’ll certainly find the occasional café or family-owned restaurant taking a well-earned summer holiday, but it’s rarely something that will affect your trip in any significant way.
Instead of thinking of August as a month when Paris is closed, it’s more accurate to think of it as a month when the city takes a deep breath. The pace slows down just enough to make wandering feel a little more relaxed.
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What’s Actually Open in Paris in August?
The short answer? Much more than you might expect.
Some of Paris’s major attractions—including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, and Seine river cruises—continue welcoming visitors throughout August. Especially the major sights in Central Paris. The same goes for many of the city’s most beloved cafés, wine bars, and restaurants, particularly in neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and around the Canal Saint-Martin.
You’ll also find that parks, gardens, outdoor terraces, and local markets remain full of life. In fact, August is when Parisians and visitors alike take full advantage of long evenings outdoors.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is flexibility. If you’ve had your eye on one specific neighborhood bistro or independent boutique, it’s worth checking their website or Instagram before you go. I always try to check if a place is open on Google Maps and actively posting online. But, in the worst case scenario, you’ll likely discover somewhere equally wonderful just around the corner.
Personally, I find August encourages a different kind of travel. Instead of trying to tick off every restaurant on your list, you end up stumbling upon places you might never have planned to visit—and those often become the memories you remember most.
Why August Can Be One of the Best Times to Visit Paris
It might sound surprising after everything you’ve heard, but August has quietly become one of my favorite months in Paris.
Yes, it’s warm. Yes, some local businesses close for their annual holidays. But there’s also a wonderful sense of ease that settles over the city. Streets that are usually bustling have fewer crowds, there’s more space to linger on a café terrace, and it feels easier to slow down instead of rushing from one attraction to the next.
If your dream trip to Paris involves wandering beautiful neighborhoods, taking your time over long lunches, and spending evenings watching the sunset along the Seine, August might actually be the best time to visit.
One of my favorite things about this time of year is how much life moves outdoors. Parks fill with people reading in the shade, friends gather with picnics along the river, and terraces stay busy well into the evening. There’s a relaxed energy that feels distinctly Parisian.
Paris Weather in August & How to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat
August is usually one of the warmest months of the year in Paris, with daytime average temperatures often sitting in the mid-to-high 20s°C (around the upper 70s to low 80s°F).
Every now and then, a heatwave rolls through and temperatures climb even higher, so it’s worth packing light clothing and planning a few slower afternoons.
If you’ve heard that Paris doesn’t have much air conditioning, that’s generally true—but don’t let it worry you too much.
The good news is that most museums, larger shops, department stores, and hotels have air conditioning, while many apartments, cafés, and smaller restaurants rely on thick stone walls, shutters, and open windows to stay comfortable.
My biggest advice is to embrace the Parisian rhythm: head out earlier in the morning, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and save longer walks for the evening once the city begins to cool down.
One of the most exciting additions this summer is the reopening of supervised swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin. After the early summer heatwave, the city expanded public swimming opportunities, giving both locals and visitors another refreshing place to cool off in the height of summer. If you’re visiting during a particularly warm week, it’s such a fun way to experience a side of Paris that feels much more local than simply hopping between museums.
And of course, don’t underestimate the simple pleasures: finding a shady bench in the Jardin du Luxembourg, stopping for a cold citron pressé, or spending an hour people-watching beneath the trees in one of Paris’s beautiful parks. There are so many warm weather activities to choose from.
Best Things to Do in Paris in August
One of the best things about visiting Paris in August is that you don’t need to fill every hour with sightseeing. Some of the best memories come from simply enjoying the city at a slower pace.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to spend an August day in Paris:
Wander Along Canal Saint-Martin
With its leafy banks, charming cafés, and newly reopened swimming area (!!), Canal Saint-Martin feels especially vibrant during the summer months.
Grab an ice cream, watch the boats pass through the locks, or simply find a spot along the water to relax for a while.
A Note About Swimming in the Canal:
This is such a new update that I’m excited to share! About a month ago, we experienced such a bad heat wave in Paris (Parisians call heat waves canicules). During this time, the city actually cleaned out and opened a section of the canal for public swimming and the Parisians LOVE it.
I’ve heard that it can be a bit difficult to pull yourself out of the water and onto the quai in some spots, just because it’s like climbing onto a high dock. So do be careful if you go, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. But most importantly, have fun!
Have a Picnic Along the River Seine
Few things feel more Parisian than picking up fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and pastries before settling in beside the river for an unhurried evening picnic. As the sun begins to set, you’ll see locals doing exactly the same thing.
Visit Museums During the Warmest Part of the Day
If the afternoon heat starts to build, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a few hours inside one of Paris’s incredible museums. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or exploring somewhere smaller, it’s an easy way to stay cool while still making the most of your day.
Spend an Evening on a Terrace
Parisians know how to make the most of summer evenings, and August is no exception. Order a glass of wine or an apéritif, settle into a terrace seat, and enjoy the slower pace as the city transitions into golden hour.
Want to Know Our Favorite Summer Drinks?
We asked our photographers at Katie Donnelly Photography what their go-to Apéro order is… and here are their answers!
Zoë:
Martini rouge on ice (red martini)
Magda:
Negroni or a cold glass of Rosé or White Wine
Maria:
Virgin Mojito
Explore a Different Neighborhood
If you’ve already seen the major landmarks, August is the perfect time to wander somewhere new. Browse independent bookshops, discover hidden courtyards, stop into local bakeries, and allow yourself to get pleasantly lost.
Some of the best Paris days happen without much of a plan at all. An August visit is also the best time for outdoor dining with warmer temperatures.
Paris Events & Festivals in August 2026
If your trip overlaps with one of Paris’s summer events, it’s worth building a little flexibility into your itinerary. August always brings plenty happening across the city, from sporting events to outdoor events and cultural festivals.
Here are a few highlights to keep an eye on:
Paris Plages
Every summer, sections of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette transform into “Paris Beaches,” complete with lounge chairs, palm trees, activities, and places to cool off. Even if you don’t plan on spending the whole day there, it’s a fun way to experience a different side of the city.
Rock en Seine Music Festival
One of France’s biggest music festivals returns in late August, bringing incredible live music by international artists to the beautiful Domaine National de Saint-Cloud.
If you’re a music lover, it’s well worth checking the lineup before your trip. This is one of the city’s biggest annual festivals.
European Aquatics Championships
Paris is also hosting the 2026 European Aquatics Championships from late July through mid-August, with events taking place across the city. Even if you’re not attending the competitions, it’s worth knowing about them, as certain areas may be a little busier than usual.
As always, I recommend checking event dates a few weeks before you travel, as schedules and programming can occasionally change.
Should You Book a Paris Photoshoot in August?
If you’ve been dreaming about professional photos in Paris, August is actually a beautiful time to do it. The slightly quieter streets can make early morning sessions feel even more peaceful, while the warm evenings create some of my favorite light of the entire year.
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, family vacation, or simply want beautiful memories from your trip, August offers a relaxed backdrop that’s hard to beat.
More Paris Summer Guides You’ll Love
If you’re still planning your trip, these guides might help:
- The Ultimate Summer Packing Guide for Paris
- Creative Family Photoshoot Ideas in Paris Parks
- What to Wear for Your Paris Photoshoot
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Click HERE to contact us about your Paris photoshoot at Katie Donnelly Photography!
If you’re planning your own Paris adventure and would love timeless photographs to remember it by, I’d love to help you capture this season of your trip.
Whether you’re exploring on foot or hopping between Metro stations (because the public transportation is amazing), you’ll find the rhythm of August to be a little bit slower and a little bit sweeter in the city of light.
